Notes from the Pastor…
On Memorial Day we stand in honoring silence for all our military men and women who have surrendered their lives in the name of national service. It is quite a harrowing task to enter into conflict without the assurance of survival; therefore, we pause and say “thank you” for those who deployed and never returned. Yet in our silent gratitude we must also pray and seek the end of such sacrifices. While we memorialize those who have provided service that we can never repay, we must mourn the debt acquired.
In our cultural lust for entertainment, we often become inoculated to violence through television and films that trivialize self sacrifice and help us justify war. This phenomenon must be held accountable by the followers of Jesus who deem every human life precious and worth redemption.
Whether justified or not, war is a terrible thing. It deems the loss of human life as “collateral damage,” and affects the lives of soldiers and their families in untold ways. My grandfather, a combat medic in Korea, has never, and probably will never, speak of his experience. Kristyn’s childhood and life long friend was killed by her husband, a veteran of the second Iraq war who suffered from PTSD. The loss of war is greater than our imagination, and affects families of all nationalities; whether they are Afghani, Iraqi, Libyan, or American.
In honor of all veterans, let us commit ourselves not only to silent gratitude for their service, but also fervent prayer for peace. Additionally, you and I are more than "world peace" beauty pageant contenders; we have the ability and duty to put actions to our prayers . Thus, you can vote for peace and act for peace! Ephesians reads,
“Your struggle is not against flesh and blood (human beings),” and Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Though we honor those who gave their life in war; we must also have the courage to relieve ourselves and others of the need for war.
In grateful appreciation and merciful prayer,
Grace, Pastor Ryan
No comments:
Post a Comment