Memorial Day Sunday

We won't be at church today.  Instead, we'll be with our family celebrating the beauty of the weekend and the joy of the impending 3 months.

Sitting here thinking about this weekend - that kicks off summer each year for so many of us - I'm also thinking about the Book of John and the many soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for this country.

See there's a correlation between John's books and those that wear fatigues for this country.

John was an avid lover.  He loved so deeply because Jesus taught him how vital love is in this life.  John knew that love was the super power that would conquer all things evil.

John preached about the light and the darkness.  Darkness will not go away but if we have that light (love) that Jesus told us about over and over.....then the darkness would be conquered.

John spoke of perseverance.  He knew that the road wasn't easy and it was filled with broken bridges to figure out how to cross and potholes that would shake your core.  We just had to keep on believing and keep the joy of Christ and focus of love in ourselves.  We will make it.



All those themes seem to fit more than ever on the weekend set aside to remember the fallen soldiers.

They love this country.  That love is so incredibly deep that they realize they may have to die for the red, white, and blue.  They may have to perish for a country that supports them and at the same time puts down their name because of their orders.

They carry the light.  The military isn't just about bad guys and good guys.  So many of those men and women are working as peace keepers around this world.  They form bonds with children in war torn countries.  They play hopscotch and bring treats to the littlest ones; all too often realizing the next day that child could be gone.  They have hope for the women who are afraid of what the next second could bring.  They have food, medicine, and reassurance to families who are living their lives in total fear over when the rebels will arrive.

The men and women of the US Armed Forces persevere.  In the times of blasting artillery, firing ammunition, and praying to make it out alive they still remain strong.  When they look around them and see devastation they move forward.  When they lose their brother or sister on the field they march forward, with tears in their eyes and sometimes even by breaking down, they continue.  These people persevere like none other.



I could never be that strong.  I wasn't made that way.  But oh man am I thankful that the Lord saw fit to make so many brave men and women in this country.

Today and tomorrow I tell you my appreciation level of those lost in battle, war, or while keeping the peace have a huge part of my heart and special place in my prayers.

I long for the day when our soldiers are home and peace is the world.

Thank you for your perseverance, light in the darkness, and most of all your incredible love for this country and world.