Giving Thanks
posted at 12:20 pm on November 22, 2007 by Bryan
On Sunday morning, our pastor asked us to express thanks for all the things God has given us. Among those who spoke up was my son, who gave thanks for living in a free country where he could go to church.
I didn’t prompt him or coach him to say that. No one did. I always get the parental nervousness when he raises his hand to speak up in church — “What’s he gonna say?” runs skittishly through my mind. He surprised me more than anyone. I’m thankful to have him as my son and to see that he’s learning, and understanding.
I am thankful for my wife who stands by me and loves me no matter what. I am thankful for my family and for my friends.
I am thankful for my job and for my friends here at Hot Air. I am thankful for my brother and sister in arms, Allah and Michelle.
I am thankful to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who volunteered for the fight and put their lives on the line every day to preserve freedom for their children, our children and for generations to come.
I am thankful for silly things like the music of U2 and deeper things like life and health and freedom. I am thankful for football and pecan pie and sushi and for having had the chances and the freedoms to pursue dreams, even when they’ve ended in failure. I’m actually thankful for failure (once it’s sufficiently behind me). I don’t like it, but it’s a good teacher.
Most of all, I am thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blowback
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And I would add to that, “Amen, and thanks for a new posting”
Seriously, I agree with you on all of that.
Frozen Tex on November 22, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Thank you for this post, Bryan. I enjoy these positive reflections from you and I wish you would post them more often.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, sir. As well as to AllahPundit and his family, Michelle Malkin and her family and all the commenters here at HotAir and their families.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I’m thankful for Martina McBride.
Ali-Bubba on November 22, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Nice post, Bryan. Thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving, all.
Slublog on November 22, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Happy thanks giving to y’all.
AlexB on November 22, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Wonderful post.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Keli on November 22, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Thankful for all of the above and that the net lets us savor chestnuts like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzEuIv-Ayo
bbz123 on November 22, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Yeah, what you said.
CurtZHP on November 22, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Happy Thanksgiving!
Would someone please tell me why Drudge has a picture of a Peacock front and center? He does know what a turkey is,right?
redshirt on November 22, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Happy Thanksgiving.
God Bless America.
madmonkphotog on November 22, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Well said.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
katieanne on November 22, 2007 at 12:52 PM
happy thanksgiving
jummy on November 22, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Yes! and THANKS!
Our pastor asked us to bring up Christ on an elevator, or to ask a person if you could pray for them, someone like a service employee… a waitress/hostess, cashier, etc.
It’s been remarkably well received and appreciated, by the recipient and myself.
Two elevator rides and a few wait staff in the last week and ALL of them asked for a specific prayer.
ALL OF THEM.
.
Thanks Bryan, for the courage and spirit to do this ‘right thing’.
.
Most of all, I am thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
shooter on November 22, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I am thankful to be loved by God who is awesome beyong my wildest imagination.
I am thankful to be an American.
I am thankful for my life, my friends and my family.
And I am thankful for people like those who gather here on this site who bear witness to the truth in the face of so much malevolence around us.
D2Boston on November 22, 2007 at 1:01 PM
“… my son, who thanks for living in a free country …”
And I give thanks for good parenting.
Tony737 on November 22, 2007 at 1:04 PM
Ooooops! That should say “… who GAVE thanks …” (I haven’t firgured out how to copy on my Treo yet)
Anyway, a special thanks to all of our Troops who make it possible for to have a safe holiday with our families. Donate at OperationGratitude. Happy Turkey Day!
Tony737 on November 22, 2007 at 1:09 PM
Fires of liberty lit in yet another generation
EricPWJohnson on November 22, 2007 at 1:15 PM
Being this my 18th Thanksgiving in the US, I am thankful for my freedom and those who defend it…the rest is my responsibility.
Ropera on November 22, 2007 at 1:17 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Now I’m off to wrestle the in-laws.
Valiant on November 22, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Yes.
WasatchMan on November 22, 2007 at 1:29 PM
Amen.
hillbillyjim on November 22, 2007 at 1:58 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Day to All.
