Let freedom ring in America

Freedom doesn’t come cheap. It comes with blood and tears. Soldiers have been separated from loved ones. Who among us can know their pain, loneliness and willingness to fight for freedom?

The military personnel have given their time away from families, yet they think of protecting those they love, our country and freedom

They are fighting against tyranny or a dictatorship that wants to destroy the American way of life. May I say it: “It’s called freedom!”

I cannot help but honor the military of the greatest country on the planet. It is called “America the Beautiful.”

Yes, we have enemies, without and within, yet truly red-blooded Americans come through. These Americans are tough, courageous, brave and unselfish. They are the backbone of this country, godly, wonderful people who love this nation.

Let us never take the military for granted. It seems human nature doesn’t really appreciate something until it is taken away. In times of turmoil, we must realize how desperately we need our military.

Let our prayers be motivated by love and patriotism. We “wrestle not with flesh and blood,” but with an enemy whose mission is “to steal, kill and destroy.”

Let us be prayer warriors who build a hedge and stand in the gap for the soldiers.

May we show gratitude for our military who fights to keep our way of life. We do not want foreign cultures or lifestyles, and we surely don’t want socialism, communism or terrorism.

For all of the veterans, a “thank you” seems so small in the light of such unselfish service to mankind. Generations in the past and those living today have the fruits of soldiers’ labor and sacrifice. The emotional trauma and scars have come from enemies who have an insatiable thirst for power and a distorted dream of global conquest.

The military service to our country cannot be measured in monetary terms, but in loyalty, love of God and a willingness to give what they can to make the world a better place.

Someone has said: It is the soldier who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier who salutes the flag and who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

To the military everywhere:

I pray God keeps you safe. May your loved ones and families be protected in God’s loving care. May our love and prayers surround them, too, with firm affirmations of strength and strong faith.

May all of us be quick to express our gratitude to every military member. May we never take you for granted, and may you be blessed in every facet of your life.

I pray God protects you with angels guarding you. I pray for comfort and assurance for the many sacrifices of your family. I pray all Americans will always remember the high price of freedom.

I thank you for the dedication you have given and still give to America. May those of us at home be positive, and may you know we are supporting you.

We are not moved by setbacks and circumstances but hold up the “shield of faith.” May the power of our prayers pursue you wherever you may be and bring you home safely to your loved ones. Amen.