“It is rather for us to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg AddressWhen the bully is picking on one of the smaller kids, it’s up to the bigger kids to protect them. If it’s possible to condense a sermon into one sentence, this would be it. The Sunday before Dessert Shield turned into Dessert Storm in January 1991, my pastor gave this sermon. A Scottish-born, naturalized citizen of the United States, he was trying to help us US-born citizens come to terms with why we were going to war half-way around the world. Our pastor shared that many other countries felt the same sadness, injustice, and longing to help, while watching Iraq invaded Kuwait. But, the smaller country of Scotland could do little without the coalition headed by the US, ‘the biggest kid on the block.’ So our volunteer military go around the world to defend freedom that will keep the smaller countries from falling, one by one. This will, we always hope, keep the Bully from eventually coming to our shores to challenge the freedoms we enjoy. Everyone who enlists in the military has to face the fact that their choice may include a call to the front line. This is no different from firefighters and police who know the dangers of their chosen profession. They all know that the costs, but when weighed in the balance, they choose to server and protect.
The past two weeks my husband has been riding through all kinds of weather from Auburn, CA, to Washington D.C. with the National Veteran’s Awareness Organization. They honor veteran at thirteen veteran’s homes and hospitals; they honor the fallen, POWs, and MIAs at eleven memorial sites; and they educate the youth at four schools to better understand the role of our military and to encourage their ROTC programs. Although not all of us will join the military, police, or fire department, we all need to be “dedicated to the great task remaining before us,” to carry on the work of freedom. Picnics are great. Gathering to enjoy time with family and friends is among the freedoms we enjoy. But let’s not take it for granted that our children will absorb the history of Memorial Day through osmosis. We need to do the work of freedom by teaching them that Freedom isn’t free; to prevent all who have perished to not "have died in vain." John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Will you join me in committing to do the work of freedom? Are you doing something today with family or friends? How can you incorporate a sense of remembrance into your Memorial Day celebration? Lord, You were the first to teach that all people are created equal and the concept of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ May we keep alive these values, ”…with liberty and justice for all,” in our country and around the world. “For you were called to freedom…only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 What are your thoughts? Libby
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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