It was great to be with all of you last week at Positive Woman Connection.  We had the great privilege of hearing Mary James speak and sing.  What a blessing!  I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Here’s a little devotional thought about Memorial Day:

”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  Jesus

  Perhaps you are familiar with Eddie Rckenbacker (1892 – 1973).  He was one of the most celebrated American aviators in France during WWI. In WWII he was asked to go on a special mission to inspect Pacific air bases. During one of these tours his plane was shot down and he was forced to land in the Pacific. For 24 days and nearly hopeless conditions, Eddie and seven other men drifted aimlessly in the open sea. The crew would have died due to exposure and dehydration if Eddie (the oldest person on the raft) had not encouraged them that they would make it. You can read their story in the book Seven Came Through (1943).   Eddie was a courageous leader.  It is fitting to highlight the following quote about by Eddie as we celebrate Memorial Day.   

 I pray to God every night of my life to be given the strength and power to continue my efforts to inspire in others the interest, the obligation and the responsibilities that we owe to this land for the sake of future generations – for my boys and girls – so that we can always look back when the candle of life burns low and say, “Thank God I have contributed my best to the land that contributed so much to me.”  (source: America’s God and Country, compiled by William J. Federer)

This weekend as we enjoy the Memorial Day festivities, may we reflect on the great price that was paid for us to enjoy the blessings of living in this great nation.  Let us always remember with gratitude the sacrificial service countless men and women have given to this country.  As you enjoy a day off of work or school, take a moment to thank God for the blessings we so richly enjoy.  And before you head off to the ballpark or to fire up the grill stop and thank God for the people who have paid a great price for us.

 Thank you Lord for the lives of the brave men and women who have given their life in military service for our country. Thank you for the courageous example they set for us. Thank you for the freedom they preserve for us.  Father God, be with their families. Comfort them and strengthen them.  We shall never forget the gift they have given this country.