Struggling with Remembrance

Hero’s die and they need to be remembered; however, it can be a struggle for family and friends to do just that. There is no way to prepare for the death of a soldier or a loved one whether unexpected or predictable; death shakes us to the very core, even as Christians. A warehouse of memories cascade out of the eyes and heart with undeniable pain. And what should you do? Automatically change the subject to avoid their pain? No, of course not; God wants us to stand beside them and cry with them; to hold their hands and pray with them. God commands us to show our grief: “Weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) Mourning is not a display of weak faith, it’s a necessary part of dealing with loss. Be the hands and feet of Christ and comfort those who need to be comforted.

SOMEONE, somewhere loves you…

Real love is an action - a selfless, sacrificial giving. It means to die of self; to let go of your wants and desires, and to love someone of something more than yourself. It took uncommon grace for our soldiers to offer up their life for the sake of America’s freedom and it took God’s unfathomable love to offer up His only begotten Son for the remission of our sins. Love cannot be measured, but these sacrifices reflect the depth and love in the heart of God. Our love for one another may not require such a costly decision, but there must be some decision and/or action if we are to truly die to self or to truly live for others; this is the ultimate gift of love. Let someone, somewhere know YOU love them today and give yourself as a living sacrifice to Jesus.

“But this we know love because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I John 3:16