MEMORIAL THANKS
A Memorial Thanks
I hated being the Private when I was a kid… My older brother Bobby was usually the Captain, he appointed my sister Sergeant, and me private. I hated taking orders from them, especially when they ordered me to eat dirt. I recall the day I mentally snapped from the orders and physically attacked the Sergeant, my sister, with a piece of rubber hose… A piece of cut hose hanging around the house for the often needed practice of siphoning gas says a lot about the folks there.
I’m not sure what title our dad would have had in the make believe scenario, I guess the General, but I didn’t even know he was home… I wasn’t given any time in the stockade, but I did get a few lashings for my actions… whatever his title, my dad wasn’t having anything to do with his only daughter getting whipped by an out of control son of his.
I can’t recall the times as a kid we played “Army Man.” It was the favorite game for the neighborhood boys when we were young. We all had some type of inborn nature to want to be heroes. To pretend to die for a good cause; saving people with our courage and sacrifice.
Like most dreams of childhood, they slip away except for only a small group, the strong, the gifted. The ones who went on to serve our country are a special group of people. Whatever the reason or scenario, I think the ones called to the service of others are a group that can only be called true heroes.
The history of the world is written by God and the ones He’s called for the service of others. We admire the strong people in this life, but none more than the ones who are willing to lay down their lives for the good of others. Jesus Christ spelled it out perfectly, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
It’s funny we don’t associate service, bravery, and courage with love, but that’s exactly what it is. A person who is willing to put themselves last in selfless service is the epitome of love from a Biblical perspective.
I hope we all appreciate and remember the ones who’ve shown us, the people they didn’t even know, the love we didn’t earn. I pray we honor the ones who paid the price of pure love to protect their loved ones and our way of life this Memorial Day.
May God bless the families of the ones who went before us and may He bless the ones serving now. May He keep them from harms way and bring them home quickly and safely. May we remember the blessings and the foundation upon which this country was built and honor the One who is our ultimate protection. May He raise up all of us to stand for that which He’s called us.
May we serve in the capacity He’s called us for with the same honor as the other men and women who’ve gone before us with the higher calling to serve this country. May God bless our troops… and may God bless America. Happy Memorial Day.
Sharon
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 9:53 am
Beautiful, Floyd. My brother and I used to play *army* all the time, too. I guess I would have been Sergeant, I’m older, but I never made him eat dirt. Well, not intentionally anyway.
But yes, today I also remember the many people who have served and who are now so bravely serving our country. It is a sacrifice that comes from love – and in that, it is biblical.
Also grateful today for a Savior who chose to lay down His life so that we could TRULY be free.
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 3:44 pm
Well and wonderfully said as usual, Sharon. Couldn’t agree more. God bless you and yours, sister.
Betty Draper
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 10:14 am
Fitting post brother for today and those who have and those who still are protection our freedom. I was thinking about my two Grandfather who served I WWI, my Dad who was in navy in WWII, my brother who served in Viet Nam and our son Jared in the Marines. My husband could not pass the physical for Viet Nam because of high blood pressure issues which late caused him a massive heart attack at 26. I have never been sorry he did not have to go but I think he is. God has put into man the need to protect and there is nothing like a threat to others that will call that up to the surface. Now there are tons of women serving right in the front line of combat…not really sure how I feel about that. Yet if needed I would go. Good day to be thankful for our freedom and more important our freedom in Christ bought by the battle that took place on Calvary. Good post brother.
Floyd
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 3:48 pm
Wow. You have a family of heroes, Betty. Our Father has His will and plan. My dad served at the end of the Korean War, and I have slew of cousins that served in Vietnam, one a decorated officer. I also have one cousin who was a Navy Seal, back when no one had ever heard of them. Honorable men and women serve, and I know you would to if that was your calling. It’s a good day to recognize all that have served and salute them. God bless you and yours, Betty. Thanks.
Betty Jo
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 1:48 pm
Amen Floyd! A beautiful post. I was just thinking this week how we could all do with a little more laying down of ourselves and our daily lives, in order to serve those around us. Jesus was our greatest Hero, and example. How can we ever love Him enough for what He’s done for us?
Floyd
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Good call, Betty Jo. He was the example and still is. “A greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” His love is supreme as is His example. Thanks, Betty Jo.
Hazel Moon
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 4:58 pm
Memorial day certainly is a good time to remember – those who gave up everything for our freedom – – and the times we spent as children playing games that were only games. Great post and a good one to share at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:37 pm
That’s for sure, Hazel. Funny how God hard wires us for the task He’s designed us for. And thanks for letting me share the story at your awesome site!
Cheryl Smith
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 5:51 pm
Beautiful post, Floyd!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Thanks a bunch, Cheryl. I’m honored you stopped by, sister.
Lincoln Parks
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 6:21 pm
Great post for this memorial day Floyd. Giving of ourselves willingly and unselfishly for the benefit of others is a great sacrifice. Jesus did all of the above which was the ultimate sacrifice.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
Yes, sir. With you, and He is our example. Sacrifice shows love like nothing else can. Thanks, Lincoln.
