Memorial day is about honoring those who have died in service. Sunday, for some reason, I thought of my Dad, something I've never done. My Dad flew gliders in WWII. I watched a film on those pilots and it's amazing any of them made it out alive. At any rate, Dad took shrapnel during a raid at some point. A bit of it was lodged at the base of his brain in an area that couldn't be safely removed. The result was debilitating, raging headaches.
Mom often excused my dad's Jekyll/Hyde personality and violence saying it was caused by the headaches and it wasn't his fault. As I got older I stopped buying the excuses knowing what alcohol had done to him and the fact that he kept drinking while lying to AA friends, pretending to be sober. In my mind he was nothing but a liar and con man who got a kick out of abusing his family.
Sunday, for some reason, I felt overwhelmed with sadness for him, thinking maybe, just maybe, my mother was right. Maybe it was the war that made him so mean and ultimately caused his early death - eaten alive by the cancer of hatred and depression. He died of a massive stroke at the age of seventy two, brought on, no doubt, by medicine and alcohol abuse. Perhaps he did die by his wounds of war, it just took a few years. I now live with debilitating pain every day of my life. Without the strength I have in Jesus, and focusing on the call He's given me, perhaps I'd have travelled the same path my dad did.
I'm finding forgiveness. I used to think it served him right if he burned in hell. But today, I hope and pray that somehow in his last breath he was able to confess and trust Jesus. We're all victims or products of our circumstances to some degree, aren't we? I'm so grateful for the Lord's love and mercy. How else could we survive this wicked world?
In remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country, for our freedom, for our safety.
anne
I just received this in an email and rather than pass it on because I detest any kind of chain mail whatsoever, I'm going to post it here on behalf of and in honor of all veterans and those actively serving our country now. I must admit I've edited this for accuracy.
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has protected our freedom of religion.It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has protected our freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has protected our freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has protected our freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has protected our right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has protected our right to vote.
It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,
It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,
O Lord most merciful, grant eternal rest to those who have died in service, grant boldness, strength, mercy and wisdom to those who stand in protection of our nation today. Grant wisdom to our president and members of his cabinet in making decisions that will effect our country's protection and freedom in the future.
