Lest We forget!

Lest We Forget!
Memorial Day marks the start of summer, sunny days, warm evenings, picnics, and vacations for many Americans. Unfortunately, many fail to stop and reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. The willingness of men and women to answer our nation’s highest call, knowing the risks they face, yet willing to give their lives to protect and defend this nation we love. What extraordinary examples of service over self! Jesus spoke of such service and sacrifice in John 15:12–13: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” On this solemn day that we call Memorial Day, we remember all the men and women lost defending our freedom. Their heroic sacrifices have guaranteed the religious and civil liberties we all enjoy today. Many in our nation take those priceless freedoms for granted. It’s hard to fathom what our fallen heroes endured in the darkest moments of battle with their brothers at their side.
Friends, as Christians, we know we are all battling the world, the flesh, and the devil who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But we are not in this fight alone! We must fight in the Lord because the battle is His. We must never forget that even though Jesus has defeated darkness, we dare not fight without the armor needed to be victorious. And like our military, we must never leave fellow believers behind in the battle. We must always stand up, support, and encourage them! As Christians, let us never forget the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must remember them with thankful and reverent hearts, “Lest we Forget.” And let us never forget or take for granted the most significant sacrifice ever made at Calvary by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who provides us our eternal victory!
Grace and Peace!
Fr. Greg+

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