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 6:46 pm
“It’s funny we don’t associate service, bravery, and courage with love, but that’s exactly what it is.” That’s exactly what it is. Watching a Memorial Day documentary on the History channel tonight and the narrator said something I found shocking. It was something to the effect that those that sign up to serve don’t really do it selfishly and because they want to help others. They really have other reasons for doing it…like self-serving reasons. I find that impossible to believe!!! Who would want to put their life in jeopardy for fame, certainly there was no fortune?! Surely, there are some who sign up for the education, some because they have absolutely nothing else. But I am convinced the majority do it because they are patriotic and want to serve. At least I am keeping that in my heart. Wonderful post, Floyd.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:44 pm
I’m with you, Nannette; if people move voluntarily into harm’s way, they are cut from a different mold. You and I are on the same page, sister. Thanks, Nannette.
June
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 7:35 pm
“But I am convinced the majority do it because they are patriotic and want to serve. At least I am keeping that in my heart.” I agree with you, Nannette. There are bad apples in every bunch, but I believe, as a whole, our Military is made of noble men and women with a desire to serve their country. For anyone to say otherwise, well, thems fightin’ words!
Enjoyed your post, Floyd. “…love we didn’t earn…” so true, at the very least they deserve our gratitude, and honor. Remembering them along with you today, brother.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
Thanks, June. How could a person not be moved by their sacrifices? It’s hard to imagine. And I’m with you when it comes to them, “Fightin’ words”!
Audra Krell
Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 8:14 pm
I had not read this one before, so I’m so glad you reposted! It reminds me of the Toby Keith song “American Soldier”. I’ve always found this line so poignant, “I don’t want to die for you, but if dying’s asked of me, I’ll bear that cross with honor, “cause freedom don’t come free.” Our men and women who serve, aren’t the crazy kids from high school who had a death wish. They are just like you and me and don’t want to die, but will do what it takes to preserve our freedom. The older I get, the more I see what an all out privilege it is to live in this country and to do really anything I want to do. I’ll be forever grateful to our military.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
Very well said, Audra. I’m with you too on getting older and grasping deeper the love and commitment it takes to do what the true heroes of this world have done for us. I’m deeply humbled and salute them with my heart and soul. Thanks, Audra.
Voni Harris
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 9:22 am
Floyd, I love the connection you make between love and sacrifice here. Thanks!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
It really is the action that describes it I think. Thanks, Voni.
Barb Raveling
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 10:42 am
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to the ones who serve in our armed forces. I know many of them now with my kids being at that age. On Memorial Day I was thinking of the men who fought in so many wars to free the enslaved, the persecuted, and the downtrodden. It is definitely a sacrifice of love that affects the lives of their descendants today as well. I also loved the funny way you started out on this post. I am writing this in a cafe and I was laughing out loud at the beginning of the post. Thankfully, it’s a noisy coffee shop. 🙂
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:51 pm
The world is a better place because of the ones who’ve sacrificed their lives for people they didn’t know… and they never will this side of the final curtain, but one day they will, and the heroes who gave their lives in love and sacrifice will be acknowledged I believe.
Glad to give you a chuckle at the less than intelligent childhood a stumbled through, Barb. Thanks!
Lisa notes
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 11:59 am
My older brother used to boss us around too. 😉 But I remember how much I missed him when he joined the Air Force when I was in high school. Thankfully he now lives very close to me and we get to see each other almost weekly.
So grateful for all those who’ve served us through the years, in ways we know about and millions of ways we never will!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
I’m with you, Lisa, but one day God will reveal these heroes that He made and designed and their obedience will be honored again I think. Good for you for being able to be that close to family. Thanks, Lisa. And tell your brother thanks for his service.
Jennifer Dougan
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 4:28 pm
“We all had some type of inborn nature to want to be heroes. … to die for a good cause; saving people with our courage and sacrifice.” I am so thankful for the men and women who defend America and its ideals around the world with such bravery and sacrifice.
Thanks, Floyd. And how neat to see that same heroism in Jesus’ death as well.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 5:54 pm
Good call, Jennifer. Our Savior showed us how to sacrifice and care for the ones who can’t care for themselves. That is the heart of our Father. Thanks, sister.
Dan Black
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 8:05 pm
Great re-post Floyd! I have a deep appreciation for those who have and are fighting for our freedom.
Floyd
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 @ 6:08 pm
I knew you did, Dan. Thanks, brother.
Joanne Norton
Friday, May 30, 2014 @ 7:49 pm
Can’t say much more than “Amen”! My husband, at the Offutt AFB for several years was involved heavily with missiles and other portions of warfare, even though he didn’t have to leave the underground protective portion of the base. He was one of the protectors during a variety of wars, and poured his heart around and about. Physically, I’ve known many — b/c of my age — connected to WWII, Korean, Vietnam — who were lost by their family. I was a young ‘un clear back until Vietnam, but I still heard about people who had died and how heartbroken their families were. I always appreciate their willingness to stand up for the nation and with their hearts for the Lord. Gets a bit confusing now, but serving the Lord is all that can ever count. So we may be warfare people for our whole life until we are in heaven. That’s truly what I count on. Sorry to yammer so long, so much. But you shared well. Bless you.
Floyd
Sunday, June 1, 2014 @ 6:26 am
Love your heart and perspective, Joanne. I always appreciate it, my friend.
Joanne Norton
Sunday, June 1, 2014 @ 7:58 pm
Thanks for putting up with me. You are a blessing.
Floyd
Thursday, June 5, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
It’s my honor, sister. You’re a blessing to me as well. Thanks, Joanne.