Do you recall the Memorial Days of your youth? What did you and your family do to remember the war veterans? Our family and neighbors marched up the street with lawn chairs, blankets and cold drinks. We were in search of the best spot to watch the never ending parade while being approached by war vets selling red poppies in remembrance of their WWI and WWII family and friends. Back then, it was fun to collect poppies, always asking Dad for more change to collect them, but I didn’t grasp the gut wrenching reason for doing so. That’s changed.
There is no longer a parade in our town, but I may go searching for a red poppy to wear in memory of my dear friend who lost her son in this war we’re fighting against terrorism. Or maybe I’ll pin a red rose out of my garden on my shirt today to make me acutely aware of what so many families are experiencing.
All I can do is shake my head and lift up prayers for her and her loved ones today. I can’t imagine what it’s like to get the knock on the door, and then have to follow through with funeral plans, and get up day after day knowing you’ll never see that sweet face, with big brown eyes and gorgeous dark hair again - ever.
Will you join me in covering our troops, country, leadership, and all those grieving the loss of loved ones today and everyday? Especially the moms…
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If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 31b, 35, 37-39)
4 Comments
Oh Dotsie,
It’s been so long since I thought about the red poppies. Wow, that was a “flash” from the past. I have such fond memories of “men in white” passing them out along the parade route of my hometown. I can stilll hear the band playing in the background. Isn’t it amazing how one word can trigger a whole series of forgotten memories. Thank you for that timely remider!
Hugs!
Hi Connie. Do you still attend a parade, or has your town forgotten the vets too?
I have lost a child due to death……I continue to keep the faith in Jesus Christ……I trust that he will provide for my other children who have been placed in foster care…..He is my guidance, my inspiration, and someday I will reunite with my children whether it be in this life or the next……I think you for your comment it was what I needed today……I know Jesus led me here to reassure me that he is holding me in the palm of his hand and helping me to regain my strength from my loss(es)……I have 5 children still living whom I do not get to see……His love is so very devine…..without the faith and knowledge I would have never made it through these trials…..Thank You……and Thank You to all whom have lost a child due to death for keeping the faith and being one with us…..Keeping you in prayers for healing……
I am very thankful for those who have been a vet, all those who have lost a love one, and all the veterans whom are still fighting in the wars today…..May the Lord Jesus bless and heal the broken hearts, Praying you will find peace within yourself and will be at peace within yourselves knowing he or she was called upon….This was the Plan he chose for you to reach out and become stronger in the faith……I pray for the men and women who are still in the war that you may have a safe return home…..I give my Thanks to you All for being brave enough to stand up for freedom and rights and a world filled with happiness like he planned…..Thank You….AMEN