Most of us celebrate our country’s birthday watching fireworks. But there’s something more we can do that will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of others. As you read this short inspirational piece, I hope it will encourage you to celebrate–and share–the Gift of true freedom and peace.

The Gift of Peace

by Rebecca Barlow Jordan

If I had the power, I’d give the gift of peace,

So all could live in harmony, forcing wars to cease.

I’d turn all hearts to love again in brotherhood and truth,

so death could never steal away a life within its youth.

With seeds of tender mercy, I’d sow a crop of care

to bloom within each gentle soul and water it with prayer.

I’d soak each life with kindness and plant contentment there

and cultivate its goodness, so every heart could share

the reaping of a harvest, on firm but gentle soil–

where weeds could never choke the life, and pest could never spoil.

I may not have the power to give this peace away,

for we will always hear of wars engaging in some way.

But I can give a treasure, worth more than anything:

I”ll give the world my Jesus, and let true freedom ring.

How will you share Jesus, the true gift of freedom and peace, this summer?

Freedom–what a precious gift is ours to know! To those veterans who made it possible for us–and others– to live with protection and security, we owe a thankful attitude. To those veterans who gave their lives in unselfish pursuit of justice and freedom, we owe a debt of gratitude.

WE ALL SHARE IN THE BLESSING AND RESPONSIBILITY OF FREEDOM

We all share in this blessing of freedom, and we all pray it will remain. But we must all bear the responsibility to keep it, whether we serve in the military of our country or other ways through the ”army” of our God. For America to stay great, we must stay good. That means a call to prayer, a return to the Lord, a denial of selfish ambitions that create idolatry in the heart.

God has blessed America. How long He will continue to do so, however, may depend upon the faithfulness of you and me and other Christians throughout our nation. Freedom demands personal responsibility. Freedom breeds love. Freedom exercises discretion.

We owe our freedom to a patient and gracious God, and to those veterans who have sacrificed unselfishly and fanned the patriotic fires before us with diligence and determination.

THANKS TO OUR VETERANS WHO SERVE

Thanks to all the veterans who have given so unselfishly through the years–some with their very lives, some who live with the physical and emotional reminders daily. And thanks to all those who are serving now in the name of freedom.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Thanks to those who serve silently–sending their greatest offerings, their own loved ones as they wait anxiously for their return. And thanks to the ones who eagerly wait to join their husbands, their wives, their sons, their daughters, their friends and loved ones who have already gone “home” before them to heaven.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO PRAY, GIVE, AND LOVE

Thanks to those who send up prayers, and to those who send out gifts, both practical and handmade with love to the ones who serve. And thanks to all who work in background ways, giving and supporting however they can.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Thanks to those who penned their memories so we could remember–and never forget the price of freedom. Lest you forget, others have documented history for Memorial Day remembrances.

May God grant His favor and blessing to all who have a part–and to all the families who have shared in their lives. You are our heroes, and this Memorial Day we offer you our deepest gratitude and our grateful prayers.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FAITHFUL GOD AND HIS FREEDOM

Thanks to our faithful God, for without Him, we would all be imprisoned in the battles of our own choosing.

May those who walk behind us find us faithful also.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

What about you? Are you a veteran? Do you have loved ones currently serving? Do you have a brief story, experience, or comment to share?