In appreciation for the sacrifice of Gold Star families
Have you lost a loved one who died serving our country in the military? If so, please accept my most sincere condolences. And my deepest gratitude.
I can’t begin to understand what it must have been like for you – how many sleepless nights you endured and how many anxious prayers you prayed for their safe return. Then, how heartbroken you must have felt when you learned your soldier, sailor or marine had given their life for our country.
How often have you read every letter you received as they fought bravely to defend our nation? How often do you gaze at the folded flag that sits in a place of honor in your home? How much time passes before you reach for a soft facecloth to wipe your tears because you can no longer bear the roughness of a tissue on your swollen eyes?
I and countless Americans can’t express our condolences enough. Nor can we adequately thank you. But on behalf of everyone who has benefited from your loved one’s sacrifice, please let me try.
Thank you, parents, for raising a child to understand service, sacrifice and risk.
Thank you, spouse, fiancé/fiancée or sibling for supporting your loved one’s decision to serve.
Thank you, child. You needed your mom or dad. And while you trusted their love and commitment to you, you also understood their love for and commitment to America. (If you were too young at the time of your parent’s death, I pray you have experienced or will experience God’s grace in your journey toward healing.)
Indeed, it is my prayer for each of you to find hope in God’s love by personally experiencing Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV):
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I offer this prayer, not as glib words from a Christian columnist, but as a sincere effort to share the only solution – the best answer I know – to your pain.
It is with heartfelt gratitude for your sacrifice and with deep respect for the pain you continue to endure that I commit each of you to our heavenly Father’s steadfast love and mercy – which He freely offers to you today, tomorrow and every day thereafter.
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.Is Mother’s Day a painful holiday for you?
- Have you lost a loved one who died serving our country in the military?
- If so, would you like to tell us a little about them?
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Thank you for writing this, Sheryl, on behalf of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
(Thanks, hon.) We owe these families so much!