“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
I had planned a different post for today, but woke up to a GiveHim15 prayer for Veteran’s Day that pushed me beyond my plans. We have family that have been or are in the military, sacrificing time and sometimes their health or lives to serve to protect this nation. Spouses, children, and other loved ones sacrifice, too – sometimes becoming caretakers of wounded ones. The GiveHim15 post says it elegantly:
“A former Congressman once said:
“‘On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.’” – Dan Lipinski
“We have an opportunity each November, to renew our national promise. We can pause to take a deeper dive into understanding the unique challenges our veterans face and learn how to support them and their families all year long. It’s a reminder to reprioritize how we care for veterans, so our promise to them can flow into the fabric of our everyday lives.
“Today I want to address those of you who are veterans, and those who want to know how to support veterans, their caregivers, and families.
“First, to our veterans: You took a sacred oath to defend this great nation – today, we honor that single act of courage that shaped your life forever. Thank you, dear sir or ma’am, you answered a call that few have chosen, and you were willing to lay your life down for your fellow Americans. Whether you’ve come out on the other side of your service “whole,” “wounded,” or “somewhere in between,” we know you’ve paid a price – and that does not go unnoticed.” **
The post goes on to acknowledge the “Hidden Heroes” – spouses – and “Hidden Helpers” – children – of wounded veterans and the sacrifices they made and continue to make for their loved ones. Some of the real needs of these hidden ones are often simple – an encouraging phone call, an offer to make a grocery run or help with child care, or just a handshake and a hug and a cup of coffee or ice cream. They have served our county – and us – and we can now serve them.
Later today the children’s choir I direct is going to sing a song that directly relates to this.
“Gather ’round and you will hear of people just like me and you
Heroes each and every one who loved the land they knew
Fought for freedom, had a dream
Lived and died for our liberty, that’s why
We’ll be singing freedom’s song as long as we shall live.
Sons and daughters heard the call
As young and old they took a stand
Patriots who gave their all to make this nation strong
Fought for freedom, had a dream
Lived and died for our liberty, that’s why
We’ll be singing freedom’s song as long as we shall live.*
There is something profound about listening to the voices of children celebrate heroes and their elders.
Today may we seek to celebrate and serve those who have so aptly served us.
“Heavenly Father – please give us eyes to see and ears to hear. We want to see the heroes among us, listen to the ways we can honor and care for them, and continue to place value on their sacrifices. Help us find meaningful ways of teaching the next generation what it means to honor our Veterans, so they grow up with a commitment to do the same. Father, alert us to the moments of opportunity where we can come alongside our Veterans or their families as a show of support. Give us creativity in how to reach the hidden helpers so they know they are not alone in their journey. Give us wisdom to prioritize our time and resources so those who stood up to serve are treated with dignity in the land they fought to preserve and protect. Thank You, Father, for the freedom we enjoy in this country, we do not take it for granted. We ask your continued protection over our military service members and their families.”** And may this nation continually sing the song of freedom you have placed within us. We ask this in Christ’s name, Amen.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 NIV)
* by Natalie Sleeth, arr. Mark Weston (c) 2017 Heritage Music Press
** https://www.givehim15.com/post/november-11-2022