Dear SCC & Friends,
How blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. ~Psalm 144:15b
Update #88
Most people hate being labeled, but for some of us there is nothing we can do about it. PK’s – “preachers’ kids” or MK’s – “missionary kids” know what it’s like to be boxed in by a label. I was raised as an MB – “military brat,” but never liked the “brat” part, as it intimates a badly behaved child. I must admit the description did fit me at times, but the legacy and blessings far outweigh the label. “Duty, honor, country” run deep in my heritage. My great-grandfather was a drummer boy in the Civil War. My father was a West Point graduate and a decorated WWII hero who by God’s amazing grace survived, which made my life possible. My mom’s brother flew B-52’s, was a pioneer in the Apollo Space program and retired as a three-star General in the Air Force. My brother served in Korea and retired as a full Colonel in the Army. My sister-in-law also retired as a Lt. Colonel. I served as an infantry platoon leader during the Viet Nam war. My cousin was a Marine aviator and Viet Nam veteran, and my nephew did two tours in Iraq. Beyond our family, since September 11, 2001, individuals in and close to our church have served over 25 tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. All came home safely… Thank you Lord! Render to all what is due them: …honor to whom honor. ~Rom. 13:7
Today we invoke your blessing, as we honor and express our deep gratitude to all the veterans who have gone before us. The reality is that all of us know or have known someone that served in harm’s way. They risked life and limb that no harm would come to us. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ~Edmund Burke Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. ~Jn. 15:13 Without them, we would not have the blessings of liberty and freedom. These are tumultuous times with conflicting visions of what our nation was and is to be… For me it’s simple… “Land of the free, home of the brave!” Where do we get our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen? They are right next door. You coached them in soccer and Little League. You taught them in Jr. High and High School, they went to your church. They’re simply Americans who honor its people and posterity. In turn, we honor all the veterans this Veterans Day. …for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. ~2 Cor. 8:21 Their sacrifice was not in vain. May the Lord bless and preserve all our veterans and active-duty military and their families, especially those who have borne the ultimate sacrifice. We were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
Let us remember,
Kevin