Monday, May 28, 2012

Make Life Meaningful Monday- Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day.  It is incredibly meaningful that so many made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free.  Only 2 have ever voluntarily stepped up to die for us-- the American soldier to give us freedom here on Earth and Jesus Christ to give us eternal freedom in Heaven.  It doesn't get much more meaningful than that.

I am reposting my Memorial Day message from last year.  It definitely is worth repeating.  I hope you enjoy reading it.



As we all celebrate this weekend, let us remember the sacrifices of so many that have made our celebrating possible. It is not about sunbathing and barbecues. It is about death and sacrifice and ultimate love for a nation, the principles upon which it was founded and freedom. Freedom isn't free. God Bless America!


THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN


The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass..

Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'

Linking up today with Michelle at her Make Life Meaningful Monday linkup and NOBH.

6 comments:

BeMerryB-Right said...

Thank you so much for posting this. I love the poem you have included it is among one of my favorites. Happy Memorial Day! Today and always honoring our troops and their families, both those who have fallen and those who are serving across the seas and homefront today. May God bless them for what they do, may he guide their paths and never leave their side.

Debbie Jones said...

Very touching and true. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I have never read this - thanks so much for posting it!

Nikki @ Simplystriving said...

Thanks for re-posting this, friend. It is new to me!

praying for you today
All for Him with hugs to you,
nikki

Michelle @ Changed By The Maker said...

Thank you, Lisa. I've never heard that poem before! We have so much to be thankful for, that's for sure! Thank you for linking up with me again this week! I appreciate you!

Kym said...

First time I've read/heard that poem. We went to the Memorial Day parade this year, and it was so moving to see the veterans honored, especially by the young people.