Remembering Our Fallen

   On this Memorial Day of 2020, let us all remember that sacrifice is not sacrifice at all without selflessness. The pride of life or mankind’s natural instinct for “self preservation” is inherent in every fallen human being. This curse from the fall has left us all with the desire to preserve ourselves, to survive at all costs, even at the expense of others' safety or lives.

It is only with the selfless love of Christ that we could ever overcome such natural, sinful powers, to be so concerned regarding the lives of others to the point where we sacrifice our own for them. So it is an amazing thing (a miracle, if you will) to see all the men and women throughout history who have given their lives for our country and our individual freedoms. When we look upon their gravestones or upon their caskets or in some cases, upon their very bodies as they are brought back to America from foreign lands, we cannot help but to fold in grief and in many tears. The love of Christ has definitely shed upon or through each of these men and women. At some point in their young adult lives, they had made a decision to eschew their privileges and rights in order to give themselves up wholly to our nation's cause. The life that would soon be theirs would be one of many trials, heartache, separation from family and physical and mental stress that many of us could never imagine. Each warrior knew fully what they had committed to and understood that their very lives could be extinguished while serving their country. Just like Jesus, they knew exactly what they were signing up for. This was their cross to bear, to lay  their lives down for their friends, for their families, for their great, free nation, for God and country.

   How we choose to regard and remember these individuals and the families that they have left behind is of great importance, as we are all reaping the benefits of their hard work, stringent discipline and ultimate sacrifice as citizens of this nation. They died for God and country. They were fighting for us, for our liberty, so that we may enjoy the  privileges and freedoms that they set aside.

  Wherever there is an individual who chooses to run into the catastrophe, charge into the fire, rally towards the pandemic, fighting for the people in need, stifling any fear or regard for his or her own life, there is evidence of Christ likeness in their action and in their motive, whether they be christians are not. To lay down your life for your friends is the epitome of Christ likeness.

   So to the spouses, children, parents, friends and families who have suffered loss from such sacrifices, we pray for you. To the men and women who gave their lives while serving our country, we honor and remember you. To God our father who is in heaven, we give You praise, glory, honor and worship for having the love and grace and mercy to create these lives for such a great, honorable and selfless service. Thank You Lord, for all of them.

We Glorify God and Remember The Fallen.

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