For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends. John 15:13 (The Passion Translation, TPT)

Memorial Day is a great day to spend with family and friends and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship. Across the country, Memorial Day is associated with cookouts and outdoor celebrations. However, if all we do is have picnics, grill burgers, and roast hotdogs, then we have missed the point. The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember.

Today we should at least take some time to reflect on the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our nation. We should honor their memory and honor the families who suffered the loss of a loved one for our way of life. The military is a unique calling, and it is a calling. To put your life on the line for others is more than an occupation, it is something the Lord calls you to do. And the Lord places a very high value on the sacrifices made by our military.

Even now, behind the scenes in ways we are totally oblivious to, our military is working to protect and defend us against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Today, I call on every American to pause and reflect on those who lost life or who suffered physical or mental injury in the service of their country. Pray for the families dealing with loss or with the challenges of supporting an injured or traumatized veteran. Pray healing for those who are in the process of recovering. And definitely pray for the protection of our active military. Bless them and proclaim success in their mission to preserve this republic and our constitution. God bless the service men and women of the United States of America.

Have a happy Memorial Day.