Remembering Sacrifices Many of Us Can’t Even Imagine

My father fought on several fronts during World War II, both in Europe and northern Africa. He was wounded twice, for which he received two Purple Hearts, along with a Bronze Star for valor and meritorious service. However, contrary to what theatrical films from the late 1940s and ‘50s seemed to indicate, he didn’t find war a time for forming fond memories. As a friend of mine who served in Vietnam has often said, “John Wayne lied.”

How do I know how my father felt about his military service? First of all, Dad never talked about his wartime experiences. They weren’t things he wanted to spend reminiscing. And second, many times I heard my dad wake up screaming in the middle of the night from some nightmare, probably war-related.

Those days were before the term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created to describe the lingering, devastating effects of taking part in combat. During World War I, they used the term, “shell shock.” “Battle fatigue” was the term utilized during and after the second World War. No matter which term is used, those of us who have never fought in a war can’t begin to understand what it must have been like for those who did.

 

Since 1868, our nation has observed Memorial Day – formerly known as Decoration Day – to honor U.S. military personnel who have died during wartime service. On this federal holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, paying respects and decorating graves to honor and mourn those who gave their lives to protect freedoms and values embraced by our nation.

 

Thankfully, my father wasn’t among those who lost their lives during World War II. I wouldn’t be here if he had. Nonetheless, what he saw, heard and felt in combat left indelible scars on his mind, as has been the case for so many of our veterans who returned home. Some came back with visible physical injuries, but virtually all brought unseen mental and emotional wounds that were slow to heal, if at all.

So, Memorial Day’s a worthy tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on many battlegrounds, from the Civil War onward. Even though most of us wish there was no such thing as war, wishing does not do away with the tragic events that have transpired almost from the start of human history. We dare not forget the high price our valiant soldiers have paid.

 

What if there were a “memorial day” for people in the Bible? We could trace back to Abel, who gave a more acceptable sacrifice of worship to God, only to be killed by his brother, Cain, in a heinous act of sibling rivalry (recounted in Genesis 4:2-16).

 

Many of us know the story of Samson, a very flawed individual whom God gifted with great strength. His weakness for women brought him many consequences. But despite being blinded, Judges 15 tells us he was able to kill many enemy Philistines by destroying their pagan temple – with them inside.

 

Through the centuries, prophets have been killed for faithfully standing up and speaking out for the Lord. In the New Testament we learn that many of Jesus’ closest followers, including John the Baptist, Peter and James, lost their lives for proclaiming Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Paul once persecuted and participated in the killing of Christians as a zealous Pharisee. He was transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, became a leader of the early Church, and was executed for the “crime” of preaching salvation grace through faith in Christ alone. 

 

The list could go on, but Christianity does observe one “memorial day,” in which we remember the greatest, most momentous sacrifice of all – the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We call it Good Friday. As Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 

This fulfilled what Jesus had told Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Elsewhere, He also said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

 

This Memorial Day we pause to remember the countless thousands who willingly served and gave their lives on battlefields all around the world, hoping to preserve the rights and freedoms we hold dear. But let’s also remember – not just for one day, but every day – the One who died to set us from the penalty of sin and rebellion against God: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Appreciating the Gifts We Already Have

When I was a boy, going to bed on Christmas Eve was always a frustrating experience. I was eager to fall asleep so Christmas morning would arrive sooner and I could unwrap the wonderful surprises under the tree. But my anticipation made sleep almost possible.

Many of us are in a similar mode right now. We’re either fretting over what gifts to buy for family and friends – or whether what we’ve already gotten is the right gift – or looking ahead to the gifts we’ll be receiving. The trouble is, all of this future expectation often makes it hard for us to appreciate the gifts we already have.

I began thinking about this in 2006, immediately after my open-heart surgery. Until then I was probably like most folks: I’d start each day either excited about what I planned to do, or dreading what I would be facing. But I never regarded a new day as a “gift.” Upon awakening from the surgery, despite expected pain and soreness, I realized God had given me the gift of a new day. 

This kind of surgery is among the most complex and serious, and patients don’t always survive – strokes, heart attacks, occasionally the heart that was stopped to perform bypass grafts doesn’t restart. So everyone who survives open-heart surgery, or any similar kind of procedure, should recognize just the act of waking up is a gift.

My recent encounter with brain surgery, having a mass removed from my pituitary gland, served as a vivid reminder of this reality. One day you’re cruising through life, experience what seems to be a minor headache at first, and a few days later you’re consulting with a neurosurgeon on unavoidable surgery. 

Even without having to undergo surgery, we can be grateful for the gift of good health if we have it – because many do not, as I know so well. If we’re able to move about with a minimum of aches, pains and limitations, that’s a gift. No question. Because not everyone has that gift.

The list of our present gifts could go on: Family members we love. Friends we enjoy being with. Enough money to pay our bills. A job that supplies enough money for paying those bills, especially if you can find some measures of satisfaction and fulfillment in that job. The capacity for pursuing and appreciating favorite hobbies and pastimes. 

Eyesight for witnessing a sunrise or sunset. Hearing to listen to babies giggle and birds chirp. The gift of smell to revel in the aromas of the holiday season. Tastebuds that enable us to enjoy the flavors of this season – or any season – whether it be ham, potato salad, pecan pie, or the menu item of your choice. Touch for hugging loved ones, petting a puppy, feeling a warm shower.

In the Scriptures we read a lot about gifts. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” After reading about humankind’s plight – our separation from God by sin for which we can no way atone – we read the Good News, that God is offering the greatest gift of all: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

No wonder the apostle Paul doesn’t mince words when he writes in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

So as we’re fretting over what gifts to give and building expectancy for gifts we might receive, let’s be sure to do one thing: Not forget about the gifts we’ve already got!