Memorial Day- non commercialized

America is the land of opportunity. We come up with holidays to honor a group of people that deserve to be honored, and within very little time that holiday becomes a mecca of commercialism. Memorial Day is no different. Most people are growing up thinking that Memorial Day is a day to see mattresses and have cook-outs. And it is, but it is SO MUCH MORE than that!

Memorial Day is a day to honor those in our military (past and present) that have paid the ultimate price for us to continue to enjoy all our freedoms. It is a day to say "Thank You" to the military members we know or see, and their whole family and circle of close friends.

These days service in the military is completely voluntary, they even take an oath stating that they were not coerced into joining. Knowing that, and knowing the climate that we are in-America is once again involved in a bloody and deadly conflict that is supported by the majority of the nation-it is amazing and humbling that so many people are willing to risk it all, for an ideal.

America can be (and has been) described as post-Christian, but it is still an ideal. The idea of America and the dream of being here and living in this blessed nation is something that thousands and thousands of people risk their lives to achieve. Yes, a lot of them come here illegally, and that is not good. But they are coming here because it is AMERICA. Those 7 letters encapsulate so much, that I know I take for granted.

I take for granted that when I go to the grocery store there will be healthy food on the shelves and I'll be able to afford it. I take for granted that my tap water is clean, and that I have 2 toilets to use in my townhouse. I take for granted the heat in the winter and a/c in the summer. And being able to go the doctor, or look up medical questions online. Not to mention the religious freedom we have and the safety.

We have gun problems, and violence is an issue (I should know!), but my house isn't under the threat of bombings everyday, and people don't target me because I go to church, or even that I am all for female pastors! I'm liberated in many ways and I do take it for granted sometimes.

Yet, in my doctoral studies (yep I can say that now, I've started them!!!) I am learning just how high the cost of my freedoms are, and the battle field deaths are just the beginning. There is CSD (combat stress disorder aka CSR combat stress reaction) and what I call HSR (homefront stress reaction). HSR is not in the DSM, but it happens, being in the rear while a loved one is down range or off on extended training is stressful and takes it toll. Of course there are the injuries as well. The list could go on and on.

All of this to say that we owe the military our sincere gratitude for their willingness to answer Uncle Sam's call. And don't just focus on those in uniform, but also those that serve with them: spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend.

Happy Memorial Day, thank you to the military family and may God continue to see fit to bless the USA!!!

In Christ,
ME