The Power of Remembering: Memorial Day

by David Chadwick Today is Memorial Day. It started as a way to commemorate Civil War soldiers and the countless ways they sacrificed for our country. We want to make sure that we stop to acknowledge and remember all soldiers who have fought for the tremendous gift of freedom we all enjoy. This is a very special day to remember. Remember all of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Remember those who potentially have died, yet came home. Remember those who continue to protect us today. Our Constitutional Republic guides us. Our Bill of Rights guarantees special freedoms. And all of these were formed by our Declaration of Independence – which was birthed from a desire for our nation to be one guided for the people and by the people. Today is a reminder that our government should work for us. We are the government leaders’ bosses and they were historically put in place to represent and carry the hearts of the people. May we never forget the necessity of practical freedoms. The sacrifices made to live as free people; not under the bondage of oppression and the will of a godless government. In the midst of our appreciation for America’s freedom, let’s also remember the message of eternal freedom that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A freedom that can never be taken away. Jesus came to set us free spiritually from the yoke of the Law. “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Our new identity and eternal salvation are now found in what Jesus has done for us and not in our performance. This is such good news, and a life yielded to Jesus and his ways releases us from the curse of sin! What a beautiful gift! Remember. Reflect. And remind yourself throughout this day of the precious gift of freedom we have as a nation. And as followers of Jesus!