We received the following letter from Ruby concerning the homosexual issue she encountered (March 7 post, March 1) and some one's reaction to it. Let me, as her mother, in conjunction with the rest of the family, state plainly and unequivocally that we see eye to eye with Ruby on the absolute immorality of homosexuality, regardless of personality, job, intelligence, kindness, dedication, etc. It is clearly and unmistakably condemned by the Lord God Almighty, and Ruby's allegiance is to Him first, as she has readily admitted without shame. If you are not a Christian Bible believer, then you simply cannot understand. For these things are spiritually discerned. For you who doubt how God, YOUR judge for all eternity, and the creator of all living things, feels about homosexuality, read on:
"If a man lies with a man, as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is abominable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own hands." Lev. 20:13
"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchange the truth of God for a lie, and worship and serve created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." Rom. 1:24-27
"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,....will inherit the kingdom of God." " The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord..." "Flee from sexual immorality." ! Cor. 7: 9.10,13,18
And as for us: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
Hi,
I just wanted to write y'all once more before we leave for the crucible. I don't really have that much to tell you about this time, right now we're just sitting around the squadbay, starching uniforms and writing letters, with DI SSgt. L's i-Home blaring her favorite rap for "motivation" for tomorrow's final drill.
I just got a letter from someone. I'm not going to bother responding to them personally, because I just don't feel like starting anything, and besides, they are not going to understand the way I see things anyways. But just so you know, this is what I'd say.
1) First, I am told the "only reason you changed your mind" ( about the gay recruit who was discharged) lets me know that they do not understand why it would be a plausible reason for me not to want to be her friend anymore, because they see T's homosexuality as a difference in "person" , not in morality like I do.
Kind of like her hair being a different color than mine or something. It's "just the way she is" for this person. And I believe that my "only reason" is good enough. Not because of how MANY issues she has, or how BIG the issue might be, but because of WHAT it is. For instance, if you had a friend who was really nice, a hard worker, a good husband/wife, smart, etc, and they offered to take care of your kids, you probably wouldn't have a problem with it, right? But what if you find out a couple of months later that this friend used to be a child molester? Do you think it's going to make a difference to you how long ago it was, or how good a friend they are to you? No way! You'd keep your kids as far away as possible. (not to mention the effect it would have on whether you really want to be with them yourself!)
My beliefs, my faith, and the convictions God has given me, are things entrusted into my care, to take responsibility for, and keep from being harmed. Just like the children. I cannot willfully put myself into situations where I'm exposing myself to those things, or keeping them close, something I know is likely to weaken both my faith and convictions.
I know I can't possibly avoid ALL those things altogether, (like this rap for instance) but "WILLFULLY" is the key word here. And when I know I'm going to be in a constant environment of unavoidable ungodly influences, I've GOT to make that black and white, conscious decision to remove myself far away from the bad stuff when I DO have the choice. Even if it seems extreme to people who see those things as just "normal", or not that big a deal.
xoxo Ruby
PS: There seems to be a disparity about the issue of having the "best person at your back" when in the military. I'm no fool. Battle and morality are NOT in the same category. AND I NEVER implied I would rather have the "so called Christian" that shacked up with her boyfriend at my back. Don't know where this person gets this.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
LAST LETTER and WHAT NEXT?
Well, it had to come to an end. And as much as we LOVE getting Ruby's letters, we LOVE having her with us even more. This letter represents the end of the beginning, and what a ride it's been! We are, without question, thankful beyond words that she writes, and does it well; that she was able to fulfill the ONE thing she wanted to do...become a United States Marine; that God endowed her with a passionate love for her nation and for its people; and that she has done exceedingly well.
It's not entirely over, however. Today she set out to begin the Crucible, a 56 hour hell-ride with a few breaks in between "battle" zones, 3 MREs, 4 hrs sleep, and a myriad of injuries that can sidestep even the toughest recruit. But come Saturday at dawn, as they make the final 9 mile march to the depot, and gather around the Iwo Jima statue, Ruby along with her fellow recruits, will be pinned with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and officially become a Marine.
NOW WHAT?
They will be fed a Warrior's Breakfast immediately following the EGA ceremony, and between Saturday and next Wednesday the 25th, all recruits pay their bills, turn in gear, finish up any business they have left to do. On Thursday morning, the now-Marines will participate in their final run, the Motivational Run, and we will be there to see her and the whole crowd of graduating Marines, run for the last time on Parris Island. At 9 am, they are marched in, by platoons, to a building where all the family/friends will be seated in bleachers, and after a series of presentations, will be released to spend the day with their family, remaining on the island.
