The Final Salute

 “This woman will be forever remembered for what she’s done.” ~ Matthew 26:13

Paula vividly recalled the drums beating slowly as she walked with her two boys from the Old Post Chapel, behind the horse-drawn caisson carrying her husband’s flag-draped casket.

Struggling to maintain her composure, she stared at his freshly dug grave, the 21-gun salute, Taps. The chaplain handed her a perfectly folded flag. A blur of tributes.

Then a lady stepped forward, a stranger, dressed not in uniform but in a simple black dress. She whispered a few words and pressed a card into Paula’s hands. "If there’s anything you need ..." she assured before melting back into the crowd.

Later Paula would think of her as a comforting, human presence in a sea of starched uniforms and salutes. The stranger was an "Arlington Lady" - one of a small band of volunteers, mainly spouses of retired military officers, who attend every funeral in Arlington National Cemetery.

Their mission is to ensure no soldier, sailor, airman, or coastie is ever buried alone. Paula recalled feeling as though an entire nation grieved with her.

The Gold Star wife later wrestled with how best to honor her late husband. She dug out the lady's card. “This is something I can do,” she thought. “Not just for him, but for every veteran.”

Today, she’s lost count of how many funerals she's attended over the past 30 years. “Eight to 10 Soldiers are buried here daily,” she said. “So, two of us attend 5 funerals a day, regardless of the weather conditions."

Begun in 1948, the group was created when General Hoyt Vandenberg, and his wife, Gladys, noticed that some services had only a military chaplain present. (Often older Soldiers who served in Vietnam, Korea, and World War II who’ve outlived family and friends). Gladys asked her friends to start attending services. Their efforts soon grew into a group of several dozen women.

They’re not to be seen as professional mourners, but rather as a support system for the families. Their role is to represent the service branch to offer condolence, support the family and honor the veteran or service member.

Because they’re all former or current military spouses, they help to put a family face on the funeral service. Their presence reminds us that a grateful nation shares in their loss.

Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. He rejected His disciples' idea that a woman who anointed Him should have sold the expensive ointment instead, to make better use of the money. Rather, He has called her act a beautiful thing. (Mathew 26:13).

For the heroes who’ve given their lives in service to God and country, please honor them today. We’re the “land of the free” only so long as it remains home to the brave.

Heavenly Father, today we pray with grateful hearts, recognizing the sacrifices of those who serve our country - humbled by their courage, dedication, and selflessness. Thank You for those who’ve answered the call, putting their lives at risk to defend our freedoms and way of life. Amen

Empathy from Apathy

 “Love looks like sacrificial kindness and patience towards others." ~ Colossians 3:12-14

Christian (16) and Javier (9) wandered down a country road that bordered a strawberry field. They noticed a sweaty man toiling in the field, his wide-brimmed hat, long cotton sleeves, and dirt-infused jeans protecting him from the boiling sun.

His rubber boots had trampled many miles, some worn by countless workers before him. Fortunately, a newer pair of walking shoes sat beside a small knapsack under a shade tree nearby.

He averted the boys’ stare. Harsh Mexican street life back home had taught the dark-skinned man to remain as isolated as possible. Even a stray glance could mean trouble.

Javier looked at his older brother and said, “Let’s hide his good shoes so when he comes from the field, he won’t be able to find them. His expression will be awesome!” he sneered.

Christian shook his head. “The man is a seasonal worker, thousands of miles from home. He probably confronted dangers and experiences that will haunt him forever to find this backbreaking work - all for the love of his family and the hopes for his children’s future.”

“For a prank to be funny it needs to come as part of a culture where pranks are an accepted way to show acceptance and love. The key is to make sure it’s hilarious instead of harmful. It must show that the person is "one of us," rather than the opposite.”

“He looks poor,” Christian continued. “See his clothes? Let’s do this instead: Let’s hide some money in each shoe. Then we’ll hide in these bushes and watch for his reaction.”

Javier agreed and they placed some bills and loose change in each shoe. It wasn’t long before the worker came off the field, ragged and exhausted. He pulled on a shoe and immediately felt the cash under his foot. He emptied the shoe, staring at its content in disbelief.

