They said, “Send me.”
A Memorial Day Reflection
As I ponder this day, Memorial Day, my heart grows quiet.
I cannot help but think about the young men and women who passionately fought for what they believed in. They believed that every person deserved the freedom to live the life God had given them—to live it with dignity, purpose, and peace.
Truly, this is the desire of the human heart.
As I scroll through social media and see the caskets, the flags, and the markers of the fallen, my heart is humbled. These men and women fought and died for something many of them would never fully experience again on this side of heaven. They knew the possibilities. They knew the cost.
And still, they said,
“Send me.”
Some came home, yet still carry the silent wounds of war. They, too, knew the consequences. They, too, counted the cost. And they, too, said,
“Yes.”
There is no light way to hold such a sacrifice. There is no casual way to remember those who laid down their lives, or those who came home forever changed.
Today, I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege of knowing a soldier. When I speak of him to his grandchildren. I honor him with deep Respect. I honor the legacy of courage, sacrifice, and Love that continues through those who remember because he deserves Respect for laying his life.
May we never treat lightly what others carried heavily.
May we never use carelessly the freedoms others defended sacrificially.
May we remember with humility, gratitude, and reverence.
Greater Love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Sacred Pause
Take a quiet moment Today.
Remember the fallen.
Pray for the families who still grieve.
Honor those who returned but still carry unseen battles.
Ask the Lord to teach us how to steward freedom with humility, wisdom, and Love.
A Prayer of Repentance and Gratitude
Heavenly Father,
Today, we come before You with humbled hearts. Forgive us for the times we have taken freedom for granted. Forgive us for the times we have lived carelessly beneath the covering of sacrifices we did not have to make.
Lord, we remember those who gave their lives in service. We remember those who came home wounded in body, mind, and Spirit. We remember the families who gave their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers.
Teach us to honor them well.
Help us to live as people who do not waste the gift of freedom. Help us to pursue peace, protect what is good, Love our neighbor, and walk humbly before You.
Bless our veterans. Comfort the grieving. Strengthen the families. Heal the wounded. And may our remembrance rise before You with gratitude, reverence, and Love.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria