Memorial Day: Reflections of the Past, Challenge to the Future

When we look at those who live, we often can see echoes of those who have gone before us. It is easy to recite cliche phrases and play the part of an understanding citizen, but do we truly grasp the weighty significance of sacrifice, and the responsibilities that follow? It is a question I often ask myself, and as the days roll on, and times grow ever more tumultuous. 

For me, being a citizen of the United States is an immense blessing, and it is something I have promised myself to never take for granted. The problem is, many people do indeed take their freedoms for granted, foolishly assuming they'll always exist. The faultiness in such logic is incredibly dangerous and lethal. Now, I'm not saying that we're necessarily going to lose those things, however, it is wisdom to stay vigilant and hold the government accountable. Even the Bible tells us to be vigilant, and ever on our guard. That's not to say that we should be fearful of the future, for we are already promised victory through Christ. 

Victory never comes without a great price. The only reason America is still free is because we've had to defend that freedom, time and time again. Countless lives have been lost in those bloodbaths we call war, and despite the atrocities committed, and the violence of bloodshed, those lives were lost in hope that they would provide a better future. 

We honor those great warriors, and days like this one are set aside to do so. My heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones overseas, and I am equally overwhelmed by the bravery and courage in the hearts of those who serve. When I think of their great sacrifice, I'm reminded of the greatest sacrifice of all; one that redeemed even the most fractured, and broken of us all. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and His freedom is not simply a national right, but true freedom from the sting of death and the promise of salvation of the cross.

Yes, there's a lot of broken people in this world, and that's what makes life worth living. We cannot let such sacrifices be done in vain, and it is our responsibility to live our lives with purpose. Without vision, the people perish, but with a Godly, kingdom minded vision...imagine what our world would be like?