Confused, he slid his foot into the other shoe and felt more money. Overwhelmed, he dropped to his knees and offered a short prayer of gratitude that the boys could easily hear from their hiding place. He spoke of his sick wife and two small hungry sons, praising God for this unforeseen bounty from unknown hands.

Soon the boys walked home, inspired by their generosity; an emotional warmth that would glow from within for some time.

Love and empathy are foundational elements of a functional society. And there is no person in history that set a better example than Jesus Christ. He didn’t form an army, build a headquarters, or even write a book. One of the most powerful ways of turning people’s loyalty to God is through the intensive fellowship of affection for others.

Loving Father, fill our hearts with the power of Your love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to You. Help us remember that the most significant thing we can do in this life is simply to love You and to love others. Amen

"Nearer My God to Thee"

 “Jesus comforts us when we suffer. In turn, we are called comfort others.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Frigid Arctic cold seeped into her car as she waited for her son while he attended his mandated Narcotics Anonymous meeting at the nearby church. Jenny worried that he might ditch the meeting if she didn’t hang around.

Anxious and restless, Jenny tried to read her book. These next 90 minutes could be the final trauma that broke Luke as he struggled with sobriety.

Parents are responsible for keeping their kids on the right path. Where had she failed? Jenny longed for someone to confide in and almost wished she could join Luke inside.

Through the frosted car windows, the church glowed like an invitation. Hoping they wouldn’t mind if she waited in the Sanctuary until the meeting ended, she opened the ornate wooden doors and slipped quietly into a back pew.

Celestial voices softened her anxieties as a choir sang “Nearer My God to Thee.” It expressed the aim of every Christian to draw closer to God. Powerful, yet soothing and reassuring.

When the practice ended, choir members gathered up front sharing testimonials of God’s work in their lives. Their everyday miracles moved Jenny to tears. A peace, that she hadn’t felt since Luke’s addiction surfaced, washed over her.

She wiped the tears and stood to leave. Time to face the cold reality awaiting outside. “What bought you here tonight?” one of them asked.

“I’m just waiting for my son downstairs,” she offered, not needing to explain what that meant.

“I’ll pray for his healing,” a woman said, resting her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. “You aren’t alone in this,” said another. Other members joined the circle, offering encouragement and empathy.

Suddenly Jenny realized that the glow she’d seen from her car hadn’t come from lights but from the radiant hearts of the strangers surrounding her.

She stepped back into the cold and spotted her son standing next to the car and hurried to him. Before she could speak, Luke hugged her. She saw in his eyes the same sense of hope and renewal that reflected from her own.

On the ride home, Luke explained how hard he’d been trying to heal, and how worried he was about being a new father. Jenny told him how much she loved him, and that she’d always be his Mom and grandmother to his baby.

They talked about the angels they’d both met that night and the inner peace they’d rendered; an affection reminding them they weren’t alone no matter how much healing remained.

Even when we can’t see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let’s remember to call upon Him and always give thanks.

Lord, nourish my spirit with Your presence and fill me with the treasures of Your wisdom and knowledge. Light up my heart with Your words of love and give me the strength to seek You daily. Show me the way to everlasting life. Amen

Motherly Love

 “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring praise." ~ Proverbs 31:31

The first time Olivia saw orangutans at the world-famous Henry Dooly Zoo, a mother-infant pair caught her eye. Baby Meras rested on her mother's tummy as she hung from a vine, unbothered by the people watching from below.

A mother’s love is like no other. As mommy Dora swung among the foliage, Meras clung firmly to her belly. Everything about Dora seemed inherently beautiful - strong, confident, and nurturing. It brought to mind Olivia’s own story.

These red-haired primates from South East Asia are mothers of distinction. Orangutan moms only give birth about once a decade. They form an inseparable bond with their newborn, parenting them for up to 9 years - longer than any other single animal parent. Meras will cling to her mother for the first several years of her life while Dora swings her way through the forest canopy.

Like many kids today, young orangutans rely solely on their mothers to learn life skills, such as what to eat, where to find it, and how to avoid dangerous predators before they finally reach independence almost a decade after birth.  

The largely-solitary nature of orangutans also means that a mother orangutan cannot count on others in a group for support. Orangutan mothers must be brave supermoms in order to raise their offspring in the wild!

Olivia’s husband abandoned the family when the children were too young to remember. Reeling in shock and pain, she learned to navigate a mortgage without child support, two little kids, and a lack of recent job experience.

