Never Forget to Pray

Photo by Erin Dietrich1

Tomorrow we will celebrate our freedom to live freely in a land we love. A privilege from the Lord. Mother's, wives, little children, will be acutely aware of the price this freedom takes as they celebrate alone . Separated by a war necessary because of a sinful world. Perhaps this post is more appropriate for Memorial day, but the significance is the same.

The other night I ran across these photos*. Pictures (second set) of soldiers returning home from war to their eagerly awaiting families. The emotion in them is very raw. Photographs filled with joy of a painful journey over, others show the awful side of war. The families that never welcomed their loved one home with waving flags. Instead they welcomed a flag draped coffin.

Acutely I was reminded how much these families as well as our soldiers need desperate prayer. Today thank the Lord for the freedom He has given, then bring the warriors who fight at home and on the battle front to the feet of Jesus.

*I don't endorse the content found elsewhere on the website or the choice of dress in some of the pictures.

Pearl Harbor Thoughts

My brother is watching football this afternoon, no doubt countless men and women are doing the same. Sixty seven years ago on a Sunday afternoon just like today Americans were doing the same thing. Teddy Roosevelt interrupted the game announcing of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life would never be the same for America.

My entrance into the world would be yet to come on that Sunday. So I don't remember where I was. I don't remember wondering if friends and family were alive. I don't remember the war that followed. Nor do I remember rationing food, or sitting in an basement during practicing for the bomb that very well could drop. World war II is not in my memory. 9-11 is, the war on terror is, post election America is, the fact that God is my refuge in strength is.

Presidents and grandparents before us faced their trials and fear. While ours maybe somewhat not as scary or as life threatening. Our God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

May I never forget that.

Remembering 9-11

I awoke very groggily this morning as usual. Images on TV of Good Morning America were quite blurry. Sleepy I contemplated my options for breakfast. Today's date was not far from my mind though. September 11, 2008, September 11, 2001.

Seven years ago I started my morning the exact same way as stated above (some things don't change). However through my sleep filled eyes I saw a burning sky scrapper in New York city. I could care less, all I needed was my breakfast. Quickly though like so many Americans I began to realize what a horrible thing this was. Moments later my mom's trip to fly to Canada and visit relatives was canceled. Due to the fact all planes were grounded. Slowly it was sinking into my eleven year old mind. Something very horrible had happened our country. Throughout the day the TV was never off. Images were played again and again of the twin towers crashing. Grief played in me. Fear rested in my soul.

War started weeks later. Then the anthrax scares started. For me it was a beginning of a journey of my faith. Fear of death drove me to find an assurance that I really was saved.

Through the events of those dark months for America mom reminded me of the hand of the lord. There were Christians who by the grace of the Lord were delayed a few minutes that fateful morning. Those minutes meant life given to them by our Lord Jesus Christ. Then there was Todd Beamer and others who served the Lord for the last time on this earth that morning. No doubt heroes of the faith.

Do not forget America what wounded you. Remember that not only did 2,985 innocent people die on American soil on 9-11. 2,974 young women and men have died since then. Defending the land of the free. Do not forget the wives, mothers, children and families of our deployed and fallen soldiers. For them the sacrifice is great.

Do not forget the sovereignty of our Lord. Who's infinite hand was seen the awful day and still is seen today.

When I pray for the soldiers, the families of the soldiers, our president,. I pray I will not forget our Lord is always in control.