America recently celebrated an important holiday which honored men and women who served in our nation's military. Parades. Accolades. Wreaths. Flags. A great assortment of deserved recognition was on display for all to see...and hear.
This caused me to reflect on Veterans Day in the church. Specifically, I have been thinking about past soldiers of the Cross who served in the war-zone of serious church activity. I'm referencing tremendous fighters for the future life of our congregation.
I thought of one shepherd who has passed on like Herman Kifer who served as an elder at Memorial. Add the names of Harriel Scarsdale, David Weaver, Jerry Ishmael and a list of others who battled for the freedom at Memorial to believe in God and what could become within our congregation. The freedom did not come without the wounding of these and other soldiers.
Church isn't just smiles and howdys. It's struggle. It's injury. It's being pinned to one's personal cross as a leader and never giving up; never giving up on God, never giving up on the flock, and never giving up on God's marvelous grace within themselves.
Yes, we should celebrate Veterans Day in the church for we get to be who we get to be simply because soldiers among us braved massive criticism and endured personal heartbreak so that we could have the freedom to praise God day by day. Live with tremendous appreciation.
Thank you...every one of you...soldiers of the Cross. We. Celebrate. You. Because. You. Thought. Enough. Of. Jesus. To. Fight. For. Us.
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