Tues., May 29, 2018

Isaiah 46:9 – Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

On Monday, Americans celebrated Memorial Day. This is a day we remember those who have given their lives while in service for our country; those killed in active duty as part of our military.

Hubby Rick and I attended the local Memorial Day service, hosted by the local American-Legon Post.  The main speaker, a retired service person, shared with us the number of Americans killed while in active duty for our country. Afterwards, Rick and I commented how we had not heard this numbers previously.

When trying to find the numbers used at the service we attended, I discovered there are more than one version of these numbers. Some include vets not “in theater;” some do not. I know the numbers in the picture I share with this post are not the same numbers shared during the service. Rather than getting caught up in what is the “right” numbers, I pray we can simply get a glimpse of how many U.S. vets have lost their lives in American wars.

In adding up the numbers in the graphic, I come up with the number of 1,196,554 American service people killed in active war situations. Each person killed represents an entire family that was affected. Affected parents, spouses, children, siblings and extended family. Lives that were changed because of the loss of a loved one.

Memorial Day is about remembering. As staggering as the +1 million Americans that have been killed while serving their country, there are many other countries around the world which could display even more significant number of active duty deaths. These deaths also represent entire affected families.

We do not have to read very far into the Bible to discover killings, wars and affected families. These details make Scripture very difficult for some people to read, believe and understand. How can a gracious God allow such awful things to happen in this world? Even ordain such behavior, as is found in the Old Testament? I cannot begin to speak for God on this topic. I simply let this be a question to be asked when it can be addressed to the only One who can adequately answer it.

My role as a Christian is simply to remember. Just as God was with people thousands of years ago, God is with me today. Remember of all the crazy things in this world, the one constant thing is God’s presence with those who have come before me, during my lifetime as well as those who will come after me. Remember. Remember God. Remember God loves me.

For this, I am grateful.

Almighty God – there are parts of the Bible that maybe difficult for us to understand. Like all the killing and fighting. I pray we can remember your presence with people years ago, just as you are present with us yet today. Help us to remember you daily.  Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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