Remembering Those Who Have Given Their All

Next Monday we will be celebrating Memorial Day as a nation. I was reflecting on that a few days ago and remembered a movie I saw several years ago that truly taught me the importance of taking the time to stop and remember those men and women who have given their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms we experience on a daily basis. Memorial Day is not about an agenda or getting something for myself; it is simply stopping to remember.

The movie I’m referring to is called Taking Chance. PFC Chance Phelps was a 19-year-old Marine who lost his life while serving in Iraq. The movie is based on the events when Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who was the volunteer military escort, accompanied the return of PFC Chance Phelps to his family in Dubois, Wyoming. I was in awe watching the care that was taken to treat Chance with the utmost respect due any man or woman who has given their all for us. The second thing that moved me was watching the respect shown by the general public toward this fallen veteran during his journey home. And last of all, I was moved by the respect that Lt. Col. Strobl showed by never leaving the body of PFC Phelps alone. Even though it was a journey that took a couple of days, he never left the body by itself. As many of you know, I’m a crier at movies that move me, and I’ll tell you that this movie brought me to tears. I truly learned the meaning of honoring those who have sacrificed their all for us and view Memorial Day in a whole new way.

In the same way, Jesus Christ gave his life for us to purchase our freedom. The good news is that he is not located in a grave but instead rose from the dead three days after dying on the cross. Yet, just as I am reminded of what so many have done to secure my liberties as an American, I am in awe that God loved me and you so much that he allowed his Son to give his all so that we could experience the liberating power of God to free us from sin. Every day we need to remind ourselves of the freedom we have because of Christ and make every effort to be a witness to a lost world looking for freedom. Enjoy your Memorial Day and be sure to stop and say a prayer for those families who have lost a loved one serving us, as well as praying for the safety of those who are currently serving. God Bless America!