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It’s that time of year again.  Memorial Day.  A federal holiday in the United States designated to honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving the United States armed forced.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries, memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. In an unofficial way, this day too, marks the beginning of the summer season.

While I don’t know anyone personally who lost their lives while serving in the US military, I am thankful. Thankful that someone that I’ve never met, risked their lives to keep me and the rest of you all safe.    I’m thankful for this observatory day that comes once a year, to pause, and reflect on the men and women who defended our freedoms.  

I am thankful that every Memorial Day, I blast God Bless the USA, by Lee Greenwood. I’m sure if you live in the US, you all are all familiar with the lyrics of this song.  If not, take a moment to listen to the words.  The lyrics I cling to in this song says, “…And I won’t forget the man who died, who gave that right to me and I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.”

I’m proud that we as Americans, remember those who sacrifice their lives. Interesting enough, it feels as though the world has forgotten the one man whose death and resurrection is pivotal in the life of every human being.  John 3:17 says, “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 

If this isn’t worthy of remembering daily, I don’t know what is. Like Pharoah, an individual must have a hard heart to be unmoved by Jesus’ sacrifice. 

Some people will say, “I didn’t ask Jesus to sacrifice anything for me,” you sure didn’t, just like you didn’t ask the men and women of this Nation to sacrifice, yet here we are enjoying the privileges of their offering.

The scripture tells us that God pursues all who are forgotten or cast aside.  Surely as all of us walk this earth, at some point in time we will find ourselves destitute and vulnerable in this life.  The sunshine of these times is He promises to be with us.  God is always reaching out to us. He wants to draw us near and give us a continuous hope. 

His love will never cause us harm (Romans 13:10).  To live in his love is to be free. Ambiguity strips reliance.   Without reliance, everything that matters doesn’t feel as meaningful anymore. I know it can feel like God is uninterested in us when our situation doesn’t change.  That’s a lie scripture states the opposite. He’s close to the broken hearted. (Psalm 34:18). 

I can’t explain why God allows things to happen to us. What I can say is, we grow in faith and trust when we turn over our circumstance to Him.  This motion produces assurance that God will deliver what He has promised in His timing. On this Memorial Day and the days thereafter, remember the one who got up.  He compassionately cares, comforts and is actively fighting for us.

Ease & Stillness,

Chetoca B.