Freedom Is Never Free

Happy Memorial Day!

First off I want to say a huge “thank you” to everyone who has served this wonderful country of ours and has  fought to protect our freedoms.  Although our family does not currently have members serving in the military, we have had those who have served in the past-both in active military duty and on the home front.

My dad is as patriotic as it gets.  He served in the Navy and afterward he was a fireman.  My Pawpaw served in the Army during WWII where he lost his eye and received a Purple Heart.  We will proudly pass that on to our kiddos and tell of the bravery and sacrifice it represents.  His dad was a fire chief and was killed in the line of duty.  A local business caught fire on Christmas Eve and while putting out the fire, the building collapsed on him.  My hubby’s grandfather also served in the Army during WWII.  So maybe not as long of a line as some people, but we still have a lineage of heroes.

Today, we reflected as we watched a video of all those who gave their lives for my freedom and your freedom.  And we were also reminded of the freedom we have in Christ when two young people got baptized-symbolizing the sacrifice of the One who gave His life for our ultimate freedom.  It made me stop and consider how much grace has been given to me and my family, and it made me ask some hard questions.

Why do I think I’m exempt from suffering like those before me?

I think of all those who have sacrificed for our country, but also all those Christian heroes from ages gone by.  And even those who are suffering today around the world.  Do I really think that I should not have to suffer?  Would I be angry at God if He asked me or my family to sacrifice?  What if we were called to give the ultimate sacrifice?  Would I stand firm and follow and trust Him?

We don’t really like to ask ourselves those questions because they hurt.  They cut us to the core.  They prove how comfortable and prideful we’ve possibly become.  But they also call us into a deeper relationship with our Lord.  They force us to depend on Him and His grace.  And they make us see just how blessed with His overflowing grace we are.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

So today, on Memorial Day, I hope you have wonderful day of family and feasting and fun.  But I also pray you take time to pause and reflect on what it has taken for us to have what we have-for you to have what you have.  Freedom. Forgiveness. Salvation.  Then thank the Lord for those blessings and thank those who contributed to our freedom and who are still out there day in and day out!  And lastly, make a point to pass on that thankfulness to your children.  Make sure they are learning that freedom really is not free.