Today is Flag Day and what a beautiful flag we fly. For a quick history and timeline of our flag, read this article. Our country was forged by men who had goals and worked hard to attain it. Over the past almost 250 years many sacrificed all so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. One lady that sacrificed much was the wife of George Washington. Martha had to watch her husband go out to war and wait to see if he would return.
What went through Martha Washington’s mind when she knew her husband was out with his men fighting for our great nation? I looked her up to see dates she lived etc., and I found this was said about her.
Martha Washington
“The American Revolution became increasingly stressful for Martha as George faced increased risks on the battlefield. Each winter, Washington would join her husband at his encampment while fighting was stalled. The quality of her housing varied during these visits, both in comfort and in safety. General Lafayette observed that she loved “her husband madly”. Washington was kept informed of the war’s developments by her husband, sometimes performing clerical work for him, and she was even permitted to know military secrets. She became a symbol of the war effort, alongside George Washington, as a grandmotherly figure that cared for the soldiers.”
I’m grateful today that we have had great examples of cheerful, joyful people in our world. People who have endured extreme hardships and yet are still smiling, calm and peacefully full of hope.
I have determined in my life that no matter the circumstances or how I’m feeling in life that I will strive to be joyful in my life. Sometimes it is a quiet joy where songs are running around inside my head as my voice is broken so I can not sing out loud. Sometimes it is belting out a tune that pops into my mind as a reminder that, yes, I DO still have a song for every occasion.
Life is tough and people all around our world are suffering, some so much more than me, but I can remain joyful in spite of difficulties. Why? My joy comes from the Lord. For more on where your joy can be found, please read my blog post on joy.
Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
I just found this group and wow just listen to them. Beautiful harmony on a great, simple song.
