I couldn't let this day pass by without sharing a special event from my life for which I am extremely thankful to God. Nearly 27 years ago, the Lord blessed my husband and me with a beautiful son. He has always been a joy to us and never failed to make us proud. On September 11, 2006, our son joined the United States Army and over the next four years served our country with honor. In Iraq he grew in experience and knowledge and when he returned to the states was a man who had learned more about the world and had seen more of human behavior than I ever imagined a child of mine would. I thank the Lord that he came home healthy and whole, but I mourn with my son the loss of many who bravely served alongside him. As our country celebrates Memorial Day this weekend, I pray that we never forget the sacrifices made throughout the generations by these brave individuals – men and women who fought for freedom for ourselves and our neighbors across the seas. 

"Greater love hath no man than this, 
that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). 

When our son was overseas it was a very unsure time in my life.  Fear was very real and threatened to overtake me at times.  However, I was comforted with the knowledge that he was just as close to God in Iraq as he was here on the streets of America.  There was many a sleepless night that I would stare up at the sky and know that our son was seeing the same sky...and the same God who was watching over me was watching over him in that far away land.  I prayed each day and thanked the Lord for the gift our son is.  And as I looked to the Lord, He reminded me that no matter where we go in life, we are not alone.  As we travel along the path God has set before us, our Heavenly Father is right beside us. There will be times when the road is difficult and other times when it is smooth. But, He tells us to take comfort knowing that He is there. God will be with us to be our Companion, our Leader, and our Guide on our journey through this life, so we need not fear! 

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Today, as in all days, I am thanking my Heavenly Father for watching over us and always being by our side. Whether we are in a distant land separated from friends and family or close by simply travelling along the path in life, let us remember, and be thankful, that we have a constant Companion in our Father.

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Remembering with thanks those who have served,

Joan



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19 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing. And thank your son for me, for all that he has done for our country. God bless!

    Encouraging Thoughts for Life

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  2. Joan, thank you for raising a son who chose to serve his country in this way, and thank you for your service in letting him go and in enduring the fear. I can't imagine! So thankful that he's home safe and sound!

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  3. Denise OldhamMay 28, 2012

    God bless your dear son.

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  4. Wendy @ ECTaSMay 28, 2012

    We have our Remembrance Day in November.  However, we are saddened by the soldiers who return to our country every week injured and both battle scarred in their bodies and minds.   My husband served in the Falklands and he still has night terrors.  We need to pray for the soldiers' minds as well as their safe return.  This is where another very real battle takes place... and not just in their minds but in their parents / families / friends minds also (as you have shared).

    Thanks for sharing re: your son Joan... and what it was like for you whilst he served abroad.  

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  5. Joan, praising God for Mama's like you today... who raise boys that fight for our country. My beloved husband has been serving for 8 1/2 years... And his willingness to lay down his life for a great cause moves more than words can describe. Blessings to you. 

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  6. I learned a lot while he was away.  One of the things was that so much in life is out of our control.  That's why it is so important to trust our God...for everything is in His mighty hands!  Blessings!

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  7. As I learned how to trust God during this shaky time...my faith grew!  Our God is a great God!

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  8. Ugochi JolomiMay 28, 2012

    Thank God for your son's life and those who lost their doing service for their great nation. And thank God He never leaves us nor protects us. And thanks for sharing this encouragement Joan. God's grace and speed!
    Following from Monday meet up
    http://www.ugochi-jolomi.com/ 

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  9. Many thanks to your son for his faithful service, and to all those who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms, as well as their families. May God bless and keep all of you.
    Love in Him,
    Laurie


    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
     

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  10. This, right here, Joan, is such a comforting thought for every parent on the planet:  "... that he was just as close to God in Iraq as he was here on the streets of America."

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  11. Thank you, Laurie!  Many blessings to you on this Memorial Day!

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  12. I love how God is with us, no matter where we go!  Blessings Jennifer!

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  13. Happy Birthday to your son! I also felt comforted in knowing that God was watching over my daughter when she was on her mission trip in Malaysia. I'm so thankful for His presence/omnipresence!

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  14. Thanks for sharing. And thank your son for me, for all that he has done for our country. God bless! Encouraging Thoughts for Life

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  15. I am so comforted knowing that our God is everywhere watching over us!

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  16. Thank you for your kind words.  Blessings to you!

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  17. Hi Joan - I just wanted to let you know that I am awarding you with the Versatile Blogger's award.  You can find it here:  
    http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-lovely-blogger-and.html
    God bless
    Tracy

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  18. Thank you, Tracy!  I am honored!

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  19. Happy belated birthday to your son Joan :) thank you for his service

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