published: Sunday, May 31, 2009

Remembering

Has Memorial Day become just another reason to have a barbecue and shop at a sale? Are we giving too little thought to the cost that brought us to the celebration?

Do we sometimes picture our forefathers dressed in their unusual clothing and funny wigs and forget they were real men and not just a painting or picture in a book? Have we forgotten that these men had families that sacrificed and that they didn't simply come together with the idea for a new nation and all amiably agree to break away from the super power that ruled over them?

It took perseverance, courage and fortitude. It took zeal and an unwillingness to give up in the face of a super military strength and a controlling monarch.

Instead of forgetting, let's remember.

Memorial Day is about bringing to mind the fallen heroes of all the wars in which our nation has had a part ... as well as keeping in memory our beloved sons, husbands and fathers - as well as daughters, wives and mothers - who are placed in harm's way today.

We can remember in tangible and intangible ways.

Though we sometimes may think that praying is "the least we can do," it is the first and foremost thing we should do - and can do - not only for those going, but for the families left at home to keep the home fires burning.

Let's pray for the children who cannot understand why Daddy or Mommy has to be somewhere far away and can't come home. Let's pray for the parent at home who takes on double duty for the household and rearing of the children.

Try praying God's Word for them such as Ephesians 1: 16-18, NIV, and include their names as you pray. For example, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you (insert name), remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you ..."

Imagine the power in that prayer for the one who must be decisive in strategy and/or battle; and, for the ones at home facing the daily decisions of life?

When we remember in prayer those serving and their families, we also honor those who paid the ultimate price. Selah