Devotional

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.”  —John F. Kennedy 

 She was a newlywed. A beloved daughter, sister, friend… 

 In her mid-20s when duty to her country took her to Iraq, she was just a few years out of high school when she stepped into the Humvee convoy — two weeks out from the end of her year-long deployment — and an explosive device claimed her life. 

 Her story did not make the national news. It was not one of grandeur or military might. She was too young, too new in her role to have made much of a name for herself. And yet, her name will never be forgotten by her battle buddies who survived that day, nor by the chaplain who knocked on the door of her home to deliver the devastating news to her husband. Her family and friends mourn her still, nearly 15 years later. 

 She joined the ranks of the more than 650,000 soldiers who have died in combat since the Revolutionary War. Given their lives to further the safety and security of our nation. Sacrificed their future for ours. And like the others, she is a hero. 

 This Memorial Day, many of us will enjoy a day off work, fire up the grill, maybe pull out the golf clubs for some time on the greens. However you choose to spend the day, just remember it’s more than a day of mattress sales and BBQs! More than the “kick-off” to summer.  

 It’s a day to honor the sacrifice of the fallen. To remember their courage, bravery, and valor on the battlefields of history. And it’s a day to renew your devotion to our nation. Yes, times are difficult. We’ve suffered greatly recently. So much tragedy and turmoil.  

 But to honor those who made the greatest sacrifice, we must stay the course and continue building the America our forefathers intended.  

 In honor of those lost, renew your desire to stand up for what you hold to be true and right, in a way that brings honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

God has remained exceedingly gracious to our country, and we need His continued hand of protection and guidance to rest on us.  

 In His Word we read, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Start in your own heart and home, remove the sin that entangles and ensnares. Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer. Share Christ in your neighborhood and community.  

 This soldier, this young wife, gave her all, as many others have. Today, think of her. Let her sacrifice motivate the way you treat others, raise your family, and serve the Lord. 

My prayer this week—God, help me honor the sacrifice of many on the battlefields of history with patriotism and love for my country. Help me stand for what is right, according to your Word and remain strong for faith, family, and freedom in the days to come. Thank you for graciously guiding our country in the past, and forgive us for the ways we have fallen away from your Truth. Help us to seek your face once again!