Worthy of a Veteran

I was privileged to have a father who served as a medic in the midst of battle torn Europe in World War II.  I remember for years he would not or possibly could not even speak of his time in service.  It wasn’t until span of years and length of age allowed him the opportunity to ponder and share those days with us.  A few photos and some time-softened memories are all that remain.  (my dad is on the far right)

 
I have also been honored to “serve” alongside my husband for 21 years as he stood prepared in the Air Force. And now while he no longer wears his dress blues, our hearts remain steadfast in honor and reverence. We choose not to forget the distinction and sacrifice of a life lived in service.
Now like many others who enjoy the graces of freedom and liberty, we stand this day in pensive pause. Ponder well, my friends the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform.


And yet, I sit here with thoughts and frustrations of what is to come.


Soon, a young man will be honored for the ultimate sacrifice and I have just found out that there will stand people who will use their voices and their signs to picket this funeral. They stand “in the name of their god” and spew hatred and ignorance.


I am sickened.


I am angry.


Their words are not worthy of an audience. Yet they will force their hatred upon those whose hearts are heavy – an additional weight this family should not have to endure. And yet, it is the sacrifice of this son and many others like him, they can stand in freedom and vomit their hatred.


I am having a tough time with this, can you tell?


Please pray with me that this day will be more than a day off from work but a pause to ponder the sacrifice of those who have and who are serving in uniform.


Please pray that this Monday the voices of those that hate will fall silent upon those whose hearts are heavy.


© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010