Kini on November 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Thankful for my awesome wonderful son.
Thankful for my awesome family.
Thankful for my awesome wonderful country and those who defend it.
Thankful for all good people I share this 3rd rock from the sun on.
Thankful for all things on this planet beautiful and good.
Thankful most for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his promise!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
SilverStar830 on November 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Sushi?
hillbillyjim on November 22, 2007 at 2:02 PM
Thanks, Bryan, for the post. You brought a tear to my eye.
I, too, am thankful for SO many things and it makes me realize that there is SO much good in our country still.
Thank you, Lord, for letting us wake up in a free country every morning. Help us keep it that way.
Happy Thanksgiving to us all and God Bless America!
mimi1220 on November 22, 2007 at 2:05 PM
I am thankful for MM and ha.com
fudgypup on November 22, 2007 at 2:07 PM
YES. Spicy rolls with some wasabi? That’s good stuff.
Slublog on November 22, 2007 at 2:16 PM
Alihelisdi iga (“Happy Thanksgiving”)
Kaptain Amerika on November 22, 2007 at 2:17 PM
U2??? You’re right, Bryan–silliness.
Sanctus Real’s cover of “Beautiful Day” is 10X better than U2′s (see their YouTube vids).
Yes, thanks most of all to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Happy ThanksGiving, HA readers!
jgapinoy on November 22, 2007 at 2:25 PM
I’m guessing Allah, the atheist that he is, is indifferently observing the not-that-special USA-only Thanksgiving by thanking no one in particular for the bounty of the anonymous persons who somehow manage to succeed at their mundane lives.
Neo on November 22, 2007 at 2:54 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Hotair people. Thanks for the excellent work you do, Bryan and AP.
RightOFLeft on November 22, 2007 at 2:56 PM
I’m thankful for Hot Air. You guys crack me up, especially when I need it, and inspire thought where it’s definitely needed.
I’m thankful for this country, for the life I can live here.
And most of all, I’m thankful to the soldiers, both here and abroad, whose sacrifice allows us to be safe and live the free lives we have here.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
wherestherum on November 22, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Yep. On all points.
Bob's Kid on November 22, 2007 at 3:04 PM
As I was going around the blogs that I usually peruse to find their posts on Thanksgiving, I came across this great one from Dadmanly that I thought all the Christian readers of HotAir may enjoy. For those who do not know, Dadmanly was an avid atheist who is now a Christian. In this post, he explains to his son how he came to this belief (well, the post is actually “A Letter to My Son”, which is linked in this post): Dadmanly – Giving Thanks
Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 3:10 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Hotair crew.
I am thinking of our soldiers around the world today, especially those in Afghanistan and Iraq. I thank God for men and women like them.
d1carter on November 22, 2007 at 3:23 PM
I have so very much to be thankful for.
I’m thankful for my precious wife and the life and love we share together. I’m thankful for the Freedom and Opportunity to live my life as I choose and to make my own American Dreams come true.
I’m thankful for the Sheepdogs who stand in the gap between chaos and order and give me that freedom.
I’m thankful to God above all. Bless and protect our Military and Support Personnel, those of our Allies, and all those who protect and defend us.
Heal and restore those that are wounded and injured; ease their pain and speed their recovery. Bless and keep our Brave Fallen; I humbly thank them for their service and ultimate sacrifice. Comfort their Families and Friends. May we be worthy and mindful of their sacrifice.
Thank You for being with General Patraeus, our Troops and Allies and for continuing to give us undeniable, unquestionable success in Baghdad, all of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Thank You for giving us Victory in the Middle East and Victory here at home in the hearts and minds of the American People. Open the eyes and ears of our understanding and help us see that we’re being played for fools by the democrats, the media, and hollywood elites, and help us to make wise decisions.
Thank You God for standing with America, Israel, and all our True Allies. Bless and protect us from those that would do us harm, those that would take advantage of us, and those that would betray us.
Amen!
Thanks to Michelle, Bryan, and AP for HotAir!
