The Heroes that live among us....A belated Memorial Day

Credit for photo shop art goes to Kate! :)

Have you stopped to thank a service member lately?  A Marine, an Airman, a Soldier, a Sailor, or a Coastie?   All these hit close to home with me....  The war stories...they are unbelievable.  Worse than your horror movies.  Worse than your imagination.  Worse than you can see in your silly comic books.  Can you imagine seeing your buddy die right in front of you and all you can do is donate blood so they may live 1 more day?  Do you realize what military members (and their families) give up in order to serve their Country which they so proudly protect?

The only thing that keeps them going while they are overseas is their family back home.  Its a terrible place to be, and I'll leave it at that.

The longing for a military wife as she awaits the arrival of her love.  She waits by the phone, mailbox, or computer with GREAT anticipation to hear from her love who is a half a world away.  Never a touch, never a soft kiss, but thankful to hear a voice.  When you get the phone call from an EXHAUSTED voice "hi Honey, I'm ok" the world is a better place.  When they come home, you arent reunited with the same man that left.  Often, they have a wounded soul.  God forbid, they never come home...

The Mother, how she has to be both parents while the Father is away.    Do you know what these families go through to put their lives back together?  Can you imagine telling your child that their parent died in war protecting the freedom we have, and telling them stories because they were to young to remember them?

Can you imagine the emptiness and helplessness a mother feels when she sends her 16 or 17 year old off to boot camp?  She doesnt know if they are going to war, or getting themselves into a world of trouble, or signing their life away.

A child who doesnt remember what their Father/Mother looks like because its been so long since they've seen him/her.  They see all their friends parents in plain sight, yet they dont understand why they dont have their Daddy/Mommy.   All they have to hold is a picture.

Thank a Service Member, because you dont know what they've put on the line for you!  Our great country is what it is because God has placed those men and women there for our protection.  To think...we take it for granted!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED (FAMILIES INCLUDED)...MAY GOD POUR HIS LOVING GRACE OVER YOU!

Prov. 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Prov. 8:14 Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.
James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Prov 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.
Prov 24:6 For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.

We acknowledge, dear Lord, that apart from You we can do nothing.  We pray that you would be with our service members and that you would give them the wisdom they need.  Lord, may you draw them to you.  When they are in fear, may they only turn to you.  For you are the ONLY one who can provide perfect peace.  In His Mighty, Awesome name I pray...the sweet name of Jesus...AMEN