Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day

My best friend, Debbie, hugged her son Friday and watched his plane head for Afghanistan.  He is beginning his second tour, but this time, as a captain.

He is in Special Forces in the Air Force.  He is one of the heroes that rescues wounded soldiers and civilians in a war zone. They often enter hostile territory in helicopters and risk their lives to save others.  He and his unit were chosen for National Geographic's "Inside Combat Rescue", a series designed to portray the brutality, the humanity, and the gravity of war.  The show was, frankly, hard to watch.

I want Jeff to come home safe.  I have loved this kid for nearly 15 years now.  I have watched him grow, struggle, work, succeed, and yes, sometimes stumble.

There are thousands of "Jeffs" fighting for my freedom right now.  Thousands of moms and dads, sisters and brothers, nephews and nieces, cousins, grandparents, and friends who hope and pray their son or daughter comes home safe.  But none of them sent their soldier to die.

God did.  Two thousand years ago, in the war for humanity, God sent His Son to die.  Jesus donned the uniform of humility and love and fought for each of us on the cross.  And won.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:17 (NIV)

On this Memorial Day, please remember all those who have served and died, pray for those who are currently serving to return safe to their families and praise God for His love that conquered sin and death.  

Happy Memorial Day.

Amberly

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