Remember All Day

Every Sunday morning, we attend Bible class and worship services (though this looked very different for most of 2020). At some point during the day, I ask the kids what they talked about in Bible class. One Sunday in October 2019, I asked Madilynn what she learned. Here is the exchange as recorded on Facebook:

I asked Madilynn what she learned in Bible Class… at first, she said, “I dunno…” then she said… “Asfurrrrrr….” then “oh wait, my paper is in my backpack.” So she pulls it out and reads, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Then told me Joshua said it, but he died, and how the Israelites forgot to teach their children so the people didn’t follow God. Then she said, “and they took I don’t know how many stones and made a remember-all to help them.”

“You mean a memorial?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“I like yours better. More descriptive of what they were supposed to do.” I said.

We may listen to/read and watch Harry Potter a lot, but we love the Bible more. I like that she can connect things in a way that makes the Word of God more meaningful to her.

October 13, 2019 (just shy of her 7th birthday)

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave all for this country. This day is about more than getting together with loved ones, cookouts, and a day off from work. For many, this day is not “happy” but solemn. The Veteran remembers fallen comrades while experiencing a mixture of guilt and gratitude for his safety. This day is for those who didn’t return home. This weight doesn’t press on you unless you are connected to the lifestyle. Even for me as a veteran’s wife, the burden is secondary. 

I’ve done videos on what not to say to a military spouse and the warrior ethos. I’ve shared our stories of transitions both in the military and after. I’ve talked about how service members often feel uncomfortable when people (strangers especially) thank them for their service. I’ve openly shared the daily ins and outs of PTSD. What I want to share today is the importance of remembering.

We remember ALL who sacrifice because when we don’t, we begin to take our freedoms for granted. When we start to forget that the cost of our freedom is connected to sacrifice, we neglect the lessons of history. Instead of passively thanking a service member, talk to them. Find biographies and documentaries and share them with your family. Remember that all the freedoms we enjoy in America come at a cost.