As we commemorate the lives of those who willingly sacrificed in service to this country and in defense of the freedoms we enjoy, may we also remember the families who sacrificed alongside them. Freedom is never free. It always costs someone something, and often the ones enjoying the freedom are not the ones who paid the greatest price for it.
May we never take for granted those who have served, the sacrifices that were made, and the values upon which this country was built.
As I reflected on our nation’s freedom, I was also reminded of the greatest sacrifice ever made. Jesus came to earth with the ultimate purpose — to give His life so we could be reconciled to the Father. The freedom we now have from sin and spiritual death came at an immeasurable cost. I did not pay that price, yet I live every day benefiting from it.
I also found myself thinking about the many faithful people God placed in my life throughout the years who helped shape my faith journey. They sacrificed too. They gave their time, poured out wisdom, prayed for me, encouraged me, and modeled what it looked like to live for Christ. The foundation they helped build in my life is something I will forever be grateful for.
Even now, I still hear their words echo in my heart when I encourage others. Their influence continues through the way I live, lead, and pour into people around me.
The greatest way we can honor these sacrifices is by living in obedience to Christ and walking fully in the purpose God designed for us. And as we invest in others, we help pass on a legacy of faith, gratitude, and purpose to the next generation.
Who helped shape your faith and life journey?
Take a moment this Memorial Day to thank God for the people whose sacrifices, prayers, encouragement, and example helped make you who you are today.
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 CSB
“Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us, let us run with endurance the race that lies before us” Hebrews 12:1 CSB
“One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4 CSB