Happy Thanksgiving, All!
techno_barbarian on November 22, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
terryannonline on November 22, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at HotAir and readers!!
vcferlita on November 22, 2007 at 3:27 PM
I’m thankful to be home with my family. This was a heart-felt homecoming on ABC News the other night, but make sure you have your tissues ready. Nice post, Bryan.
Link to video
TimboJackson on November 22, 2007 at 3:28 PM
Recently I received a birthday card (which I share with humility, not with arrogance) which had preprinted “You are who you are – and who you are is pretty amazing”. It applies to all of us, if we so choose.
Thank you men and women, in uniform, and without one, who risk so much, around the clock, to keep us free.
Thank you America, for you were founded, as a concept, so I/we can enjoy it, with all its glories and warts, and so you will continue to inspire and attract millions around the world toward the same idea.
Thank you family, friends, and HA owners, editors and commenters, and families, whatever you choose to believe in, or not.
For that freedom, to be, to say, to do, to create, and to believe in anything we please, or nothing at all, so long as we politely grant that same freedom to others, is, to me, the ultimate freedom, and one we oft take for granted.
With much gratitude,
Entelechy on November 22, 2007 at 3:29 PM
I just saw that. How funny is that:)
terryannonline on November 22, 2007 at 3:30 PM
I just got home from my wife’s grandparent’s house. That wasn’t a turkey, it was a winged quaalude. I’m off to the couch.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
HerrMorgenholz on November 22, 2007 at 3:32 PM
Also, thank you Ropera, for what you said and posted on your own site.
Entelechy on November 22, 2007 at 3:32 PM
Thanks to you Bryan for raising the good soon. The good son is the gift that keeps on giving
Thanks to all our military who have given over much of their personal freedom that we may be free
I give thanks that I am live in this blessed nation filled with imperfect beings but protected by the one perfect Being with a government shaped by the good Book
I recall a hymn we used to sing in public school in the good old days
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
he chastens and hastens his will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
sing praise to his Name, he forgets not his own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine!
Thanks to the Pilgrims who survived the harsh first year in the new world we have their many descendants including John Adams, Usysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt and even Geo Bush
But for the feet that first trod on Plymouth Rock and persevered we would not have been blessed with John Adams, for this I thank the Lord
A Joyous Thanksgiving to all
entagor on November 22, 2007 at 3:34 PM
Happy Thanksgiving, Brian.
And, thanks to you, Allah, and Michelle for all you do to bring information to all of us!
centralcal on November 22, 2007 at 3:36 PM
Bryan and Allahpundit,
Thank you both for the material you put out there. I really hope today you have a fantastic day. You both do such great work and I really appreciate you.
You matter and change lives for the better. What patriots.
Highrise on November 22, 2007 at 3:51 PM
Huh?! He can thank his forebears surely.
aengus on November 22, 2007 at 3:54 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
And congratulations Green Bay for beating Detroit.
Canadian Infidel on November 22, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all here at Hot Air.
“…That every man may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil – This is the gift of God.”
MrC_5150 on November 22, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Couldn’t say it any better. Me too.
Happy Thanksgiving, all.
Griz on November 22, 2007 at 4:21 PM
Thanks, Bryan, for the uplifting post. I love anything I see that pulls us back to the true meaning of Thanksgiving and away from a mere “Turkey Day.” Who more than Americans should be grateful for their blessings? The history of the world knows no other nation with such freedom, such wealth, such power, and such beneficence in its aims. I, for one, am grateful that God blessed us in such a unique way. To whom much is given, much is required.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
gajaw999 on November 22, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Anen Bryan, Amen
abinitioadinfinitum on November 22, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Happy Thanksgiving, Bryan – nice post!
Stevel on November 22, 2007 at 4:56 PM
Wow, nice thread,
I also have more than I can list to be Thankful for, and it does include all of you here.
May God bless you all!
abinitioadinfinitum on November 22, 2007 at 5:10 PM
aengus – I think the point, though expressed not very nicely, was that Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks to God. People can choose to say thank you to whomever they wish, but the true purpose of the day, the reason that it even exists, is to give thanks to God.
