Recently, my family and I visited the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Ga. We made the trip because our 16 year old son Blake, loves all things Army and dreams of serving our country. Yes, this mom is on her knees everyday. While in Columbus, we walked through several local military surplus stores. Being a mom of a soon to be soldier, I was struck by all the used military issued boots for sale in the surplus stores. Holding back tears, I snapped a picture of the rows and rows of worn boots. These boots tell a story of young men and women that walked away from their life as they knew it to fight for our freedom. Every pair of boots tell a story about a young soldier, cadet, or officer sweating, training, and fighting to prove that they are equipped for battle. These worn boots tell stories of wide eyed teenagers, saying Good- Bye to their parents, grandparents and siblings for a higher calling of service. I wiped away tears as I thought of all the heartfelt prayers that were spoken for these soldiers. I could see in my mind's eye moms on their knees praying for their sons and daughters, begging God for protection. How many tears were shed for these young men and women as their families prayed for them, worried about them? How many made the ultimate sacrifice for our country?
Who chooses to risk it all for Freedom?
There is One that risked it all before any of these soldiers and His name is Jesus Christ.
John 15:13 tells us that there is not greater love than a man that lays down His life for His friends. Jesus Christ is our friend and He sacrificed it all for our freedom. His sacrifice saved us from the penalty of sin, which leads to permanent death. Psalm 118: “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Jesus died for us so that we may live in freedom, having an everlasting life. He calls us to use this freedom for good, by honoring Him with everything that we do. Galatians 5:13 says “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serving one another.” There is freedom in Christ!
Franklin Graham said this, “ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and The American Soldier. One died for your soul: the other died for your Freedom.”
As we begin Memorial Day weekend, let's remember the two that sacrificed it all for you and I. Let’s thank Jesus for dying for us and giving us freedom from death. His sacrifice still paves the way for millions to experience everlasting life if they come to Him with contrite hearts. Finally, as we remember The American Soldier, let’s honor them by praying for them and their families. Never underestimate the power of a single prayer. Your prayers for our military families can change everything!
Freedom has never been free.
Freedom costs everything.
Thank you to all our American Military Families.