WE MUST TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER

Isn't it amazing how fast time goes by in life.  We wake up and one morning we are children, go to sleep and when we arise we are all to quickly growing adults, then our family grows and then shrinks in the season changing cycle of life.  How we are prepared for handing every phase of the cycle constitutes both how we live and how we leave this world is never easy.


We turn around and those who were closest to us, are gone.  Those who became our "best friend" are no longer really part of our lives because of family, jobs and so many other influences.  


The older I get, the more I want to stay in touch with my childhood brothers and sisters, but the harder it really becomes. As time goes by, I find that cherished friendships are more than sacred, they are treasures and we must do everything we can to protect them as long as we can.  Its impossible to keep up with everyone, to make everyone happy but if we INVEST in people, our lives become more full and complete.  I'm thankful for Facebook as it allowed me to connect with past churches I have served, school mates, prayer warriors, professional relationships and family.


As I was thinking about the "clock moving" it baffled me that only eleven years ago this week, President Ronald Reagan had passed away. His death had really impacted my life so please allow me to share the "why". He was a man who was loved by so many, often misunderstood, average intelligence, but a strong will toward his conviction in trying to do what was right. He was a conservative, which had both connotations.


He loved this nation and wanted to instill more patriotism than when he started, and succeeded. He was not afraid to talk about God and never fearful for standing up for his faith and religion. 


So many areas of Reagan's life stand as a viable testimony to his love for God and country which are two areas we focus on a lot at Veritas.  He loved all people even those who were not like him. He did not compromise in the areas he believed in like family, faith and freedom. Ronald Reagan was one of my heroes in government because I loved his statesmanship. 


I loved that so many on both sides of the aisle admired him, but I loved the WAY he loved his wife, the way he courted her, wrote to her and talked about his family, the people he loved. He was a man's man, he had balance in his life, took time to spend moments at the ranch. If you ever read the romance letters he wrote to Nancy, you should stop and read it again. If you haven't, please take time to do so. 


He inspired so many of us and his words remain etched in our hearts, his courage to changing the world, the challenges to bring down the wall as he implored Gorbecev were more than epic. There are speeches I have used in the front and end of our movie LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE and his words resonate in my heart.


So many Presidential Libraries are very covetous of the speeches, but not the Reagan Library, they were honored to share FREELY his speech for our film.  Even in death, Ronald Reagan is still giving to our nation thanks to his family and to his heirs.  


Fortunately, I was able to only catch a quick hello when we saw him up close and personal once on the lawn behind the Whitehouse in 1987. He looked directly at me and winked as he and Nancy had just landed from an important trip. This week, she placed flowers to honor him and in their mourning, we join in the beautiful remembrance shared of such a great man.


Time really does go by quickly and remembering great people is so important.  


The greatest hero of all was Jesus and His life is not about remembering but living out our love for Him every single day.  I fall so very short in being able to accomplish all the dreams and goals He may want, but I want to try.  Trying to excel in every area of my belief, loving others to Christ and living out Jesus is never easy.

This week, I am praying for each one of you and asking the Lord to give you insight and wisdom as you move forward in your service. This week I am thanking the Lord for our government officials who serve our nation and praying for each of them as they give so willingly. 

It doesn't take long, to live a life. So live one well.  

In Veritas,

Kevin