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Writer's pictureJill Jarrell Newsome

Thank You For Your Service

Today we honor our servicemen and women for their sacrifices. Veterans Day is a day to honor those who served or have served in the military. I grew up in a family that had many who served in the United States army. Like my Dad, I always tear up while listening to the National Anthem. I love to see the American flag flying and that also brings tears of gratitude. I raised my girls to be respectful during the National Anthem. Hand on heart, don’t chew gum, no talking, etc. I am grateful that I got a glimpse of being part of a military family. Like so many, I never understood and appreciated the freedom that we enjoy as citizens of the United States and never appreciated the cost of this freedom!


As many of you, I know exactly where I was on September 11, 2011 and I was much more appreciative of our military! The terrorist attacks scared me! It scared me for my brother in the military, it scared me for our nation but mostly it scared me for my children. I would cry at night wondering about their safety. I had never been scared in this way before. One thing COVID times taught me was that I will never take for granted the freedom to attend church again! I missed being in person! I use online when I have to but it is not like being with my church family! I am free to attend any church I want; I can go to school; I can dress like I want; I can have as many children as I want; I can choose to be single or marry; I can marry whoever I want; I can vote; I can fly my American flag! Why can I do these things? Because our service men and women have fought for my freedom! They have laid down their lives in service to our country!


Please be in prayer for our veterans. Many Scriptures come to mind to guide us in our prayers for them. Psalm 46: 1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Joshua 1: 9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Psalm 33: 20-22, " We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you." 2 Samuel 22: 2-4, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. 'I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.'"


If you are a veteran or praying for a loved one serving, please memorize these Scriptures so you know you or they are never alone! God is always with you. He is our Help. He is our rock. He is our shield and our strength! He is worthy to be praised! He will put a hedge of protection around you and your loved one. I hope I never forget where our worldly freedom comes from. Thank you is not enough! Today let's raise our flags and pray for our veterans who have served our nation! John 15: 13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."


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