I see many people on sites all over giving thanks TO the men and women of the military. That’s fine, but that is what Veteran’s Day is for (or really, that is what ANY day is for. Every day is a good day for saying thank you TO the men and women of the military). But Thanksgiving is about giving thank TO God for (whatever we are thankful for in our lives, ie the men and women of the U.S. military).
I would guess that AllahPundit, and all atheists, are enjoying this day in whatever way they choose, just as they enjoy Christmas and Easter in whatever way they choose, especially since those Christian holidays have now been bastardized into commercial holidays.
But I think the point of the comment, other than taking a cheap shot, was to say that atheists cannot celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving, since it is a day for thanking a God in which they do not believe for blessings in which they do not believe.
Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 5:40 PM
Thank you for letting atheists sit out in the part-time shade of your big tent, pantomiming gratitude. If you happen to come outside this evening, would you mind chucking out a few crumbs of pie? A few drops of gravy? Surely some charity is appropriate on Thanksgiving day.
RushBaby on November 22, 2007 at 7:25 PM
Today is the day of thanks, thanks for our family, friends, and life. Today is the day of thanks for all the people protecting our lives. Today is the day of thanks for our freedom. OR IS IT?
This is the most receint KOS post:
Very telltale don’t ya think?
allrsn on November 22, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Why do you have to take such offense? I merely stated a simple fact. Did I say that atheists cannot celebrate Thanksgiving? No. I said they cannot give thanks to God, since they don’t believe in God. I don’t see how that should be something to which an atheist should take offense.
This is the reason I don’t come here for intellectual, respectful discussion of atheist/theist issues, since everything is blown out of proportion and people take such pleasure in ripping on one another.
Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 7:41 PM
It’s Thanksgiving, and I’m not here to fight. I just wanted to give you a personal thanks for your contribution to this thread.
RushBaby on November 22, 2007 at 8:22 PM
Amen Bryan. Very well stated.
Michelle said it pretty well the Thanksgiving after September 11, 2001
Thank you Dear God for everything. Bless and keep those who serve and all men and women of good will.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Zorro on November 22, 2007 at 8:27 PM
Which contribution, RushBaby? The one at 12:27pm, the one at 3:10pm, the one at 5:40pm or the one at 7:41pm?
I did not come here to fight either. I simply made a generic statement (I thought) trying to explain the (I felt) rude comment made by Neo. That comment was not meant to start some divisive argument over Thanksgiving. I thought I was simply stating something that was plain to everyone.
Personally, over the course of the last couple years, where I have lost hope in my life and have come to question the existence of God, I, too, have come to wonder about how atheists get through life. Because I find myself struggling more and more, the more I lose my faith. So I actually have wondered the same things that Neo wondered, though I have not expressed them in such a rude manner most of the time.
As if it means anything, I can’t remember the last time I went home (Chicago) for Thanksgiving. Everyone in my family (aunts and uncles included) is divorced, so our family has not gotten together as a family to celebrate holidays in years, as we used to do when I was growing up. And because of my faltering faith, I don’t sit here on Thanksgiving praying and thanking God as I used to, because I … well just because. I just don’t have the faith that what I do and pray matters anymore.
So I am not sitting here enjoying wonderful family times with my loving family members and enjoying big wonderful meals of turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy as we did when I was growing up and all the families were still together and we all visited one another to share the holidays together. I’m simply doing the same thing I have done the last few years, which is spend the 4-day weekend in my house by myself, keeping myself busy so I don’t think of how much I miss spending holidays with my family as we used to.
Am I looking for pity? No. But I’m not sitting here trying to spread some condescending tone attacking atheists on Thanksgiving, because I am some holier than though Christian a-hole. I’m simply asking questions and making statements as I understand them. And, for me, a Christian who has lost his faith, it seemed logical that an atheist would not be at home praying to God giving thanks to Him for things. I didn’t know that was so controversial. But thanks for your thanks for my contribution to this thread. Whatever it may have been that you found worthy of thanks.
Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 8:42 PM
As my personal statement of Thanksgiving this year, I acknowledge and thank the following:
My Mom, RIP. My Dad, who served in Vietnam and Korea. My brother, who served in the Gulf Wars and Iraq. My spouse, who served in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and Air Medal.
General George Washington and all of our subsequent decent, forward-looking politicians and civil servants.
My fellow countrymen who served in our military under draft or volunteered, whose service and sacrifice has enabled me and my family to create a sliver of Heaven on earth. And to the families who have lost a loved one to this sacrifice, a special Thank You to you.
Decent citizens of this country and decent people all around the world who live, love, think, feel, dream, achieve, teach, give, take, and share: Tonight I am thinking of the humanity of humanity, and am humbled.
Tonight I am thinking about the blessing of being an American citizen, and give Thanks.
Michelle, AP, Bryan, and all my friends here at HA: Happy Thanksgiving. It’s been a year filled with the singular pleasure of interactivity with you.
RushBaby on November 22, 2007 at 8:46 PM
Again Happy Thanksgiving to my American Hot Air friends.
We celebrate thanks giving on a different date,but what the heck,Bryan,sounds like your son is on the right track,and
your doing a h!llava job,I’m married,and have two sons and
a daughter,so I relate to the trepid feeling when my kids
speak,so I understand.
America is a great nation,I’m thankful your country exists,
and the United States Military as well,with out it,there
would literally be hell on earth,so please believe there
are more people in the world like me,that think your country
is caring and on the side of good.”God bless America”,have
a great day,sincerely.
canopfor on November 22, 2007 at 9:02 PM
I don’t log in much to comment, because usually I’d just be quoting other people. By the time I get here most days almost everything’s been said. But I do read all the threads and comments every day, when possible. Enjoy the hard work put in very much.
Wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thankful for my family and friends. Even the ones who haven’t seen the right yet.
Thankful also for being an American.
Thankful for the military, but that’s a given every day.
Silly things Bryan? I’m thankful the Red Sox re-signed Mike Lowell. He went for less money. :)
There’s much more but I’ll not hold anyone hostage.
Thank you again for all your hard work everyone.
PowWow on November 22, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to you Bryan!
Michael in Mi,
Your prayers do matter. I think it’s time to start your own traditions. It’s time to pray for someone to share your life. It’s time to reach out to family members or friends and have them come to your house for Thanksgiving next year. Does it matter if it’s traditional? No. Have pizza. All that matters is that you are together.
Reach out. Pray. Look for signs. Be grateful.
It will come to you. I promise.
Rightwingsparkle on November 22, 2007 at 9:37 PM
I am thankful to have born and raised in this great country.
Thankful that my daughters will be the same, raised free to do as they wish.
Thankful for a wonderful husband who supports me in whatever way I need.
I think about the men and women who are fighting for this great country and thankful for them. God Bless all of them.
I’m so glad you all at Hot Air are out there, Happy Thanksgiving all!
4shoes on November 22, 2007 at 9:39 PM
Thank you.
HerrMorgenholz on November 22, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Thanks to all the military especially those deployed and their families. May God grant peace and understanding to those that have lost a loved one fighting for our freedoms. Thank you Allah, Bryan and Michelle.
God Bless America Land that I love.
Sven on November 22, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Thank you, and this time I mean it with no irony whatsoever.
You are hereby formally invited to join us here in TX next year for Thanksgiving. I really mean that.
We hit on the idea (belatedly) today that we will scoop up a bunch of servicemen from a local military base, some who are far separated from their own families, and share our next Thanksgiving day and celebration with them.
You would help, and be a part. Say yes. 365 days from now, it’s you and me, some family and some perfect strangers who will be strangers no more. An American Thanksgiving to remember.
Say Yes.
RushBaby on November 22, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Bryan, Michelle, and Allah. Thanks for all the hard work you do!
wytammic on November 22, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Muslims are THANKFUL for America, especially, what we are doing for Iraq.
I say, they are welcome.
