Dear SCC & Friends,
Honor your father… ~Ephesians 6:2
Reflection #223
All of us have a story, and this is part of mine. We just celebrated the 80th anniversary of D-Day… June 6th, 1944. I couldn’t help but reflect on my father who arrived in France on December 10, 1944. Six days later, the bloodiest European battle of WWII began and ended with an estimated 90,000 casualties. Winston Churchill stated that the Battle of the Bulge was undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war. My father was a twenty-two-year-old Company Commander who would lead an attack against a heavily fortified Nazi SS battalion… In the course of the battle, he was shot across the bridge of his nose which temporarily blinded him. Almost simultaneously, a sniper’s bullet creased above his left ear and then another went through his right arm, dislodging his rifle. He continued the attack until one final bullet pierced his chest stopping ¼ of an inch from his heart. He stubbornly refused to quit, but due to so much loss of blood was unable to go further and was evacuated… Later examination revealed that his helmet had five bullets that went through it… The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.~Nahum 1:7
Twenty-five years later they held a special reunion of the German and American soldiers who fought in that particular battle. The Germans were utterly amazed that “the young American Captain” had survived that day. I often reflect, Lord, just another ¼ inch and I’m not here… our four children and ten grandchildren aren’t here. God’s sovereign providence remains a mystery that we cannot solve, but a blessing we can secure with gratitude. I thank God that He spared my father’s life. My father was a man of resolve and kindness, not only to our family, but to all who crossed his path. His wisdom, courage and faith impact me to this day. After I became the pastor of our church, he would call from time-to-time, “How is the flock?” He understood what it is to be entrusted with responsibility that affects life, death and eternity. May we be reminded that 3,500 years ago at Mt. Sinai, “the finger of God” etched these words into stone… Honor your father… It was not a suggestion. Blessings and love to all the fathers and grandfathers! We’re not here without you… Keep up the good work!
Happy Father’s Day,
Kevin