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Archive for 4th of July

Independence Day

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
 
 

With a snap of latex against my wrists, I pulled on gloves with surgeon-like precision.  Today was the day. The uncertainty was gone and along with it the guilt.  With determination and a steady hand I focused and aimed while pressing down on the trigger. 

A loud pop interrupted my concentration and I released my grip and gazed at a darkening sky. A ball of light exploded, cascading trails of red, white and blue.  A smile spread across my face and my face relaxed. Color faded into the horizon and I continued my application of long swaths of bright purple over the unstained, boring, and nondescript swing.  It was July 4th—Independence Day—and I knew he wouldn’t be coming back.

 A couple of months had passed since I began this project.  I’d painted the Adirondack chair and ottoman purple to brighten the shaded area under the mammoth mulberry tree adorning a corner of our yard,  Lime green accents were added by way of a small table sitting next to the chair and a few accessories.

An appetizing palate of citrus-colored cushions were added.  Neighbors on their evening strolls, exclaimed how much they loved the burst of color found under the trees. My next piece to paint was the swing.

I was more than surprised when out of the blue my husband forbid me to paint the swing.  I’d coated everything outdoors with a rainbow array of spray paint and I changed the colors often. Our garage floor looked like an artist’s tarp with its myriad of colors from over-spray.  But the swing was just the latest thing on which to disagree, so reluctantly I left it untouched.

 Our flags should have flown at half-mast Memorial Day in recognition of our dying relationship. By the time he moved out in June, the light of our love, which had burned so brightly at the beginning, was so dim it was difficult to see. 

 In the wake of his departure many projects were set aside and I realized the untouched swing symbolized the hope that he’d return. Picking up that paint can represented my independence and ended his control over me. 

 The experience of divorce taught me that life is a story with many beginnings and endings.  As this chapter closed, I opened my eyes to the full spectrum of color unseen while immersed within the beige pages of this marriage. 

Although I’m in the “middle years” of life, I feel like a child with the largest box of crayons and a new coloring book. With each colorful opportunity God brings my way, I grow in my dependence and trust in Him.  Discovering who God created you to be outside a relationship can be an adventure.  Who knows-you might even experience some fireworks in a shade all your own.

Categories : 4th of July
Tags : 4th of July, Controlling Men, Divorce, God's purpose for your life, Independence Day, Jo Rae Jetton, jo rae johnson, Television

Freeing Words – 4th of July

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, July 4th, 2011

When I pulled out my decorations for the holiday I discovered I needed new napkins.  I found these bandanas at Hobby Lobby. Words  cover the cloth–words of the benefits we enjoy as Americans–Equal, Citizen, Liberty, Justice, and of course Freedom. Words that express character traits like Truth, Devotion, Genuine, Integrity, and Loyalty. Words that represent icons of our country like Stars, Flag, and Home. Interestingly enough, the most important word of all was missing–God.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Flags flying and tabletops decorated with a red, white, and blue theme help remind me of the sacrifices others have made for my freedom. Men like my father who served twenty-one years in the Air Force. His influence and growing up in a military home infused my life with such love of America that my blood bleeds the colors of our flag.
Love of country extends to our next generation as well. Dakota Smith (son of my friend Kaye George Smith) joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and is currently in basic training in Parris Island.
And so did  J.R. Glenn, who ran track with my son Timothy at Mauldin High, and is serving in Kanoehe, Hawaai in the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines.As I enjoy food and fellowship with friends and family today, I will remember Dakota, J.R. and others who have served our country or are serving now. My freedom cost you something. Some paid with their lives. Some lost their Father or Mother, Brother or Sister, Son or Daughter. Like Jesus paid the price for our sins, you’ve paid the price for our freedom. And like Jesus, you did it willingly. Words like sacrifice, valor, honor, and service come to mind. So if you’ve served or are serving in our military–Thanks.
Categories : 4th of July
Tags : 4th of July, 4th of July tribute to military, jo rae johnson, table decorations 4th of July, Television

4th of July (Love for God and Country)

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Sunday, July 4th, 2010

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Categories : 4th of July
Tags : 4th of July, A soldier's thank you, For God and Country, jo rae johnson, Sgt. JR Glenn, Television

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