Don’t Forget

 

One of my favorite blog posts is about Memorial Day, so thought I’d share again on this day of remembrance. I’m so thankful for the men and women who we were willing to give their life so that I might have the freedom I have. I pray that I will not take any of my freedoms for granted. I pray the same for you.

 

Memorial Day

 

flagToday is the day we Americans set aside to remember the men and women who fought and died in our military forces. From the Revolutionary War to the war against terrorism, those who have fallen are remembered on this particular day.

 

This day allows us to remember the bravery of those who have served in the armed forces. To reflect upon what their service meant. To ponder what America might have looked like had these men and women neglected their call to duty. To beam with pride for our America.

 

Patriotism in our early nation meant giving of oneself for the better of the whole. Sometimes it meant loss of livelihood. Sometimes it meant death. Today, we seem to believe we are patriotic if we fly our flag. But patriotism goes much deeper than that.

 

It is who we are as Americans. It is what we believe in. It is what we are willing to do to protect our values and our families. It is knowing that fighting for what is right is better than not fighting. But most of all, it is knowing that we live in a land where we are free.

 

Unfortunately, we take all of this for granted on most days of the year.

 

One of my favorite patriotic gospel songs is “Statue of Liberty.” In this song, a comparison is made between our American freedom and our freedom in Christ. Here are the lyrics to this song and if you’d like to listen and see a beautiful slide show, you can click here.

 

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

 

I’m so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

 

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

 

I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

 

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty![i]

 

I believe these lyrics show how our Christian faith is intertwined with our American lives. Where religious freedom meets political freedom. As a Christian, my faith must be seen in all areas of my life.

 

Holy Land Experience 038In Scripture we see that our spiritual freedom comes through living by God’s teachings. David knew how to be free. “I run in the path of your commands, or you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32 – NIV) Isn’t this what we are all seeking? A heart set free? David shares the secret. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Jesus also spoke of the freedom by following His teachings. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 – NIV) As we study and implement Jesus’ teachings, truth will become clear. It is the truth that will set us free.

 

And one more passage from 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) that tells us where freedom can be found. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When the Spirit of the Lord resides within us, freedom is abundant.

 

I am called to live a life that honors God because of the freedom given in America and through the cross of Christ. I cannot take either lightly. Too great a sacrifice has been given for each.

 

Revolutionary War soldiers fought with great courage for what they believed in order to establish a nation that offered freedom and liberty to its citizens. Each military member since that time has fought for that same reason.

 

Jesus gave His life so that I might know true freedom and liberty. Spiritual freedom. Everlasting liberty.

 

Today I remember both. If you have not already enjoyed Christ’s freedom, why not do so today? It will be a day to remember!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Statue of Liberty,” © Words & Music by Neil Enloe, 1974

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