I really don’t mean any disrespect to the Zac Brown Band, but I take issue with this song.
For those of you who are not familiar:
A little bit of chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
Pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio on
I love to see the sun rise
See the love in my woman’s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother’s love
I’m not into country. I like some of the songs and really don’t like some of them. I heard this one lately and got kind of angry.
I thank god for my life
For the Stars and Stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring
Salute the ones who died
The ones who give their lives
So we don’t have to sacrifice
All the things we love
Like our chicken fried…..
That’s where I get mad.
As a veteran, I want to think that the sacrifices of our soldiers, the greater sacrifices that have been laid down over the years, mean more than a chance to have chicken and beer. I would want the lives that were paid to purchase more than an opportunity to listen to the radio and watch sunrises.
Then I think of Jesus sacrifice. Did He die so that I could be happy, be good, be content, be safe? I think it was more than that. I think He wanted an army of saints, a bride for Him to love, a way to touch the world He created.
Am I living that?
Or do I just want some fried chicken?
The Healing Worshipper 
Yes, Matthew, I think you were right in your second blog–it is the simple things along with the big that our soldiers fight and die for. I have the honor of living with a veteran, who until recently hid so much of his experiences and coped in many unhealthy ways just to get through life and the things he saw at such a young age. Now what we both have to learn is to enjoy the simple things, to be thankful to our God and amazing Father for the ability to know He has never let us go and we can discipline ourselves for the simple enjoyments, instead of always putting ourselves down for the failures in our lives. Sometimes the small enjoyments are what help make it through the day. And as is so often said to Michaeal now, I say to you, “Thank you for your service”, Matthew. Your sacrifices have meant so much! I love you!