U.S. Rep. Watts piles praise on the military

He speaks at a local Baptist church and urges Americans not to take freedoms for granted.

By MONIQUE FIELDS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 27, 2002

LARGO -- Americans take their freedoms for granted. Their freedom of religion. Their freedom to criticize their leaders. Their freedom to move around the country.

That was the message U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, R-Okla., delivered to 1,300 people at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks Beach on Sunday.

The former University of Oklahoma quarterback reminded those gathered on the Sunday before Memorial Day that they shouldn't take freedom for granted, and should be thankful to those who gave their lives for those freedoms.

To those who have worn uniforms and are wearing them today, "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," Watts said.

Watts was first elected to Congress in 1994 and serves on the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism. The fourth-ranking GOP leader in the House and chairman of the Republican Conference was invited to First Baptist after he met pastor Charlie Martin at a prayer breakfast about a year ago.

He said God has given churches an opportunity to help the nation heal after Sept. 11, and has given people a chance to consider their role in the healing.

To those seeking solace, Watts referred to the Bible and to seven characteristics people should seek in a church and in others.

"Compelling faith," "compassionate love," and "confident hope" are the first three.

"Friends, despite Sept. 11, I am absolutely confident in the future," said Watts, an ordained minister. "Why? Because God is still in the heavens. He's still on the throne, and he's still in control."

Continuing the list, Watts said members of a church should "change lives," should have "humility," "constantly pray" and have "continuous appreciation."

"That's our call post-Sept. 11," he said. "Friends, His mission is not to see through you. His mission is to see us through."

Earlier, U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Largo, who attends First Baptist, told church members everything is being done, "to stop terrorists in their tracks."

"I don't want Americans to have to live in fear and that's why we are determined to eliminate the threat of terrorism," he said.

Church members silently stood as taps filled the worship center.

Church members sang: "Forgive our sin and heal our broken land." The choir saluted veterans as they sang the theme songs for the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army and Coast Guard.

Each time they began a song, a few veterans of that branch of the military stood silently as congregants applauded.

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