THANK YOU VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS!
THANK YOU VETERANS!!! It is because of your service and sacrifice that we are able to live with the freedom that we all experience. And the cost of Freedom is not free. So to all of the men and women who faithfully serve and protect us, please know that you are appreciated and admired. We all know folks who have served. Infact, many of us, including the Castles, have family members who are veterans. Our Church Family at FCC has several. Again, we THANK YOU!
November 11, 1918 was considered the end of "the war to end all wars", World War I. Armistice Day. In 1926, Congress officially recognized this date as an official holiday, Armistice Day. It was primarily to honor the veterans of World War I. Then in 1954, Congress amended the holiday to commemorate and honor all veterans of all wars. There are several Countries who were also involved in WWI who celebrate special folks, veterans, on this day. Canada, Australia, and Great Britain call it "Remembrance Day". But the focus is the same - our veterans!
Today, I hope you will take the time, and intentionally make the effort, to thank some of the veterans that you know. So many have sacrificed so much, but have never felt appreciated. In fact, sadly, (as Olan shared last week), many feel the opposite - forgotten. Families have been permanently changed because of such sacrifices. Yet all of us have benefitted from their service. So, let's not let any of these unsung heroes feel forgotten or insignificant. Tell them, and often, "Thank You"!
Yesterday, as I was going through TSA security in Wichita, I asked the TSA officers if they were Veterans. Every single one said "yes". I immediately stopped, looked them in the eye, and with a genuine smile, told them "Thank You" and that I appreciated their service and dedication. And not just on Veteran's Day, but EVERY day! It was amazing how big their smiles were and their sincere appreciation was of just being recognized.
Two simple words, "thank you", are powerful! We all feel good and appreciate when someone sincerely thanks us for something that we have done. Our efforts are recognized. It is such a simple thing to do, but sadly is not done enough. Jesus set the example for us. He always began and ended his prayers with words of praise and thanks to His Father. He taught us to do the same, in the Model, also known as the Lord's Prayer. When we participate in Communion, it is an act of saying "Thank You." Again, simple, yet powerful words and actions. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Believers in Thessalonica, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). So may we be reminded to say "Thank You", and also continually pray, for one another, and especially for first responders, those who serve to keep us safe and free, and those who have given and sacrificed for this freedom - our Veterans!
I appreciate Olan sharing with us last Sunday and reminding us to be Thankful for even the "forgotten". (By the way, Olan is a Veteran.) Tomorrow, Sunday, we continue in our Season of Thanksgiving. Our focus is on a "Grateful Heart". Kenny Meeks, who is so talented, will be sharing a song he has written. We are in for a treat. Following Worship we will break bread together with our Potluck luncheon. So, please join us for our time of Worship, Bible Study, Music, Fellowship, Food, and Fun!
And once again, because it cannot be said enough, THANK YOU VETERANS!!
And let us all remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)
