“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” ~ Arthur Ashe
This is one of those holidays unlike most others. No one goes around — at least no one should go around — saying “Happy Memorial Day”. There is nothing “happy” about this day at all. This is a somber day. Memorial Day is a day to remember all the people who have died in war throughout the years.
The fallen did not go to war with the hopes of dying. They went to war for the purpose of making us free and keeping us free. Freedom has a high price and some have paid the ultimate price by leaving their blood and their lives on the fields of wars, battles, and “conflicts” too numerous to mention.
They are heroes, one and all. Their example is a sobering example to all of us. If and when the time comes, we, too, should be willing to do all that we can to preserve the freedom that we all hold so dear. We should be willing to lay down our lives, if necessary, in order that others may live in peace and security.
We need to treasure and safeguard that peace and security that was won for us. If we do not, the sacrifice of those who died in war will be in vain.
This is not only a patriotic message, it is the message of Christ. Jesus knew that we were fighting a war. That war, which has been raging through the ages, is a war against the powers of sin and death. In that war, we should be willing to lay down our lives in order that our brothers and sisters may live in freedom. Jesus was willing to do so and, indeed, did just that.
Jesus laid down His life on the cross so that we could be free. Let not His sacrifice be in vain. Treasure the peace and security that Jesus won for us. Do not embrace sin, darkness, and death. Embrace love, light, and life.
In giving their lives for the sake of freedom, we believe our courageous and beloved fallen have embraced the love, light, and life that Jesus won for them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace!
FAITH ACTION: Pray for all those who died in battle in order that we may live in freedom. Pray, as well, that peace may reign in our world so that war will no longer be necessary.