Everything was harder. She no longer had a partner to help with family chores. The girls helped when they could, but Olivia demanded that school was always their highest priority.

She wistfully remembered pouring out her heart to God in a tattered journal in the wee hours one morning, accompanied by a cup of coffee and a Bible. Though scared, Olivia’s faith sustained her. She discovered an intimacy with God she’d never known, forged in her darkest hours.

Over time, her smile returned, but the joy she’d discovered from being a single mom was different from the joy she sought before. This joy wasn’t based on a “happily ever after” paradigm; it was now grounded in an awareness of God’s provision and sustenance. He remained an eternal ally.

Like most humans, orangutans raise their young with love and care. In doing so they help them develop into well-adjusted young adults with the skills needed to thrive within their own setting and communities.

Neither mother might get credit for the long nights and endless days when their babies were small, but someday, they’ll be appreciated for their sacrifices and their joy will be complete!

Loving God, being a single parent can be difficult. Please grant her peace, patience, and Your love and guidance as she raises her children. Please be with her each day as she does the work of two people on her own. Amen

Teddy's Bear

 “May you experience Christ’s love, though it is too perfect to understand fully.” ~ Ephesians 3:18-19

It began in 1902 on a hunting trip President Roosevelt took the Mississippi governor’s invitation. Noted for its dense briars and endless swamps, his host insisted that the President remain in camp until a was bear spotted. His absence from the actual chase seemed disturbing to a man who prided himself on living the hardy life - “the tougher the hunt, the better.”

Guides tracked down an old black bear and secured it to a willow tree. They summoned Roosevelt and suggested that he shoot it.

The President took one look at the old bear and refused. Doing so would be “unsportsmanlike!” he declared. He believed in hunting only under “fair chase” conditions. True sportsmanship, he reasoned, provided a clear distinction between commercial slaughter-for-profit and ethical conservation. That sportsman's code would later form the foundation for today’s game laws.

News of Roosevelt’s ethical gesture soon spread quickly through newspapers across the country. Articles recounted the story of the “big-game-hunter-president who refused to shoot a defenseless bear. Political cartoonist Clifford Berryman picked up on the story, drawing a cartoon lightheartedly satirizing Roosevelt, dressed in full rough rider uniform, with his back to a corralled, frightened, and very docile bear cub, refusing to draw his weapon.  

Morris and Rose Michtom, Brooklyn candy shop owners, saw the cartoon and had an idea. Rose quickly formed a piece of plush velvet into the shape of a bear, sewed on some eyes, and the next morning, the Michtoms had “Teddy’s Bear” displayed in their store window. Instantly, more than a dozen people asked if they could buy the bear.

With Roosevelt's permission to use his name, the Michtoms began mass-producing the toy bears. Soon, they were selling so many of the loveable toys, they shut down their candy shop and opened a new toy company - ‘The Ideal Toy Company.’

Other entrepreneurs quickly followed suit, making their own versions of the teddy bear. Roosevelt even used the teddy bear as his mascot when he ran for re-election.

Teddy bears are one of the loveliest and cutest gifts one can give to a loved one. These cuddly toys have a certain allure that makes the perfect companion. They have the gentle brown hues and kitten-soft fur from which childhood dreams are made. Coal black eyes emote the innocence, humility, and goodness we had as children and desperately need in today’s society.

Teddy Bears remind us of a childlike faith - that sense of security and comfort we gain simply by their presence. God loves us more than any beloved Child’s possession. And His constant friendship reminds us of the comfort, security, and love that can only be found in Him.

Father God, You love us more than we could ever imagine or deserve. Live in me and work through me. When loving some become challenging, give me the grace and the endurance to love them well anyway, as You have loved me. Amen

America

 “Praise God in song: proclaiming His greatness and giving Him thanks.” ~ Psalm 69:30

The man with a big heart beamed with pride as he heard a Boston children's choir sing for the first time in public, a tune he’d written a few months ago. It was the summer of 1832 when immigration to America was increasing at a notable rate due to political and social upheavals in Europe. As a result, Americans were unsure about whether the union would survive the strain.

