As I began to think about Memorial Day and what it means to all of us, I found a Facebook post from a dear friend about the loss of her brother in Iraq. Both of them were teenagers in our church and we faced many different events with the family. Karen and I have continued to be close to this young lady and the loss of her brother will always be a deep wound in her heart. She is proud of his service and knows he was willing to serve and even die for his country and fellow soldiers. This loss makes Memorial Day more personal to me, and helps me remember the sacrifice so many have made for our freedom!

One of our traditions is to watch the PBS Memorial Day Concert in Washington. It is powerful to hear the stories and see the people who lived through the wars of the past. This year, they shared from a mother and father who lost two sons in military service – one to suicide from depression and the other who died in battle. In their story, they shared the path to living with their loss and coming to the point of helping others who face similar tragedies. The thing that always amazes me is to see the love of country exhibited by the veterans and families whenever a patriotic song is played or when a specific group is honored. Knowing the cost paid for our freedom forms an appreciation and respect for those who fought so hard for us to keep it.

As Christians, we know the price that was paid for our salvation and we should never take it for granted or lose sight of the love that motivated Jesus Christ to die on Calvary for us. Even today we have those who sacrifice their all for the kingdom of God. I have read that there are more Christians imprisoned today for their faith than at any other time in history. Many still die refusing to deny Christ and are willing to give their all to share this message of hope with the lost. We remember those who have died and pray for those who face persecution all over the world!