Today is Pearl Harbor Day. We are so far removed from the emotion and true understanding of what this day in infamy is about. More than 2,400 lives were cut down through a surprise attack on the Naval Station in the Hawaiian Islands.
My generation is once removed from the Greatest Generation, those who grew up in the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II. Instead, my generation lived through and with the effects of the Vietnam War. One generation that fought in World War II was looked to as heroes. My generation that fought in the Vietnam War was looked down on because the war was hotly debated and protested. There was little honor given to those who came back from that war. In fact, many were spit upon as they returned to America.
Both groups of veterans have had to deal with the physical and psychological marks left from their experiences through serving in the armed forces. It takes great heart and emotional steel to live with these lasting effects.
Today is also a day that valiant men and women are laying their lives on the line for: fighting fires.
My native state California is being assaulted by fires that are gobbling up homes and out-buildings and businesses and spitting out ash and blackened timber and bricks. Wind is an enemy--not a friend--during a fire. It pushes and turns the fire up hills, along mountain ranges and down canyons and ravines. Unabated, destruction is the known outcome. And like hurricanes, fires are given names. Thomas Fire is the one near Ojai, where my brother lives. Mandatory evacuations, countless displaced, many have lost homes, pets and today one body found. So much devastation from this disaster. And while everyone is running away from danger, there are brave souls who are running towards it, to meet it head-on.
We all have devastation and disaster in our lives. It comes in different forms through various means and at random times. For some, it comes from military service. For others, it comes from serving as emergency responders (ambulance, physicians, nurses, police, firefighters).
My sons have not had to serve in the military. But a close relative chooses to serve daily as a police officer. He willingly lays down his life for his community, day after day. And the emotional toll has assaulted his heart and mind as he connects daily with people under sometimes very dire circumstances (let your imagination run wild for some examples). He doesn't receive honor, so I know he doesn't do it for that--or the money! He wants to help make a safer community, yet he is eyed with contempt and served verbal hate. His career choice is viewed with distrust and disdain by some of the very public he serves.
So, I thank you, Jesus for all men and women who have served and are serving this country and our communities with their lives. What an ultimate sacrifice for them, as well as their families. We pray that we can remember on days such as this that "all gave some and some gave all" so that we can go about the business of our lives, safely.
Be their rear Guard. Be their Mighty Fortress and Shield. Give them courage and strength as they do their jobs. Then bring them back safely to their family and friends. Breathe Your Spirit upon them and infuse them with rest. Take the stench and weariness of their job and replace that with Your pleasant aroma and Your light yoke. Clothe them in physical fortitude and mental alertness. Give them words of truth AND grace to speak to the need of the moment. And cause their home to be full of Your joy and love. Bid peace to rest over their home. And, dear Lord, let them see that there are people praying for them...honoring them...each day.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13) To give your life so another person can live is the ultimate proof of love.