Months earlier, Samuel Francis Smith, a 24-year-old theology student who spoke several languages, had been asked to translate some European songs into English for a new hymnal the publisher was compiling. His eyes fell on a German song entitled "God Bless Our Native Land."

Inspired by a desire to create a national hymn that would allow the American people to praise God for our beautiful landscapes and our freedom to worship the Pilgrims sought in the new world. He penned these lines on a scrap of paper in less than 30 minutes, using the same melody as that of the century-old British national anthem, “God Save The Queen.”

The song, simply titled "America," would eventually be better known by its first few words:

"My Country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring!”

A tribute to our homeland, it prays reverence to God and pleads for His continued guidance. This song nearly sings itself – unites our minds and hearts, and in a matter of minutes transports us to a lofty place in another time.

Smith later declared that he had not intentionally tried to write a patriotic song, but it soon took on a life of its own. It served as our de facto national anthem until “The Star-Spangled Banner” was adopted nearly a century later in 1931.

After graduating from Harvard and the Andover Seminary, Dr. Smith became an influential minister in several New England churches, composing over 150 hymns before his passing in 1985 at the age of 88. Today the song, decidedly easier to sing than the National Anthem, continues to inspire.

As its popularity increased, "America" was accepted for use in public schools and civic ceremonies. When Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to over 200,000 civil rights supporters, the refrain - "Let freedom ring!"- climaxed his historic speech. More recently, Both Presidents Obama and Trump included the song as part of their inauguration celebrations.

Each time Samuel Smith's masterpiece is heard, we should thank our Heavenly Father for all the blessings we enjoy as Americans. Sing it courageously. Sing it proudly, and most of all, sing it with gratitude in your heart.

“Our fathers’ God to thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by Thy might, Great God our King! ~ America, Verse 4 by Samuel Francis Smith

Beautiful

 “Anyone alive has hope - even a live dog is better off than a dead lion.” ~ Eccles 9:4

This trip would’ve been bad enough without the added stress of nearly missing her last-minute flight. Carly was on her way to visit her sister Dana who’d suffered 2^nd and 3^rd-degree burns on her face and chest from an explosion at the university’s research lab.

Lucky to have survived, Dana was currently undergoing treatment in a leading burn hospital.  Carly immediately booked a flight to see her but wasn’t sure she was ready to now. Dana’s disfiguring scars would be extensive, but the emotional scars could prove even more devastating.

Would she be able to keep her composure in front of her sister? How would this change Dana’s life? More importantly, what comfort could she possibly bring her sibling?

Once on board, Carly practically threw herself into the middle seat. She attempted an apology to the passenger she crawled over, but her voice caught before uttering a word. The woman’s face and neck were patched with burn scars.

“On vacation?” she asked casually.

“I’m going to visit my sister,” Carly said, her anxiety soaring as though forced to confront Dana’s injuries before she even arrived there. Carly tried not to stare.

“Lord,” she tensed silently. “Not this. Please not now.”

“Sounds like fun!” the woman said.

She didn’t know why, but all at once she felt compelled to tell this passenger the truth about her journey. She wanted to pour everything out to this stranger… her fears, doubts, and insecurities.

“Actually, my sister was badly burned in an accident,” Carly said expecting an awkward reply.

“I’m Jess,” the woman confided and shared the story of how she’d sustained severe burns as a teenager. To paraphrase Ecclesiastes,” she continued, “It’s better to be a disfigured, living dog than to be a dead lion.” Carly then offered the details of Dana’s accident and injuries.

Sensing Carly’s unease, Jess went on. “Don’t underestimate the strength of her spirit,” she said. “Dana may carry scars from her wounds, but she’ll heal.” Jess described her own recovery path and how despite her injuries, she emerged stronger than before.

“It’s not that I’m proud of my scars,” Jess confessed. “They are what they are, born of accident and necessity.  But I’m not embarrassed by them, either. I relish the stories they tell.”

Her words lifted Carly’s fear and worry. Of all the people she could’ve been seated next to.

Her new friend offered a reassuring hug as they parted ways at the airport gate. “It’s not going to be easy,” Jess said, “but your sister will make it through this. And so will you.”

Carly’s trepidation vanished. God knew exactly what she needed. And so had Jess.

Faith isn’t a magical amulet that protects us from tough situations. It connects us to those who suffer.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love, Amen.” ~ St. Francis