They all died in Afghanistan last week while serving our country.
I am ashamed. Ashamed because I’m frequently occupied with my petty problems and rarely think about what’s happening overseas. Last Wednesday and Thursday, when these men died defending my freedom, I was selfishly doing my own thing, oblivious to their sacrifice.
Scripture condemns me as well: We are to honor and show respect towards members of our government, which includes those who serve in our military.
“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”1
In my shame, I honor them with this blog entry. In my shame, I communicate my respect with these feeble words of contrition and appreciation.
As I contemplated how else one can honor and show respect towards those serving in the military, I came up with these 10 suggestions. It’s my hope that one or more of them will be something that you’d like to take on.
1. Pray for someone who is deployed overseas
2. Send a care package to someone who is deployed
3. Write letters of encouragement to someone who is deployed
4. Befriend and support the spouse and children of someone who is deployed
5. Be patient and understanding with those who have returned from a recent
deployment
deployment
6. Hire a vet
7. Volunteer at your local VA hospital, USO or other military-support
organization
organization
8. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child who has lost a military parent
9. Thank a vet and those in uniform for serving
I honor you, Sgt. 1st Class Calvin B. Harrison. I honor you, Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Jackson. And I honor you, Sgt. Justin A. Officer.
I’m ashamed at my indifference and humbled by your sacrifice. Please forgive me, and God help me to do better in the future.
Note: Thanks to James, whose recent Facebook posting pricked my conscience and inspired me to write this blog entry.
1 Romans 13:7
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