In memoriam and the battles we face every day

It's Veteran's Day.  And, after a tear-jerking, moving speech at the memorial service, I was left wondering what noble deed I am doing/might do for my country.  What is my noble, my courageous service?  First, I must humbly thank those brave men and women who have served and given all.  I think of the wives whose best years faded while their husbands spent lonely, cold and cruel nights in foreign parts, children who grew up with a picture of Father but no personal memories, and men who live still haunted by memories that can't be erased and, much like losing a loved one, may come crashing over them unexpected, unprovoked, leaving them once again struggling to live with the present tasks and face-paced culture.

  But, what can I do for this great country compared to these, and then it came softly, unexpected with all the weight and beauty of solid truth.  With a toddling one-year-old finally crashed-out asleep in his stroller, girls dressed in AHG uniforms passing out poppies and a son in Trail Life shirt and hat offering small flags while the anthems of our great service branches played in the background, I saw my sacrifice.  Not only my sacrifice but the sacrifice of many other women there present and who have been and will be coming after me.  Raising up godly men and women with integrity, respect and hearts of service: that is my gift to a nation and my daily sacrifice.

     As a mom, we give day in, day out, every heartbeat and often the wee hours of precious sleep, the hopeful projects and half-forgotten hobbies, our lives our laid down.  Not 6 feet under, not on far away battlefields but right here, right now, until death, on the great battlefield of the home.  I've experienced first hand lately and had my eyes open wide to the truth that my home is a very real battlefield and the minds and hearts of my children are territories worth keeping, preserving and dying for.  They are vulnerable, weak and constantly under attack by the world around them, the enemy and their own self-wills, and it is my job, my duty, my high-calling to stand guard, alert, ready to fight for them and to preserve that great freedom for which we have been set free by the One who has paid in blood, sweat and body.

       So, my friends, great Christian women of America, her future is resting upon you, upon your vigilance, upon your wisdom and gentle instruction, upon your sleepless nights, tear-stained pillow and worn-out knees.  My prayers are with you as I fight, your comrade, your ally, your fellow countryman of that Great Country we have not yet seen. along your side.