I have always had the most utmost respect for the stars and stripes, but to be honest with you, I have never looked at the American Flag the same since my son served our country with the Air Force. I can barely stand and sing the national anthem without tears coming to my eyes. In fact, it even angers me when I see someone talking during the anthem being sung at ballgames. I wonder to myself, "how dare them forget what has been sacrificed for them!"
On Memorial Day, I salute and remember all those men and women who have fought a good fight for our freedom. May we also, at this time, remember those who have fought the good fight for our spiritual freedoms...the men and women who have been martyred for their faith. I wonder how many of us even think about how some of the first Christian Martyrs were tortured..
On a stake or a cross, martyrs were suspended by one foot, or both feet, they were nailed to a cross with their head downwards, they were hung up by both arms with heavy weights attached to their feet. Christian Women Martyrs were suspended by their hair, some Martyrs were suspended by both feet with stones attached to their feet. The torturous list goes on and on. (Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs) All because they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ!
The book FOXES BOOK OF MARTYRS reveals some of the personal stories of these Martyrs. Just like the soldiers who have a heart of sacrifice, these Martyrs revealed what a sacrificial heart for their faith might take...
"So long as there is breath in my body, I will never deny my Lord Christ and His known truth. God's will be done in me." -Dr. Ridley (A Bishop Martyred for his faith in year 1555)
A short time later, Ridley along with Bishop Latimer were fastened to a stake, nailed in place and gunpowder placed around their necks. Fire kindling was placed around them including at their feet. When Latimer saw this, he said...
"Be of good cheer, Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day, by God's grace, light up such a candle in England, as I trust, will never be put out."
Wow. What an amazing attitude to have at such a moment. When the front line calls, a soldier answers. Not just for our freedom but for our faith as well.
"They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. they put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. 'Hail,, king of the Jews!' they said. They spat on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again. After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him." (From the book of Matthew)
I am so thankful for those that have fought the good fight so courageously! May we never forget their sacrifice...the sacrifice of the soldiers, the martyrs and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and before you get out the charcoal and hot dogs...join your grateful heart with ours and post your TT post in Mr. Linky below. Next week, find THANKFUL THURSDAY over at GRACE ALONE , Iris will be our hostess for the month of June.
And may we be willing to make sacrifices, too ~ large or small, whatever is required ~ for the glory of God. Man, I sometimes pray the ultimate sacrifice will never be required of me, that my faith will never be put to that strenuous a test!! But more than that, I hope that if it is, I will rely on God's grace and strength and fix my eyes on the prize set before ALL believers ~ eternity at His side!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am so thankful for those who have given their lives for our country and for those putting their lives on the line for their faith around the world. They need our prayers so much to remain faithful yet are so often forgotten. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder that there are so many who have gone before and fought for the rights, freedoms, and privileges we have today!
ReplyDeletethanks for such a great reminder!
ReplyDeleteThis is so very important. I think a lot of patriotism has not been taught to the young kids like it was when I was young. We really need to teach our young kids and remember ourselves the sacrifices made for us. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. We need to honor the sacrifices made by our brave heroes who serve in the military, and also remember the sacrifices made by their families. God bless our military!
ReplyDeleteDear Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI tear up also when I hear the Army Air Core Song . . . "Off we go into the wild blue yonder. . ."
My Dad was a co-pilot during World War II. He passed away a couple years ago but the song touches me deeply.
I am glad that you have turned our thoughts to the men and women that have given their life for their faith in Jesus.
Many saints have gone before us. We have a great cloud of beievers that have laid a foundation for us.
Awesome post, Laurie. I love how you tied in Memorial Day with scriptural examples.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
I took a stand this week. Thought you might like to read about it. Thanks for the reminder about Memorial Day. Hope you have a most enjoyable one.
ReplyDeleteAmen! What a beautiful tribute to those who sacrificed for our faith and for our country.
ReplyDeleteSobering food for thought, Laurie. Good thoughts and Scripture to chew on. I, too, feel the disrespect of others during the singing of our national anthem. My husband was one who served, and I am grateful especially for the sacrifice of those who did not come back alive, but for all who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy daily.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your connection and analogy to the Christian martyrs.
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Laurie, I appreciate your tribute for Memorial Day. I hope you have a wonderful Thankful Thursday and enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI read some bits of Foxes Book of Martyrs and it is a humbling experience to think of what ordinary people like me, went through so I could hear the gospel. Thank God for all the sacrifices that have been made and I pray I will be able to step up to plate if it's asked of me.
ReplyDeleteHappy Memorial Day!
sharon
Amen and Amen!! I am the same way. I have had family members who served in the armed forces. And I do not believe in talking during the National Anthem or The Pledge of Allegiance. To me, it's a matter of principle and respect for those who fought on our behalf, protecting our country and freedom. Thanks for sharing!!!
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