They recently replaced a flag at the hospital. It lines the underside of a covering that the injured pass through as they come off the helicopters to enter the hospital. The flag is very large. I would say it is around 12 by 20 feet. It is majestic and glorious. The covering is aptly named Heroes Highway. The injured often come on stretchers on their backs and if they are able they can see the flag welcome them to the hospital. The walking wounded limp beneath its protection.

The US flag is an incredible symbol. I have one in my room that was with me during my last tour. I know this may sound strange but as a kid if I could have been an inanimate object it would have been the US flag. I remember being at a Lakers basketball game and everyone standing in respect as it waved so proudly as the National anthem played. I recently saw the picture Flags of Our Fathers. This movie is about the flag that was raised in Iwo Jima. The battle for Iwo Jima, which took weeks, was very difficult and much more costly in lives than this current struggles has been in years. When the first flag was raised on top of that hard fought for hill, it buoyed the spirits of the men and they celebrated. The movie then spent the rest of the time showing how the military was making heroes out of some of the men who were there that day and using them as a way to sell war bonds. The men, some of whom were not or did not feel like heroes, tried to get this point across again and again, but without success.

As I watched the movie I started to think about what makes a true hero. I believe the word has been so over used in our society that it has lost much of its meaning. We often call the military, police, coast guard and firefighters heroes. Why? I believe the common thread is that they all risk their lives for others. Some of those they are trying to save would not extend them the same effort. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 As I thought about this more, I realized the hero is demonstrating the greatest type of love and why we hold these people up and even idolize them is because they have put into human action what many of us would like to be able to give but have failed to show to even our most loved. When people are in the presence of a hero there is a natural desire to stand to honor them.

It is a desire in our hearts to do a heroic act, which is because Jesus Christ is calling us to do what He did when He laid down His life for us, so that we may live, not only on earth but for eternity. Jesus gave us the example of what it means to be a hero. Imagine how many lives he has saved and will save from: sin, despair, heartache, loneliness, and eternal separation from God, for any who will believe in Him.

The other night we had a very injured soldier come into the hospital. He was rushed to the operating room and the doctors, nurses, and techs worked valiantly, but they were unable to save his life. His injuries were too great. This death devastated the staff. As they lifted the lifeless body off of the operating room table and carried him away, the entire operating room stood at attention. Why? Because when we are in the presence of true heroes it is natural desire to stand to honor them.

Solis Deo Gloria

More thoughts to come