On Friday morning, she will graduate, and we will go to our B&B in Beaufort and feed her, spend the night, and enjoy her beautiful smile and joy. On Saturday we will return home to NC, and hopefully be able to enjoy her without interruption, as she needs to spend time with an ailing grandmother, and her sisters and brothers.
Ruby will spend 10 days at liberty at home, and then will work as a recruiters asst. for 7 days until April 14 when she checks into Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, where she will be for one month, staying there 24/7, with no liberty, until the week of May 10th. She will immediately be shipped out to Pensacola, FL where she will remain 4 months to be in training for her job, Flight Crew of helicopters. Her aim, of course, is to be Flight Crew Chief.
More than likely, she will be mobilized immediately following training due to the ongoing conflict. Here's her letter:
19:48 MONDAY, MARCH 16th
Hey Y'all,
Well, today we had the final PFT and guess who got Iron Woman? YEP!! I won highest PFT in the company with a score of 299 out of a possible 300. Max out crunches and hang, and a 21:05 3-mile !! I'm on cloud nine right now. We had graduation practice today as well, which was awesome because the company high PFTer and the high shooter get recognized in front of everybody, given plaque, etc. I'm next to the Charlie Co. high PFTer, (our brother company) and he's a shrimp:) but super fast. Rct. Lewis got honor grad and she totally deserves it. Rct South got meritoriously promoted and has had a glow all day. We found out our teams for the Crucible, and I'm on DI Sgt. Roman's team !!:) That means she'll be giving me my EGA on Saturday. She's so funny.
Tonight, I got a letter, a big,pink musical card and some pressed flowers from Andrew in the mail. Well, Roman made me open the envelope and when she saw it all, she said, "Flowers? From who? Your disgusting little beastly boyfriend, isn't it? Yep, he's a faggot." as she squinched up her little nose and put on her 'eeewww, dont let that thing near my amazing self ' face. We BUSTED out laughing. I said, "Aye, Ma'am." and ran to the head to read it.
I'll call you on Sunday!!
I'll write on Thursday before we go to the Crucible if I can.
xoxo Ruby
It's not entirely over, however. Today she set out to begin the Crucible, a 56 hour hell-ride with a few breaks in between "battle" zones, 3 MREs, 4 hrs sleep, and a myriad of injuries that can sidestep even the toughest recruit. But come Saturday at dawn, as they make the final 9 mile march to the depot, and gather around the Iwo Jima statue, Ruby along with her fellow recruits, will be pinned with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and officially become a Marine.
NOW WHAT?
They will be fed a Warrior's Breakfast immediately following the EGA ceremony, and between Saturday and next Wednesday the 25th, all recruits pay their bills, turn in gear, finish up any business they have left to do. On Thursday morning, the now-Marines will participate in their final run, the Motivational Run, and we will be there to see her and the whole crowd of graduating Marines, run for the last time on Parris Island. At 9 am, they are marched in, by platoons, to a building where all the family/friends will be seated in bleachers, and after a series of presentations, will be released to spend the day with their family, remaining on the island.
On Friday morning, she will graduate, and we will go to our B&B in Beaufort and feed her, spend the night, and enjoy her beautiful smile and joy. On Saturday we will return home to NC, and hopefully be able to enjoy her without interruption, as she needs to spend time with an ailing grandmother, and her sisters and brothers.
Ruby will spend 10 days at liberty at home, and then will work as a recruiters asst. for 7 days until April 14 when she checks into Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, where she will be for one month, staying there 24/7, with no liberty, until the week of May 10th. She will immediately be shipped out to Pensacola, FL where she will remain 4 months to be in training for her job, Flight Crew of helicopters. Her aim, of course, is to be Flight Crew Chief.
More than likely, she will be mobilized immediately following training due to the ongoing conflict. Here's her letter:
19:48 MONDAY, MARCH 16th
Hey Y'all,
Well, today we had the final PFT and guess who got Iron Woman? YEP!! I won highest PFT in the company with a score of 299 out of a possible 300. Max out crunches and hang, and a 21:05 3-mile !! I'm on cloud nine right now. We had graduation practice today as well, which was awesome because the company high PFTer and the high shooter get recognized in front of everybody, given plaque, etc. I'm next to the Charlie Co. high PFTer, (our brother company) and he's a shrimp:) but super fast. Rct. Lewis got honor grad and she totally deserves it. Rct South got meritoriously promoted and has had a glow all day. We found out our teams for the Crucible, and I'm on DI Sgt. Roman's team !!:) That means she'll be giving me my EGA on Saturday. She's so funny.
