Whom Do You Memorialize?

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

In God’s world, there is a time for everything, even a time for war and a time for peace. With every war, there are casualties. Some would choose to ignore those whom we have lost and those who have been injured. Memorial Day, just one day out of the whole year, we are given the blessed and scared task of remembering our fallen heroes.

This morning, the television news said, Halloween and Valentines Day are recognized far more than Memorial Day. We must never forget our heros. The injured and maimed live with their disabilities every day of their lives. The widows and widowers, and children of those lost, spend their lives with an empty chair at the Thanksgiving table, a vacant spot beside the Christmas tree, a missing place in the bleachers when a new record is set, and a lost song of birthday joy when another year is celebrated. Can we not remember the fallen for a few hours on a beautiful day when we can see the blue sky and walk the trails near our home with straight and strong legs?

Let us remember . . . as we pray.

"Father God, you have given us a land of great rivers, mountains and resources. You whispered in the ear of our forefathers, and designed a government fit for a free people. But, we have chosen to live as slaves, in exchange for being taken care of. Give us eyes to see those around us who need our help, until they can help themselves, and find creative ways to help those who cannot. Let us not forget. We have so much, Father. Touch our hearts and motivate us to live with less, so that others may live with more than they have, until they can live much and share all they can. Let us hold in memory all those who have done so much for us. There will always be those in need. May "need" never equal helplessness or hopelessness. May we help others into hopefulness and the ability to live freely . . . within their capacity to be independent. Fill us with your love and the ability to live extravagantly generous lives. In the name of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2014 Doris Gaines Rapp

I will be signing Smoke from Distant Fires at Barnes and Noble, Sarasota, FL, June 21 1-3 pm

http://dorisgainesrapp.blogspot.comSmoke from Distant Fires and Length of Days - The Age of Silence are available at www.cokesbury.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com or order from a bookstore

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