July 4th Independence Day

I married a soldier. For three years, I washed and ironed BDUs. Well, until he decided to start getting them professionally cleaned and pressed (and I did not argue one bit!) Both of my sons were born on an Army Base (Ft. Campbell, KY, Blanchfield Hospital). I loved living near an Army base. I loved to watch the aircraft fly overhead. It always made me feel safe. I even got to glimpse Air Force One leave Ft. Campbell with the Senior George Bush aboard. I visited the post, went to the PX and commissary, and waited for a group of soldiers to run past my car on more than one occasion. And I was proud to do it.

I am grateful for every soldier in this country who gives his and her life away to take care of us. Whether it is time away from home and loved ones or the ultimate sacrifice, I am so grateful. Because of the sacrifices our early American men and women made to make this country free, I feel we owe them due diligence to keep the spirit of America alive. However, in this contemporary era of personal greed and gain, we have lost sight of the price they paid for us to have the abundance of liberty we enjoy today.

We need to regain the Spirit of America! It will start with each of us deciding to do the RIGHT THING! Honor our Forefathers! Honor the American Dream! Stop promoting our selfishness, and provide for our children and future generations. And most importantly, stop forgetting about the God who brought us here, sustained us, and gave us our most prized liberties. And we would do well to remember his child, Israel.

It seems for some Americans, we are simply getting too big for our britches! To quote Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." My words of wisdom for America this morning - Stop your prideful behavior before you destroy this country!" The blood of countless American Soldiers and Forefathers will be on your hands if you continue to destroy the ideology of LIBERTY their sacrifices intended. How audacious of you to feel you somehow have been given that right!

For the rest of us who still love the liberty and freedom of being an American, God Bless America! May God keep us humble and yet proud of our heritage. May we keep the Spirit of America live and fresh for our children and grandchildren to come. Happy July 4th, Independence Day!

S.B. Odom, Ph.D.

2011 is slipping away

I can't believe it is already July 1, 2011. This year is flying by. My summer is almost gone. August is too close! STOP TIME STOP! Slow down! I haven't finished my book yet! I need to reach my goal! So...I need time in order to do this.

But I will have to say I have been very blessed during the first half of 2011! I do not have any complaints of any significance. I am blessed with family and friends who love me. God has been so good to me.

Ray and I have been on a journey this year. A journey of change. It is not an easy journey to take, but we are finding our way. As Andrew's birthday nears, I am frequently reminded of him and the joy he brought to our lives for almost 10 years here on earth, and the joy his memories continue to bring us. Gideon is also moving on in his journey in life. He has had a hard year, but I see signs of growth coming, though small steps they may be. He will be transitioning to the University of Alabama this fall. Guess he won't be a 2nd generation Jag after all. But I'll live.

Life is a wonderful journey. And I am starting to see the necessity to value each and every day of my life. Guess it is a middle-age thing. I thank God every day for the opportunities he has sent my way. I pray I will keep my heart and mind open to his will and take full advantage of the opportunities he provides me.

So... at this mid-year checkup, I think we are doing quite well! More to come.

S.B. Odom, Ph.D.