Remembrance

In the society in which we live, there are few times when we pause - much less stop.

But we stop today.

No mail. No banks.

Federal employees and many others have the day off from work. Someone must think it's important we remember. It's Veterans day.

Originally, it was put into place to remember the day the guns fell silent in France in the year 1918. But years later that was amended to include veterans of all wars. The date's been changed a couple of times, but we've finally settled on the original date used. So we stop and remember all the brave young men and women that have served.

I suspect many of those who served never got the thank you they deserve. America can be fickle in our praise. We are apt to follow the sound of the guns, awarding heroes wreaths to those who met the enemy in combat, and much less to those who never had to go to battle. My friend who retired from the Air Force recently flew hundreds of hours in defense of our nation. But he never fired in war. He was ready. His life was on the line.

For that I say, "Thank you."

All of you who served.

All of you who pledged "to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic." Thank you.

All of you who left home and family to provide protection for my home and my family while we enjoyed the freedom and security your vigilance gave.

Thank you.

It is true that
"...the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." John 15:13

While thousands lost their lives in the service of our country, millions offered their lives, willing to do whatever it took to keep America safe. That willingness can't be bought. But it does have a price.

And today, a grateful America stops to remember.

Grace!

David

This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.