Mcguyver on November 22, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Thanks Bryan for sharing. You should be very proud of your son. First and foremost, I give thanks to our troups wherever they are serving. I give thanks for America and I give thanks to God for making her great. No other country in the world has God’s blessing like this Country, which was founded on Judeo/Christian principles. I believe that is why we have been so blessed and will continue to be blessed until the day we push God out of our country. Thanks Bryan, Allah and Michelle for a great forum. Thanks to all of Hotair commenters – you’re like kindred spirits (well some of you!). Thanks to talk radio, the blogosphere, and other forums other than the lame stream media in which to receive news – it has changed much. God be with this Country as a new President and Congressmen are elected to lead us – that sounds corny – but that was they prayer back in the olden days and I hope God still hears it.
Neocon Peg on November 22, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Thank you Brian – that was beautiful.
I thought about this last night before fell asleep. The Johnson family story was heavy on my heart and I decided I was most thankful this year not just our troops but perhaps moreso for the families of them.
thank you.
amend2 on November 22, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Michael in Mi,
Rightwingsparkle (who I have met and who lives here in Houston with me) has some great advice for you. I would offer some more because it seems you need it. When adversity hits someone, if their faith is strong, they rely on their faith to get them through and it usually does. If their faith is not so strong, they will suffer setbacks because they will not just turn over their problems to God -something like “let go and let God” I’ve been down to my last dollar, no job, no way to pay the rent and have prayed to God to just show me the way and completely turned everything over to Him and totally removed my problems from my mind. God does answer prayer – maybe not in the way you want, but in the way He knows will benefit you. I have never been disappointed. It is absolutely amazing what faith will do. Sometimes God gives us adversity to test our faith to make us stronger (read Job). I’m no scholar, but I think the whole idea of faith is just to put it out there and then let go (sort of like jumping into a swimming pool with your dad, knowing he’s there). You have to let go. Too many people want to hang on and try to solve these problems theirselves – they don’t want to trust God.
Neocon Peg on November 22, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Here is some news to be thankful for that we rarely hear about.
And to: Michael in MI on November 22, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Here are some former Muslims that are not questioning their newfound faith.
Mcguyver on November 22, 2007 at 10:58 PM
I am thankful for my country, our military (bless you all!), sunsets in rural SC at my folks’, I-95 not being clogged while I was driving on it this time, HotAir or course, my sanity, my health, fried turkey, drops of rain (please send more!). I could type all night!
SouthernGent on November 22, 2007 at 11:11 PM
I am thankful for ex-Muslims who speak out with the truth about radical Islam.
Mcguyver on November 22, 2007 at 11:13 PM
A bit of thanksgiving on Thanksgiving……..
Our Thanksgiving family history…
2002 my son was in Ft Carson
2003 my son was in Baghdad Iraq
2004 my son was home
2005 my son was home(sorta)…on RnR-leave midway through Iraq tour two. We took him to the airport on Thanksgiving day for his return to Iraq. An NBC television reporter asked us for our opinion. We told him our opinion was one of Thanksgiving.
2006 my son was home
2007 my son is in (unknown) Iraq
2008 my son will still be in Iraq
2009 my son will be home
There are a lot of sons and daughters in dark and scary places around the planet. No matter if you agree with it or not, the bottom line is our sons and daughters willingly give us the peace to offer our Thanksgiving. Something both the Left and the Right need to sit down, shut up, and agree on.
Remember them tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
Nuf said. Time to offer a toast to all those in harms way.
Limerick on November 22, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Pizza and sushi!!
hillbillyjim on November 22, 2007 at 11:23 PM
The first guy is knowledgeable about the Bible, but he doesn’t say anything about baptism. What about Acts 2:38. Repent and be baptised for the remission of sins…
Neocon Peg on November 22, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Limerick
God Bless you and your family! I pray your son will return home as planned. God Bless our Military Men and Women and God Bless America!
Neocon Peg on November 22, 2007 at 11:31 PM
Bryan,
That is such a wonderful expression of openness, appreciation, and sincerity!
William
William2006 on November 23, 2007 at 12:11 AM
And another, Amen!
