During this Memorial weekend as we enjoy camping and barbeques we often forget the reason for the holiday: honoring the dead. Specifically, those who served our great nation. Laying their lives down for us, as Christ did, protecting our nation, our person, and each other for âGreater love has no one than this: to lay down oneâs life for oneâs friends.â John 15:13. In the words of Ernest Hemingway "Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." That these honored dead chose to serve as volunteers of their own free will, say great things about their character. Embodying the teaching of Isaiah 6:8 âThen I heard the voice of the Lord saying, âWhom shall I send? And who will go for us?â And I said, âHere am I. Send me!â
During this weekend and on Memorial Day we must remember that others stand in need of our uplifting and support. At least 22 Veterans a day will kill themselves, and that number does not include data from many states. Remember that âA new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.â John 13:34. Reach out to your brothers and sisters, both those from service, and those from flesh, a word of kindness or affirment may be all someone needs to stay with us. In the wise words of the Dalai Lama âIf you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.â
Each of us is unique and in our own special way important to the grander scheme of things, and at least that important to our friends and family. If any of you reading this are feeling overwhelmed or low, do not be afraid to reach out, to fellow service members, to clergy, God, or any other resources that may be available. You do not need to burden the load alone, please remember that the Good Lord is with you if you let Him be. Bring God with you at all times and in all places. Give Him your anxiety, your fear, and he will give you courage, when God is with you, who can stand against you âWhen I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praiseâin God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?â Psalm 56:3-4. Or try the Chapelton Stress Prayer:
âDear Lord, I thank you for thy many blessings, I ask and thank Thee at this time for taking my stress, anger, fear (whatever issues you are dealing with) and all other negative energies from me. I ask and thank Thee that thou whilst grant unto me, peace, happiness, joy, (or whatever positives you stand in need of) and all other positive energies. In thy name and the name of Thy only begotten son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.â
âThe Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His nameâs sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.â Psalm 23
