For more years than some of us can remember, men and women of the United States Armed Forces have served and sacrificed much for our country. 

In America, we have religious freedom to attend a church of our choosing. We’re permitted to own a Bible … or several.  We may choose to marry…or not.  To vote…or not. We have the right to free speech and the right to peacefully assemble. All because these freedoms continue to be defended and protected by the members of the military.  Patriotic and proud, these members have willingly laid down their lives to protect and defend, in wartime and peace, the Constitution of the United States of America and its freedoms.

Many of us will never know the brotherhood that is developed by standing side by side in battle, trusting our life to a person beside us. We won’t hear most of the heroic and sacrificial acts of so many who gave their life to save others.  Remember John 15:13?  Jesus said, “The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them”.  It should be very humbling to us to think there are men and women we don’t know, will most probably never meet, that are willing to give their all to protect this nation … for us, strangers.

Today is Veterans Day. And while I personally think veterans should be honored every day for their service and sacrifice for our country, it’s important to have a day like today set aside, just for them. This day puts the spotlight on people who don’t seek it, and gives honor to whom honor is due.

Later this month, most of us will sit with family at the Thanksgiving table.  We’ll laugh and giggle, enjoying each others company.  We’ll take turns saying what we’re thankful for.  We’ll thank God for the goodness and blessings He has bestowed on us.  And, so, while we’re counting our blessings, let’s specifically take the time to be grateful for our veterans and think about their families as some of them won’t be reunited this year for one reason or another.  Maybe this is a repeat from last year or the year before.   Let’s pray for them because without their service and sacrifice, the likelihood of us enjoying the freedom of our Thanksgiving time with family might not be that great.

 

 

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We have received some very treasured comments from our family this month and, for that, we are extremely grateful.

Mary from Missouri wrote:

‘I was recently the recipient of one of the beautiful crosses made by your organization.  It was a deeply heartfelt gesture from a new friend.  I am placing this order so that I too can share this meaningful symbol of God’s love.’ 

 

Joy’s words from Minnesota:

‘I’m so grateful for your crosses as are many who receive them.  There are professional and private vehicles driving around in Duluth with your cross positioned in them.  Your crosses are needed and appreciated by many.’ 

 

Kathy from Delaware will be traveling for mission work to Guatemala and ordered crosses to take along:

‘Thank you for all the wonderful things you do.  I know the children and the people of Guatemala will enjoy the crosses.’ 

 

Helene sent us this note from Iowa:

‘Bless you for your continued ministry!  God must be smiling.’ 

 

And, from Claudia in Minnesota:

‘Please send me some more crosses. They are so nicely made!  Thank you!’

 

And, we are very grateful to the following for sharing the cross with others this past month:

St. Francis Hospital Pastoral Care – Tulsa, OK

Kathy – DE

Catholic Committee on Scouting – Rice Lake, WI

Marianne – FL

Nancy – MO

Joy – MN

Claudia – MN

Dodie – MN

First Lutheran Church – Fargo, ND

Geralyn – PA

 

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Please join us in this prayer for our military:

Abba Father:

You are not a stranger to war and know the stress our veterans have felt. Please comfort and strengthen them with your Holy Spirit. Meet each of them right where they are today and speak to their souls. You’ve brought them through many trials. Help them see your mighty hand at work in their lives and know how much you love them. Heal their hearts as well as their bodies. Help us to show our sincere thanks to them and help us all never to forget the sacrifices that they’ve made. Help us to love them just as you have loved us.

Amen

To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, all of us at Cross The World say

‘Thank you.  We are so very grateful for your service.  God Bless You All!’