Tonight, I got a letter, a big,pink musical card and some pressed flowers from Andrew in the mail. Well, Roman made me open the envelope and when she saw it all, she said, "Flowers? From who? Your disgusting little beastly boyfriend, isn't it? Yep, he's a faggot." as she squinched up her little nose and put on her 'eeewww, dont let that thing near my amazing self ' face. We BUSTED out laughing. I said, "Aye, Ma'am." and ran to the head to read it.
I'll call you on Sunday!!
I'll write on Thursday before we go to the Crucible if I can.
xoxo Ruby
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
SUN. MAR. 15th, 9:00am
Hey, guess what? 144 hours till I become a Marine! That means that this is the second to last letter y'all will receive from me as a recruit. On Senior Sunday, when we get to mess around on base, (Starbucks, Taco Bell, Subway, Bowling, Backyard Burgers, etc) I get to make phone calls, so you'll probably hear from me 7 days from now. :)
We got the results from BWT and Table 2 firing and we won the trophy for that. We also got the trophy for the field meet we had yesterday with Plt. 4009. ( We beat them again, which makes us undefeated so far.) There are 3 trophies left: PFT, Final Drill, and Final Knowledge. If we win 1 more trophy, we get Honor Platoon.
The field meet was soooo much fun! There were 10 events: push-ups, crunches, dumbell lifts, chin-ups, ammo can lifts, rifle relay race, obstacle course, rope climb, rifle assembly, and stretcher carry. Each platoon picks the recruits that are best in each event, and then compete for the flag and trophy. The DIs compete against each other, which was awesome!
Me and DI Sgt. R. competed against Rct. W and DI Sgt. A.(4009) on the obstacle course, and completely owned it. (duh) :) The adrenaline was pumping like CRAZY. Y'all should've seen us, leaping over walls and logs, swinging over bars and climbing ropes like Jackie Chan. DI Sgt. R. even stopped on one of the walls and did a little hopping dance. Everybody was screaming and yelling; it was great. When we finished, I noticed that my hand was kinda sticky, so I looked down and there was blood running down my palm and fingers from busted blisters, but I didn't even feel it. (till today, anyways)
I also competed with Big L. in the ammo can lift, where you take a 30 lb. box of ammo and lift it from your chest straight up over your head as many times as you can in 2 mins. (the box is covered in sandpaper, so my hands weren't so happy) I still got 75 lifts, and again, we won.
Oh, the DIs also competed in the dizzy-izzy (the nose on bat, running in circles, then sprinting) It was hilarious! They were falling all over the place, and trying to beat each other and we were cheering them on, as they pushed each other over to get to the finish line.
The DIs are a lot more open around us now, and we get to see their personalities a lot clearer. For instance, yesterday at drill, DI SSgt. L. had a sore throat, and of course had no medicine for it at the time. Well, the recruits aren't allowed to carry meds in their pockets, (but they do, and the DIs know it) and the the DIs aren't allowed to take recruits meds from them. So SSgt. L turned her back to us, closed her eyes with one hand, and held out the other, saying, "Ok. I'm going to close my eyes and open my hand. When I open my eyes and close my hand, there will be a cough drop in it. I won't say anything." (of course, it happened)
They've been talking to us a lot about our careers in the Marine Corps, and the opportunities open to us on base. I've decided that the first things I'm going to work on when I get my first duty station are earning my MCMAP Black Belt, and learn Arabic through one of the courses available. We've already touched on it a little bit. (numbers, "hello", "goodbye", "drop the i.e.d. or I'll blow your turbaned head off", etc). You wouldn't believe the amount of money Marines that speak Arabic can earn. Rct. M. is fluent, she can read and write it, but she's kept it from the DIs because she "doesn't want to be deployed." I about smacked her when she said that. Over half of the rest of us are hoping we'll get the call to go, and here she is, with a needed skill, whining that she doesn't want to take a chance at being sent overseas! Oh, well, you've always got that one, or two. She'll probably get sent anyways. Half of DI Sgt. R.'s last platoon got deployed 6 months after they signed in to their first duty station. And with the us being shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan, and changing from Okinawa to Guam, we have a pretty good chance, we've been told. Maybe I'll get to work on C130's and carry troops to and from deployments.
We packed all our MRE's for the Crucible today and they look good. My favorite is the shrimp and ham jambalaya. They come with dessert, too. There are brownies, cookies, shakes, lemon pound cake, carrot cake, cobbler, etc. Some even have sweet tea and lemonade mix! We only get 3 MREs (for 56 hrs) so I hope I get good ones.
