Thank you!
"Thank You". Two simple words that can make a huge impact. This week I was on a plane and a young lady sat next to me. I complimented her sweatshirt. She explained to me that it was a special sweatshirt from the Army/Navy football game. She shared with me that she was in the Army. I told her, "Thank You for your service!" A big grin filled her face as she seemed pleasantly surprised by my gratitude. In an earlier flight there was a gentleman and his wife who were on an "Honor Flight". "Honor Flight" is a national organization that takes American Veterans to Washington D.C. to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifice. Our pilot announced our special passenger, a veteran who served in Vietnam. The plane erupted in applause. As we deplaned, I thanked him and his wife. And he smiled and was grateful, and a little embarrassed (but in a good way) of the attention. But both of these, and all of our Veterans, deserve to be recognized and shown gratitude.
This Monday is Veteran's Day, a day where we recognize and say "thanks" to our Veterans. But here's an idea. Why not tell our Veterans, and our active soldiers "thank you" every day. It is the least we can do for the service and sacrifice that they made, or are making, for each of us. Interesting history, the first "Veteran's Day" was organized as Armistice Day, with a special parade, on November 11, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming officially November 11 as Veterans Day. By the way, the significance of November 11 - it is the date that World War I ended. So, to all of our Veterans and Active Soldiers - THANK YOU!! You have shown by example, through your service, what it truly means to belong to the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Bible is filled with stories of great veterans and warriors. Joshua, Caleb, Ehud, Deborah, Samson, Jonathan, and one of the greatest, David. In Ephesians Paul addresses the importance of being equipped, prepared, and "battle ready". And remind us in his letter to the Believers in Rome, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
This Sunday we will continue in Ephesians. We will be looking at being "Battle Ready". And remember following our Worship, we will gather together for our "Cornucopia Potluck". Please join us as we fellowship together, giving thanks, around our table of bounty. I hope to see you there. And...
Always Remember,
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or texting 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)