Taking advantage of a rainy Saturday, the first rain we have had in over 170+ days, we stayed home and hung out. And while channel surfing, came upon PBS. PBS, the US tax payer funded channel, which every so often has telethons to raise more tax payer money, or fees from us to stay on the air. Too politically correct to advertise, they run specials-and today was a special one, that for the next two hours made me glad for the rain. It was on Big Band music, and swing music. The Big Band sounds of Harry James, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and my favorite Glenn Miller. A sound Glenn Miller found in the 1930's, while we were in the Great Depression. Music listened to on thick 78rpm records, predating LP 33 1/3 by two decades, 8-tracks by a generation, cassettes by another 10 years, and CD's by 45 years. And when not able to listen to them on your parents Victrola, listened to them on their Philco, the big family radio, where tubes reproduced all the sounds, true sound not like the synthesized sound of today's microprocessors. Where Bing and Frank sounded real, and the Andrews Sisters harmonies made you smile, and Kate Smith bellowing God Bless America made you all stand up and salute.
But along came WWII, and these post Great War sounds-since there was no WWII yet, it wasn't referred to as WWI, and many went to war. And Glenn Miller was among them-bringing his sound via Army Bands they formed to keep the men refreshed-and anxious to get home to the girl next door-their hot rod-or their Mom's apple pie-Glenn kept the memories alive, until in 1944 over the English Channel his plane went down. But his music lives on.
And many celebrities also joined to fight the enemy. Clark Gable rose from Army private to Major. Jimmy Stewart flew numerous missions, and also was a major. Movie stars from Gene Autry, John Huston, William Holden, Burt Lancaster, and Burgess Meredith. Even one Spangler Arlington Brugh enlisted, aka as Robert Taylor, the man with the perfect profile. All gave up careers, at their height, to fight for America. Men of character, and patriotism-doing what was right. But my favorite was Teddy Ballgame, aka Ted Williams, who fought in two wars, the Big One and Korea, giving up years in his short career-the game never knowing what records he could set. Giving up playing the national pastime to insure a National pastime for future generations. The last guy to hit over .400, stood up and was counted when called. By setting an example of the right thing-by enlisting, both times.
And I contrast that with today's "stars" and wonder could you see Brad Pitt in Iraq? George Clooney in basic training? Surely Sean Penn would sign up to protect his freedom speech? How about the Kardashians serving food at the canteen to soldiers as Bette Davis, Jack Carson, John Garfield and others did? John Garfield who tried to enlist but his bad heart kept him out, dying shortly due to it. Could you see The View doing the same, or selling war bonds as Joan Crawford did? Character counted them, and it still does-except to that generation, the Greatest, as Tom Brokaw labeled it, took action. And to them we are thankful. Patriots all. God truly raises up the right people He needs at the right time.
The story goes that one night during WWII, a grandfather and his grandson were out walking in a small town. Noticing lights in several windows, he explained to his grandson that each light represented a son that family loved had lost in the war. They walked some more and the grandson noticing all the stars out that night, commented to his grandpa, "look at all the lights God has out. He must have lost many people He loved."
Walking some more, silently, the grandpa then pointed to the brightest star, and shared with his walking partner about the Christmas Star that God sent. And how God does understand and weeps with those who have lost sons, and daughters, for He lost a son too, Jesus. Who died on the cross so that we may live. And that star that God sent for the wise men to follow to Jesus, wise men today can still follow, and find Him. How such a simple lesson, on a simple walk can change a life, as we see that God understands our pain, sorrow, and our losses-for He sent His son to die, so we can be with Him when we die-in heaven.
There is no doubt that our land is hurting, and in trouble. And rotting from within. It needs healing, which starts with each one of us. There is no change in lifestyle until there is a change of heart, and only Jesus Christ changes hearts. And God promises healing our land, too. Simply, if Christians pray and humble themselves, and turn from their wicked ways-then He will hear from heaven and heal our land. We are all part of the process. And you may be the Glenn Miller whose songs bring hope to the hopeless. Or a celebrity doing right thing, country before career. Or Ted, putting his career on hold so we can enjoy a ballgame on a Sunday afternoon. Or the thousands of nameless and faceless who serve, known only to God. Who when the call of their heart came, answered in dutiful love. It takes an Army that is led by God, and you can be a part.
And somehow listening to In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, and American Patrol somehow remind of values that our parents had, and how we need to pass them on to our kids. Freedom isn't free, and has a cost. But true freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. Who paid the ultimate price, on the cross. As I travel I find it no coincidence that God and patriotism go hand in hand. Let us call out to God, while we still can, and thank Him for this country He shed His grace on. Crowned with brotherhood in the spirit, and let our light shine to others. We need healing-come soon Lord Jesus.
Lastly thanks to Irving Berlin for writing God Bless America. Now America-LET'S BLESS GOD!
You know if I close my eyes I can almost hear Ted Beneke and the Modernaires singing with Glenn Miller! A Sun Valley Serenade anybody?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
and a special thanks to all our troops serving faithfully today and those vets who have in the past