Lawrence on November 23, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Thanks to you, Bryan, for this post. You almost had me crying in gratitude for all the same things.
And right now, I thank God that we are still free to thank God!
Out loud.
leepro on November 23, 2007 at 1:27 AM
Thanks for the post Bryan. All this… and heaven too!
Mojave Mark on November 23, 2007 at 1:44 AM
Thank you God,
For my wonderful wife, the woman who brings out the best in me.
For my awesome son, who has shown me time and again the truely important things in life.
For this great nation, may You continue to bless it.
For all of my friends, and family.
For all the people protecting our freedom, Keep them safe.
For Bryan, AllahP, MM, and all my fellow commentors here at HA, for keeping me informed, enlightened, for the laughter sared, and the tears. May God bless you all!
mrfixit on November 23, 2007 at 5:14 AM
sared = shared
mrfixit on November 23, 2007 at 5:15 AM
Y’all suck for getting so caught up in giving thanks that you forgot my birthday yesterday. Would it have killed you to send a card?
Bryan’s post makes a fine consolation, though. Well said. Except for the part about That Band That Shall Not Be Named.
U2Pixiessaint kansas on November 23, 2007 at 5:22 AM
Aw man, that makes me homesick for my church. This was my first Thanksgiving with no family around, but I got to spend it with an SBC group in Israel, and I felt like I was back home. I have more blessings than I can count.
tikvah on November 23, 2007 at 6:35 AM
Michael in Mi:
Sorry this post is coming the day after Thanksgiving. Your post saddened me greatly. I know that events in life can really shake us up. I wandered for about 6 years after I went through a divorce that I didn’t want. It was extremely painful. I don’t have any advice for you other than this: cry out to God to reveal the reality of Christ’s work on the cross for you, get in his Word and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scriptures for you, find a church of true believers who are active in their faith and are not just playing games, a church where the Bible is preached and the people love each other. And finally, when you find that church, focus on finding a way to minister to others. God will flood you with blessings in your heart that you won’t even see coming. I am taking it that at one point you have invited Christ into your life as savior. If that is not the case, it is no wonder that you are frustrated and disillusioned, but that is another post entirely.
You know, Michael, it was the influence of other believers that God used to bring me back. We are not intended to be Lone Rangers, suffering the travails of life alone with no support. I pray that you keep seeking, keep a tender heart, and do not allow the lies of this world to draw you away from the true, true meaning of all that is. I pray that God bless you and show you his presence. My wife and I will be praying for you today.
gajaw999 on November 23, 2007 at 9:49 AM
This string of Bible verses was left by another commenter at one of the other blogs I visit, I thought it would fit on this thread very comfortably. Hot Air is the blog I call home and this thread has a lot to do with why. You people are beautiful. Just remember, even if you do not believe in God, He believes in You.
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You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
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I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
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I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
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Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
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For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
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In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
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For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
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I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
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I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
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You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
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I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
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You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
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I knit you together in your mother’s womb ~ Psalm 139:13
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And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
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I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me ~ John 8:41-44
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I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1John 4:16
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And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
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Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
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I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
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For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
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Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
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For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
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My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
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Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
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My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
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And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
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I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
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For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
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I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
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And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
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If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
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Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
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For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
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I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
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For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
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I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
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As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
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One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
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And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
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I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
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For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
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He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
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He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
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And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
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Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
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His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
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I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
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If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
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And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
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Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
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I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
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My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
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I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
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God
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abinitioadinfinitum on November 23, 2007 at 1:04 PM
Good post Bryan
And thank you and the rest of this stie’s staff for what you do. You may not be in Iraq wielding a weapon, but you do wield a type of weapon the MSM and liberals hate: unfiltered/unbiased information allowing people to know all the facts thus making educated (instead of ignorant, which they prefer) decisions and conclusions.
So, thank you.
El Guapo on November 23, 2007 at 1:45 PM
abinitioadinfinitum,
Nice.
Rightwingsparkle on November 23, 2007 at 8:04 PM
Hey, U2 and the Pixies can inhabit the same world peaceably.
Bryan on November 23, 2007 at 8:33 PM