![\"Mike-Rowe\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/524\/2016\/12\/Mike-Rowe.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFrom the Facebook page of Mike Rowe<\/a>, former host of \u201cDirty Jobs\u201d and other TV shows, podcaster,<\/a> advocate for skills training and vocational education, and one of the most sensible people in media \u2026 if not America in general.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what Rowe replied<\/a>:<\/p>\n Hi Diane,<\/p>\n I suspect words like \u201cMerry\u201d and \u201cHappy\u201d are difficult to hear at the moment, so I\u2019ll forego the holiday greetings, and simply say \u201cyou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n I was very sad to learn of your son\u2019s illness, and deeply humbled that a man like Justin finds me \u201cadmirable.\u201d Please assure him the feeling is mutual.<\/p>\n The truth is, acknowledging Justin\u2019s service is both an honor and a privilege. I know that my freedom and my liberty were bought and paid for by people like your son. I know his freedom is now being removed one day at a time. I know that his liberty is being slowly denied, by an enemy he cannot overcome.<\/p>\n I would like you to know, that your note reminded me of just how tenuous it all is. Our freedom. Our liberty. Our health. It\u2019s all so fragile. And so damn easy to take for granted.<\/p>\n Sooner or later, our bodies will fail us. There are no exceptions. But what Justin did with his body while it was still in his control, has left me forever in his debt, and mindful of what matters most. Because ultimately, there is no greater threat to our freedom, than a lack of gratitude to those who provide it.<\/p>\n Your note is a reminder that acknowledging soldiers like Justin, requires me to count my many blessings, and vow to be a better version of myself. Actually Diane, it\u2019s more than a reminder \u2013 it\u2019s a gift. A gift from you and your son.<\/p>\n A gift for which we, the undersigned, are most grateful.<\/p>\n Mike<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Can\u2019t add much to it, except this<\/a>.<\/p>\n Image:\u00a0Wikimedia Commons<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a thing: head over to my other home at\u00a0CatholicVote\u00a0<\/a>and like my\u00a0Facebook page<\/a>; also like the\u00a0Patheos Catholic<\/a>\u00a0FB page to see what my colleagues have to say.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From the Facebook page of Mike Rowe, former host of \u201cDirty Jobs\u201d and other TV shows, podcaster, advocate for skills training and vocational education, and one of the most sensible people in media \u2026 if not America in general. Here\u2019s what Rowe replied: Hi Diane, I suspect words like \u201cMerry\u201d and \u201cHappy\u201d are difficult to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2174,"featured_media":3571,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,4,22,3],"tags":[733,732],"class_list":["post-3565","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digital-media","category-media","category-social-media","category-television","tag-dirty-jobs","tag-mike-rowe"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Prayer for the Safety of a Soldier<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nand forever will shout for joy.
\nProtect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.
\nProtect them with the shield of your strength
\nand keep them safe from all evil and harm.
\nMay the power of your love enable them to return home
\nin safety, that with all who love them,
\nthey may ever praise you for your loving care.
\nWe ask this through Christ our Lord.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n