Pastor's Corner

This Monday we celebrate Memorial Day, and we remember in a special way those men and women in the armed forces who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our nation.  Some of them were military chaplains who faithfully served the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed forces and also served the spiritual needs of their families.  Many of our servicemen and women died in wars and terrorist attacks.  They sacrificed their lives and their freedom and helped make it possible for us to enjoy our lives and our freedom.  They were prematurely separated from family members and friends, and a grateful nation pays them homage and respect.

The Memorial Day prayer below,  “The Prepared Christian” was provided by the media outlet “Beliefnet” and may help us appreciate more fully the sacrifices made by so many.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we enjoy this day, we are reminded to truly appreciate our precious faith and freedom which we should never take for granted.  As previously noted, this is especially important in these difficult and uncertain times when we have witnessed a dramatic change in the fabric of our society due to the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus.  This change has caused us to view our faith and our freedom in a different light and made us more acutely aware of the reality that some events and circumstances are beyond our control.

In addition, on this day of picnics and various forms of recreation, we are urged to make time for prayer.  We can join our brothers and sisters who pray for the repose of the souls of these men and women who have gone before us, and we can continue to pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

“On this Memorial Day, I am thankful for the sacrifice so many throughout our history have made, for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for their families who had to carry on without them.

It is a sacrifice that is easy to forget.  For those who have it, freedom is like oxygen.  It is something we just have.  Many will not understand just how precious either is until they are at risk of being taken away.

Encroachments are being made on our freedoms right now by those who think they know better.  This is a conversation for another time.  Today I remember a sacrifice made and a debt I cannot repay.

Today I pray for the God of heaven to bless the families of those who have lost loved ones while serving our great nation.  I pray for Him to bless and comfort the walking wounded who are still with us, and bless their families as well.

It is also my prayer that we remember their service and the precious gift of freedom every day, not just once a year or when they are in danger of being taken away.”

AMEN