“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” ~Corrie ten Boom
A couple months ago, my husband and I watched the Navy Seals movie, Act of Valor. Or rather, my husband watched while I squirmed and covered my eyes and left the room more than once because holy harshness, it is intense. Not in a sensational, violence-for-the-sake-of-violence way, but in a real, this-is-what-their-job-looks-like way. Because there is no sidestepping the plain ugly truth: Lots of folks don’t like Americans and the freedom we stand for. They are willing to give their lives to end both.
But our military veterans? They are willing to give their lives to defend both.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” ~John 15:13
I generally find soap boxes obnoxious, but if I were to stand on one, it would be to defend the reputation of our military. Isolated accounts of soldiers behaving badly blare on loudspeaker while the amazing deeds of the majority remain mute. The better part of our military is composed of hard-working, humble-seeking, faithful-living folks. They fiercely love their wives and husbands. They are tender with their kids. Families rank at the top of their priorities. They perform as many acts of valor in their private world as their public one. They would take a rainstorm of bad attitudes and bullets for their people and for your people. For you.
And then there are the spouses who stand by their sides even when that means standing alone . They push off the covers every morning and swing their feet to the floor to courageously tackle each day while waiting and wondering what’s over the next hill. They keep on keepin’ on in their own everyday acts of valor over dishes and diapers and dinners. They weather change better than anyone on earth knowing God {not Uncle Sam} controls the chaos.
Our military and their families prove courage is cross-shaped. Because courage is a vertical, up and down verb you do and live, but it’s also a horizontal, back and forth noun you give and share.
And that’s the plain, beautiful truth.
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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Your sacrifices are appreciated more than you can fathom…yet we don’t tell you enough.
You are such a love, Jen!! And you’re welcome, welcome, welcome.
True, true words. Thank you for speaking them, friend.
And thanks to you and your man for living them. Love you, Ash!
Amen and Amen! Thank you for this Kristen!
Appreciate you, Lisa!
“Isolated accounts of soldiers behaving badly blare on loudspeaker while the amazing deeds of the majority remain mute.” So well put and I am so thankful for those serving our country. I cry whenever I see someone in uniform. The dedication and devotion to protecting our country, our freedom is beyond expression. Thank you to your man and the many others who put their lives on the line for us.
You are a gem, Elise. Thank *you*.
Thank you Kristen! More of this needs to be said. The political voices get in the way of the deep commitment and unthinkable sacrifices being made while the politicians argue over…don’t get me started. We were in the Atlanta airport, years ago, returning from our son’s boot camp graduation (Army). Several hundred camo-clad soldiers were returning to Iraq after R&R. Several wives were at the gate with their men. I couldn’t stop crying. He went on to serve in Iraq with one close call. Now, he is back home with his family, serving in the National Guard. Another son will be joining the Coast Guard soon. Others in our family served in the Navy and Air Natl Guard. Yesterday, I posted photos from our local Veteran’s Day Parade. I appreciate being in an area with a strong military presence, with respect for those who have served. And, for the sacrifices their families make. I have deep respect for all of them!
Oh yes, those airport reunions and farewells? Tear. Me. Up.
Maureen, will you tell your son and family “thank you” for me? And I’m so thankful your boy is safe and sound with you and his family on the homefront!
I’ve never heard this song before – I absolutely love it! From one military wife to another – thank you for your sacrifices as well as your husband’s and family’s.
Oh, I’m glad you like it! And many thanks to your family, Karen. You are a gift!
Thank you, your husband and all our military men and women Kristen. I have many military in my family. Lovely post. I’d never heard this song either…love it.
A hearty thanks to your own family, Mary. Love you!
Simply beautiful and powerful. Military families are the very picture of strength, courage and commitment. Thank you for honoring everyone- yourself included.