The Ultimate Medal of Honor

Near Naked Mountain Winery, Markham, VA Nov 2010

 "I would suggest our culture has become so feminized that we have become squeamish at the thought of the valor that is expressed in killing enemy soldiers through acts of bravery. We know instinctively that we should honor courage, but shy away from honoring courage if it results in the taking of life rather than in just the saving of life. So we find it safe to honor those who throw themselves on a grenade to save their buddies."-Bryan Fischer
Bryan Fischer, is Director of Issue Analysis for Government and Public Policy at the American Family Association


The above quote is from an opinion piece written recently upon the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta for heroism while serving in Afghanistan.  He courageously took a bullet to save his comrades.

It's so sad that so many men and women are giving of their lives everyday.  They are to be commended and remembered for their sacrifice.  Unfortunately, society is becoming numb to it and it's just becoming a footnote.

So, if I don't agree with the the above statement from the opinion piece, does that mean I'm not a man, and if I am a man, is it only in a feminized squeamish sense?

Should we honor killing as valorous; even of our enemy?  Is human life; mine or that of my enemy, of equal value in the sight of the Creator?  Does God rejoice in the death of an enemy?  I wonder where the direction to pray for our enemies fits into the equation? 

If as a culture we begin to focus primarily on the taking of life rather than celebrating the saving of life, do we not stoop to the level of the enemy?

I agree it instinctual and right for us to celebrate acts of courage, but I contend it a much more courageous act to give one's life (i.e. taking a bullet; falling on a grenade for your buddies) in order to save life.

Didn't people present at the Crucifixion question why Jesus just didn't use his power and connection to God to come down off the cross and be the military warrior leader the Jewish people had been waiting for?  Here's an interesting question to ponder: would coming down off the cross to save the Jewish people from the oppression of the Romans been seen as an act of courage?  Did he have a choice?  I'm glad he didn't come down.  Thanks be to God that he suffered and sacrificed through the agonizing pain and suffering of death to regain and celebrate the promise of everlasting life; the ultimate medal of honor for humanity.

Call me feminized or squeamish, but I believe celebrating life rather than killing is an act of true masculinity and love. 

What's your opinion?

Peace,
Ray

PS- Gabriel turned 10 wks. and he's lighting up our lives everyday.  What a special Thanksgiving for us this coming week!