Fearless Service
Sometimes it’s hard for me to describe how proud I am of my daughters. Yeah, you heard it here first! Sometimes I’m at a loss for words, haha, hard to believe right?!?!
In all seriousness, there is an unimaginable amount of pride in the actions of these three young women.
I’m not sure where their selflessness comes from? The LORD I presume. He has gifted them with this amazing blessing and a servant’s heart.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
As I reflected on America preparing to celebrate 250 years as a nation this coming July, I found myself drawn to the deeper meaning behind such a milestone. A national celebration like this is more than fireworks, gatherings, and remembrance — it is a reflection on the freedoms, sacrifices, and foundational hopes woven into the very beginnings of our country.
When we look back at the original bones of this nation, we are reminded of the courage, vision, and determination that shaped its early days. While imperfect and still evolving, the story of America carries with it a reverence for liberty, opportunity, and the enduring pursuit of a better future for generations to come.
There is something deeply humbling about pausing to honor 250 years of history — to recognize both how far we have come and the responsibility we carry moving forward. In that reflection, I find both gratitude and joy: gratitude for the freedoms many fought to protect, and joy in the continued hope that communities, families, and everyday people can help shape what the next chapter becomes.
But even more than the anniversary itself, this Memorial Day weekend has stirred something deeper within me. It has reminded me that freedom has never come without sacrifice. Behind every liberty we enjoy are stories marked by courage, service, and love laid down for others.
As I reflect, I am reminded of two profound examples of ultimate sacrifice. First and foremost, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, whose life, death, and resurrection represent the greatest gift of grace, hope, and eternal freedom for all who believe. His sacrifice was one of perfect love — willingly given so that others might live.
And alongside that reflection, I think of the American soldier — the men and women who have willingly stepped forward throughout generations to defend the freedoms of this nation, many giving their very lives in service to others they may never meet. Memorial Day calls us to pause with reverence and gratitude for those sacrifices, remembering that the comforts and liberties we often take for granted were purchased at a tremendous cost.
There is a sacredness in remembrance. A quiet invitation to slow down, to honor, and to give thanks. In doing so, we not only remember the past, but we also renew our appreciation for faith, freedom, family, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
I’m in thoughtful reverence today as my daughters all have a willingness to stand up and say “I’ll serve” and a scripture that has always given me hope is Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. And of course, Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
I pray daily for the servicemen and servicewomen who are away from their families serving around the world ready to go into harms way for their country. This is a heavy burden, one the American soldier takes on completely. Their families too. And this Memorial Day we salute those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and we salute you and say Thank YOU!
Each day I’m grateful to have my daughters home with me. I am grateful to see their smiling faces, receive their hugs (and occasional eye rolls) and hear their daily stories and laughter.
Memorial Day means so much to so many. As this Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, my heart is filled with gratitude — gratitude for the blessings of freedom, for the generations who came before us, and for the sacrifices that continue to shape the lives we are able to live today.
May we never become too busy or too distracted to remember the cost of those freedoms. May we honor the fallen not only with words, but by living lives marked with kindness, purpose, faith, and love for one another. And may we carry forward a spirit of reverence and respect for both the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and the courage of the men and women who gave everything in service to this nation.
This weekend, and each day, may we gather with thankful hearts, cherish the people beside us, and remember those whose sacrifice made these moments possible.
Freedom is a gift.
Remembrance is an honor.
Gratitude is our response.