I can't wait to see y'all in 11 days! The place we're staying at (in Beaufort after graduation) sounds great!
xoxox Ruby
Random fact: Did you know that more Marines have been killed in motorcyle accidents than in Iraq? Crazy, huh? DI Sgt. R says that male Marines get a little reckless when it comes to bikes.
She also said that the REAL reason we're getting kicked out of Okinawa is because the Japanese are getting tired of the Americans drinking all their beer, and breaking stuff :)
OK, well I gotta go. Senior just walked in with her pet turtle, Pedro.
xo Ruby
We got the results from BWT and Table 2 firing and we won the trophy for that. We also got the trophy for the field meet we had yesterday with Plt. 4009. ( We beat them again, which makes us undefeated so far.) There are 3 trophies left: PFT, Final Drill, and Final Knowledge. If we win 1 more trophy, we get Honor Platoon.
The field meet was soooo much fun! There were 10 events: push-ups, crunches, dumbell lifts, chin-ups, ammo can lifts, rifle relay race, obstacle course, rope climb, rifle assembly, and stretcher carry. Each platoon picks the recruits that are best in each event, and then compete for the flag and trophy. The DIs compete against each other, which was awesome!
Me and DI Sgt. R. competed against Rct. W and DI Sgt. A.(4009) on the obstacle course, and completely owned it. (duh) :) The adrenaline was pumping like CRAZY. Y'all should've seen us, leaping over walls and logs, swinging over bars and climbing ropes like Jackie Chan. DI Sgt. R. even stopped on one of the walls and did a little hopping dance. Everybody was screaming and yelling; it was great. When we finished, I noticed that my hand was kinda sticky, so I looked down and there was blood running down my palm and fingers from busted blisters, but I didn't even feel it. (till today, anyways)
I also competed with Big L. in the ammo can lift, where you take a 30 lb. box of ammo and lift it from your chest straight up over your head as many times as you can in 2 mins. (the box is covered in sandpaper, so my hands weren't so happy) I still got 75 lifts, and again, we won.
Oh, the DIs also competed in the dizzy-izzy (the nose on bat, running in circles, then sprinting) It was hilarious! They were falling all over the place, and trying to beat each other and we were cheering them on, as they pushed each other over to get to the finish line.
The DIs are a lot more open around us now, and we get to see their personalities a lot clearer. For instance, yesterday at drill, DI SSgt. L. had a sore throat, and of course had no medicine for it at the time. Well, the recruits aren't allowed to carry meds in their pockets, (but they do, and the DIs know it) and the the DIs aren't allowed to take recruits meds from them. So SSgt. L turned her back to us, closed her eyes with one hand, and held out the other, saying, "Ok. I'm going to close my eyes and open my hand. When I open my eyes and close my hand, there will be a cough drop in it. I won't say anything." (of course, it happened)
They've been talking to us a lot about our careers in the Marine Corps, and the opportunities open to us on base. I've decided that the first things I'm going to work on when I get my first duty station are earning my MCMAP Black Belt, and learn Arabic through one of the courses available. We've already touched on it a little bit. (numbers, "hello", "goodbye", "drop the i.e.d. or I'll blow your turbaned head off", etc). You wouldn't believe the amount of money Marines that speak Arabic can earn. Rct. M. is fluent, she can read and write it, but she's kept it from the DIs because she "doesn't want to be deployed." I about smacked her when she said that. Over half of the rest of us are hoping we'll get the call to go, and here she is, with a needed skill, whining that she doesn't want to take a chance at being sent overseas! Oh, well, you've always got that one, or two. She'll probably get sent anyways. Half of DI Sgt. R.'s last platoon got deployed 6 months after they signed in to their first duty station. And with the us being shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan, and changing from Okinawa to Guam, we have a pretty good chance, we've been told. Maybe I'll get to work on C130's and carry troops to and from deployments.
We packed all our MRE's for the Crucible today and they look good. My favorite is the shrimp and ham jambalaya. They come with dessert, too. There are brownies, cookies, shakes, lemon pound cake, carrot cake, cobbler, etc. Some even have sweet tea and lemonade mix! We only get 3 MREs (for 56 hrs) so I hope I get good ones.
I can't wait to see y'all in 11 days! The place we're staying at (in Beaufort after graduation) sounds great!
xoxox Ruby
Random fact: Did you know that more Marines have been killed in motorcyle accidents than in Iraq? Crazy, huh? DI Sgt. R says that male Marines get a little reckless when it comes to bikes.
She also said that the REAL reason we're getting kicked out of Okinawa is because the Japanese are getting tired of the Americans drinking all their beer, and breaking stuff :)
OK, well I gotta go. Senior just walked in with her pet turtle, Pedro.
xo Ruby
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