on Taking the Long Way

Children lose their youth too soon
Watching war made us immune
And I've got all the world to lose
But I just want to hold on to the

Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me



I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round

....................................

My sister and I were talking this weekend about this new Dixie Chicks cd. We were raised in a significantly anti-war (immediate) family with strong views on human rights, political positions, and the way we are humans first and then Americans second (rather than vice versa). In our own ways, we are both activists for the causes we believe in and hopeful that God's love can solve any human problem better than any potential human solution.

I know that from a biblical standpoint, war can be justified (Eccl.) and war can be undermined. I simply (or perhaps complex-ly) feel that God gave his own life rather than let us suffer eternal death and that he said our real battle is not against men, but against demonic presences. Are there serious situations in the world that need changing? So many I can think of... Are there better ways than war? I side with Love.

Unfortunately, many people who stand passionately against the act of war are considered anti-Bush (or whoever the President may be at the time), anti-American, and anti-military. Some are; some aren't. I believe President Bush is a Christian and a praying man and am thankful for that, but I don't agree with his decisions.

Our parents' generation seemed much more passionate and full of human concern than we do. They protested. They actually had opinions. Most of my students don't even know which side of Vietnam we attacked, nor do they watch the current news and develop thoughtful, caring opinions about life and humanity. They'd rather watch SNL and Laguna Beach or hang out with friends. Youth have always been the ones with the vision, hope, and energy to call for change. I'd like to see more passion about belief in American youth.

Although Natalies crones she's "mad as hell," I guess I am left feeling "sad at hell" for all this bloodshed, worldwide.