By Bridget Nash, Staff Writer
Students at Oklahoma Bible Academy got a double dose of patriotism and self-esteem Wed-nesday morning from a special guest speaker.
Gary Horton, of Trussville, Ala., visited OBA to encourage students to believe in themselves and to appreciate America and it’s blood-bought freedom.
The freedom assembly was brought to OBA by Garfield County Farm Bureau women’s group.
A former Army Ranger, Horton said he has seen his share of bloodshed and has been traveling the nation since 1978 to speak to students about the importance of continuing to stand for freedom.
“If you don’t make up your mind now, it’s too late when you find yourself in the middle of the battle,” he said.
Horton shared with students his belief that it is crucial to set personal boundaries and to know the reasons for personal beliefs so when the day comes, it will be possible to defend them.
Horton also encouraged students to create a personal “honor code” with clearly defined boundaries backed up with reasons for those boundaries.
“Know why you believe what you believe,” he said.
Americans should have certain character qualities, said Horton, who described those qualities in the acronym AMERICA: attitude, motivation, enthusiasm, respect, integrity, courage and aspiration.
With those personal character traits, people will be able to persevere and accomplish goals, he said.
“If you don’t challenge that negative garbage ... it will take you down,” said Horton.
Horton told students the proper attitude and honest character traits will help each individual to prosper and help to make a better America.
“I’ve never had a bad day in my life,” Horton said. “I’ve just had a lousy attitude.”
To help the students have a positive outlook in life, Horton told the story of a Vietnam veteran he met. The veteran had lost his legs in Vietnam. Prior to losing his legs, the veteran had always wanted to be taller than his 5-foot, 9-inch stature. After he was fitted with prosthetic legs, the veteran said he could now, with his artificial limbs, be as tall as he had always wanted.
It’s all in how you view your situations, Horton said. It’s important to set high standards and never back down. In doing that, others will be encouraged.
“Only those who stand tall can pick people up,” Horton said.
At the end of the assembly, Garfield County Farm Bureau women’s group presented the student body with a flag that had flown over the nation’s Capitol.
