Woo Hoo It’s Wednesday

Lee and I had a fabulous weekend. One of our “adopted kids” retired from the Air Force. His ceremony was held at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Georgia and was full of traditions and pageantry. At the retirement party we heard stories from four of the gentlemen he served with. The bonds those guys developed during their time overseas are unbreakable.

This weekend we will celebrate Memorial Day. While Britt and his friends are here to share their stories, there are so many that never returned home. Their families didn’t get to sit around and share stories, laugh, and enjoy a retirement celebration.

Jesus’ words in John 15:13 have special meaning on Memorial Day: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” While spoken in the context of His own coming sacrifice on the cross, these words also reflect the noble choices of countless soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who put the needs of others above their own safety.

 As believers, we understand sacrifice through the cross. Jesus Christ gave His life not just for His friends, but for sinners—so that we might live in freedom, not only in this life but for eternity. The soldiers we remember on Memorial Day also died for freedom, believing in something greater than themselves. Their sacrifice, like Christ’s, calls us to live lives of gratitude, purpose, and service.

So this Memorial Day, let’s not only remember their deaths but honor them by how we live:

• With integrity, reflecting the values they fought to protect.
• With compassion, extending kindness and care to others.
• With faith, trusting in the God who redeems even our deepest sorrows.

After being on that base, I made a promise to always tell those who serve they are appreciated. So, to those of you who were in the military, I salute you and say a heart-felt thank you.

Let’s be present on Memorial Day. Let your appreciation Shine, Shine, Shine!

Tina