Greetings!
"I do not have to agree with the premise of war to understand the sacrifice these souls have made."
I'm not one to debate war. I just know that peace has to start within, within me and every single soul for the outer world to reflect that.
I'm not one to discuss the military. I just get moved when, during the course of my everyday life, I see a soldier in uniform and am touched by their willingness and courage to give up their life for this country and its ideals that from my heart I am able to say to a perfect stranger "Thank you for serving."
Although my soul loves to sing, I am not inclined to choose songs that are the "soundtrack of the American nation." But when I heard the Armed Forces melody on Sunday at Unity of Mesa service, I was moved to tears.
I don't agree with numerous policies and legislation that have come into existence since our Founding Fathers' time, but that is a separate matter from those who serve (and have served) and defend this country. I was grateful to be reminded of this on Sunday with a quote from the Daily Word of the next day, Memorial Day. "I do not have to agree with the premise of war to understand the sacrifice these souls have made." Yes, indeed! And, to feel grateful and to commemorate these souls for enabling me to have the life I have today.
As you may realize, I'm writing this during Memorial Day weekend... While Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.
Remembrance
I give thanks for everyone who has come before me.
Today I give thanks for those who have come before me, for the men and women who have served their country to make the world a better place. I honor their memories with prayers of gratitude. I do not have to agree with the premise of war to understand the sacrifice these souls have made.
I also bring to mind family members and friends who have passed from this physical plane, those who have been a special part of my life. These loved ones are still with me in my awareness and in my heart. Our souls are intricately woven together and cannot be separated.
I give thanks for the life I live because others gave of their light, life, and love. Remembering the past, I live in the present and move into the future in a spirit of oneness and peace.
I do not cease to give thanks for you, as I remember you in my prayers.-Ephesians 1:16
It seems that there has never been a time when war and violence were not a part of human affairs. If each one of us could pause and take a look at circumstances from the other person's perspective, we just might have our heart opened and be less inclined to inflict war and violence; our increased consciousness and empathy would contribute to peace. There are no winners in war.
Peace is an inside job.
Blessings,