WOULD I?


Today is the day when our nation stops and remembers--


American Cemetery in Italy

those who gave the greatest sacrifice that we might live in a land of freedom with very little personal cost for the majority of us.  

As you sit on the beach, picnic with family and friends, fire up the grill for its summer premier, ride your bike, or take a run.  Whatever you plan to do to kick off the summer fun, I hope you will stop and remember and thank those who gave their all so that you might enjoy this day.

Yesterday I saw a post by a classmate who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on an aircraft carrier.  The video he shared detailed the jobs of all those on the deck of that huge ship as those jets took off and landed.  His comment, "I was white shirt (start crew). It's been 45yrs but my heart rate went up as I watched this video," caused me to pause and think about his tour of duty and living with the constant stress of life altering and perhaps life ending life aboard that huge floating airfield.  What must it have been like to know everyday as he stood on that deck---I might not live to go below?  Would I be willing to put my life on the line---in an unpopular war --and with an ungrateful nation in the side wings protesting my service?   Never knowing the full details of why we were at war in Viet Nam, would I still be willing to serve for the cause of freedom?  Would I serve my country?





To answer the question "Would I?" I first asked myself for what causes would I be willing to put my life on the line?  My family--for certain.  They need a kidney--need me to take a bullet--give them my right arm--protect them with my very life---absolutely.  Without thought--without a doubt--I would give my life for my family.

Once I understood this about myself--I began to think of those communities I live within that I would be wiling to sacrifice myself for.  How do we determine who or what is important enough to put our lives on the line?

Then I remembered the one who sacrificed His life that we all might have the hope of eternity.  I remembered why He did this, "For God so loved the world".  He came that we might have life and have it abundantly--all with a cost--all at a price--the ultimate price of His loss of life. 

Why did He do this--so that we might live.  Why do our men and women serve in our armed forces--so that we might live in a free country.  Why would I sacrifice my life for my family--because I love them.  

Would I?  Give my life for the greater cause, that others might live, in support of what I believe?  Would You?

Thank you to the families of those who gave the ultimate for our nation.  The fact that you lost their presence in your day to day does not go unnoticed.  Thank you for allowing your courageous loved one to put their life on the line so that I could have the freedom to write of their sacrifice today.  

I pray we never take any of this for granted, that we are always cognizant of the cost, and we never loose a sense of gratitude for those who said,

I Will!

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
 But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; 
rather, serve one another humbly in love. 
14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:
 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14


4 comments

  1. Let us pray for all who died and were injured for our nations.

    God bless.

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  2. Would I?

    Now that's one powerful question, Lulu. And this is a very good day to sit with the answers that tumble around in our heads.

    May we be grateful to all who've served in so many ways. And to their families, too. A sacrifice indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen, My Friend! This brings to mind another question which bears exploring. Thank you for being God'd conduit!
      Blessings, My Friend!

      Delete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!