Independence Day

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” Douglas MacArthur

“For he (governing authorities of verse 3) is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:4

As I write this a member of my extended family is lying in a hospital in Germany while doctors perform multiple surgeries to try to “patch him up” enough to live a normal life. This is the result of a life threatening injury suffered in Iraq as he served his country there. His young wife keeps vigil by his bedside. They are coping with his pain and endless procedures, hoping and praying that all this work on his internal organs will be successful. It is hard for me to even see this as reality. This man who I still picture as a young boy is now a War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

William Sherman once said, “I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of you to secure peace.” I cannot think of the sacrifices of the men of the United States and every other country that pursues peace and safety for its people without tears. When I see a man with a purple heart emblem on his license plate I tear up. When I see men in uniform in a store I tear up. Many times we will go up to such a man or woman and thank them. One time in particular our children were with us. My younger son was quite taken with this group of men in uniform. He wanted their autographs but was too shy to ask. He settled for a shake of the hand. One particularly young soldier looked quite confused at the attention. I said to him, “You have to understand that to him seeing a real soldier is equivalent to seeing someone famous.” He said, “Well there’s nothing special about me.” I said, “There is something very special about anyone who is willing to defend their country.” He dropped his head in embarrassment but I could see his smile.

This strong reaction of mine never surfaced until I had chidren of my own. Understanding the challenges to keep my children safe in such a sinful world has caused a great appreciation for those who will lay aside their own safety to secure my safety and the safety of my children. I praise God for these men. Every time I turn on the TV there is another bombing. Yet I walk freely without concern from place to place here in my own country. Yes, we have been attacked in the past and we will likely be again. However it is not an every day occurance and for that I am thankful. I freely attend church Sunday after Sunday with no fear. I share Christ with others freely. I have so much freedom with safety that I struggle not to take it for granted.

So, as I go and celebrate our country’s independance on July 4th with fireworks and concerts, I will not forget the men and women who have represented our government both home and around the world. I will pray for their safety. I will thank God for such as these. And I will pray for peace.

Praise Him! Karen Twombly

(You can read Karen Twombly at karen@christianhomekeeper.org )