More from Duke, July 3:
As we have approached the fourth of July there have many that take this time to thank those serving in the military for what they are doing to maintain America’s freedoms. These voices of appreciation are great to hear and for the most part I feel I am being thanked for just doing my job. I do not feel that I am doing anything that is especially brave or heroic, just my assignment. All the same it is great to get such wonderful support from friends and families and people who value the military.
What I would like to do is share a story from the Bible; because, I feel it has special relevance to today.
Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. But all of the evil men and trouble makers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.”
David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to battle. All will share alike.” 1 Samuel 30:21-24
I thought of this story because I think of all of those who would like to serve for the cause of freedom but cannot. I think of all of those who have already served and would like to serve again. I received an email just the other day from a woman in Texas whose husband has already retired as a Lt Col and is trying to be reinstated so he can come and serve again. I think about those who have served valiantly in the past and all we have of them is memories.
So with this wonderful story in my mind. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have “stayed with the supplies”. Your prayers, care packages, and letters mean the world to us over here. We may not be very good about writing back to you and thanking you for all that is being done for us back home; but, know that it is appreciated.
Please continue to pray for us especially for those troops that are going door to door and driving convoys.
Soli Deo Gloria
More thoughts to come
Posted by Tim at July 3, 2005 10:26 PMWe hold you and so many others in prayer this day. We celebrate our freedom, while you maintain it....how ironic. How meaningful.
When Tom was in Vietnam for his two tours he often spoke of the beauty of the country and how he loved being there. I never could understand this, in light of the fact that when he came home I listened as folks called this most honorable of men, a baby killer, and watched as others spat on our men in uniform. There was at least 2 years in the early 70's that I remember that soldiers were under order to travel in civies due to this. We pray that the voices of discord are not heard this time.
Praying for you this day.....we are doubly blessed, we are free...and we had RAIN!!!! (3/4") after 12 weeks this was clearly an EVENT here in E. Texas!!! B Gunn
Posted by: Beverly Gunn at July 4, 2005 04:48 AM
