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As I speak internationally to English speakers as well as through an interpreter, some of my greatest joys have been speaking to groups where participation from the audience is possible. Not only do I value the input of those in my conferences, but if they are actively involved (share testimonies, participate in prayer, read Scripture aloud), it is obvious that everyone is with me. I am interested in theological study, Christian writing, historical application of Biblical principles as well as writing as a craft and the current status of the publishing industry as a whole. As a result, I find myself following blogs of those whom I have learned to trust who contribute information in those fields. It occurred to me that blogs are the internet equivalent of audience participation in a conference setting. So, this blog is a result of that discovery. As much as possible (sometimes when I travel I do not have internet access), I will be making weekly posts of how everyday life is related to what God has revealed about Himself in His Word - maintaining one focus on that most important relationship. I would welcome your participation.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Freedom and the French-American Friendship


The Statue of Liberty
A joint project between France and America, the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty was built by the Americans and the statue itself, designed and built by French artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, was completed in France, disassembled and shipped to the United States. An icon of freedom, the official name of the Statue is the “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.” The statue was a gift from the people of France and symbolizes the friendship between the two countries. 
Normandy
The Allied assault on D-Day (June 6,1944) aimed to liberate France and drive into Nazi Germany. Over 9,387 Americans are buried in the American cemetery in Normandy with an additional 1557 names inscribed on the Walls of the Missing. France has granted a special perpetual concession to the land, free of any charge or tax. The cemetery is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.  Two Italian granite figures at the western end of the central mall represent the United States and France.
From August 19 until the surrounding of the occupying German garrison on August 25, the last battle in the Campaign for Normandy was the Liberation of Paris.  It started with an uprising by the French Resistance against the German Paris garrison. On August 24, French Forces of the Interior received backup from the Free French Army of Liberation and the United States 4th Infantry Division. On August 29, 1944, a joint Franco-American victory military parade traveled through the streets of Paris.

Casablanca
The cooperation of French and Americans during the war inspired one of the best known movies of all time. 
Casablanca was set in unoccupied French Morocco during WW II. The movie bore the name of the stopping off point on the way to Lisbon and then to America as people attempted to escape Nazi occupied Europe. 
The main characters in the story are Rick Blaine, lIsa Lund and Victor Laszlo.  Prior to the German occupation of Paris, Rick and lIsa fell in love.  On the day the Germans marched into Paris, lIsa was to meet Rick at the train station but failed to show up. She had received word that her husband Victor Laszlo, a Czech resistance leader, had not died in the Nazi concentration camp but was alive and needed her.  
Rick goes to Casablanca and sets up Rick’s Café Américain. Rick and lIsa meet again as lIsa and Victor arrive in Casablanca, attempting to find passage to America. German Major Strasser comes to Casablanca to prevent Laszlo from leaving. While in Rick’s cafe, he leads his soldiers to sing the German national anthem. Victor Laszlo then orders Rick’s band to play La Marseillaise, the national anthem of France. When the band leader looks to Rick, he nods his head in approval.  
Rick helps Victor and lIsa escape to America by providing them with letters of transit to Lisbon. When Major Strasser tries to stop them, Rick shoots him. The movie ends with Rick and Captain Renault (the local police chief) making plans to join the Free French at Brazzaville, ending with the memorable line by Rick, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” 
Friends and Brothers, Free Indeed
I have been an American living in Paris for the last ten months. My husband and I have been conducting our international ministry from here.  Not only has my life been enriched by being involved with a wonderful international church, but I now know some of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are French.  
Our national mottos are Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, and In God We Trust. The origins of the French motto are not Christian, but the principles are. Through Jesus, we have liberty that enlightens the world. The God in whom we trust has provided a way for us to have liberty, equality and brotherhood. Through Christ, true freedom is possible.  Through Christ, we know that we are equally loved by God. Through Christ, we can experience a brotherhood that lasts forever. 
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . .Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36).
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