Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, because the Lord your God goes before you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Randy and I attended a high school football game the other night, and it took us back to the years when that was a regular occurrence. The colors were presented, the national anthem played, and the crowd was quiet. In my line of vision was an older gentleman who, unlike the rest of us, was at full attention and saluting the flag. His hand was a bit wobbly, but the veteran was determined to hold that salute until the colors left the field. It was inspiring to me, and I began to think of how much courage in himself and his fellow servicemen he had witnessed.
Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit which allows a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear.
In this world of today, we don’t see or hear as many stories of courage as we once did. Perhaps this is because we don’t face the same challenges as people did years ago. The greatest generation faced wars, rationing, loss, hardships, and the great depression. Today, we live with different challenges such as inflation, viruses, and unknowns. However, even though we might not face the same challenges, the fears we feel are just as real as the ones people faced years ago. It takes courage to face life’s challenges.
I am not sure I ever considered how much courage it takes for military officers and personnel to live daily with thoughts of the unknown which might endanger their lives and the lives of folks in the country they aspire to protect every day. It is easy to go through our daily routines without a thought of these men and women who would not hesitate to give their lives for us and this country.
This year the celebration of Veteran’s Day is very real to me after our visit to Normandy this past September. When one stands on the beaches of Omaha, Utah, or one of the other beaches and looks across the expanse of the ocean, it is sobering to put yourself in the place of one of the young soldiers who came in by boat not knowing what to expect.
Standing on the beach and looking toward the hills where German soldiers were imbedded and waiting to attack, you suddenly understand the true meaning of courage. As American, Canadian, and English forces came in by sea and air, it is not possible for me to realize how fierce the fighting must have been that day. The Battle of Normandy lasted from June 6, 1944 until August of 1944 and was the turning point of World War II.
This generation showed us the characteristics such as modesty, commitment, loyalty, patriotism, and motivation needed in their time as in ours. Their courage was remarkable! Dwight Eisenhower said of these men, These men came here to storm these beaches for one purpose only, not to gain anything for themselves, not to fulfil any ambition that America had for conquest, but just to preserve freedom, and systems of self government in the world.“
There are so many heroes in each and every war fought for this country. There are the loved ones who stayed behind to raise families and pray, there are those who returned from war with scars that they will forever carry, and there are those who came home with physical, emotional, or mental reminders of the war. It is said that the real heroes are those who walk among us and face each new day with courage.
Joshua also faced fears that took much courage to overcome. He was charged with leading people into a land that was highly fortified, populated, and with great armies. Even though God had promised this land to them, it was not an easy matter. Courage and fortitude were needed. It is one thing to say, “Do not be afraid”, but terror is a force that can seize us and render us powerless to act. God promised not to leave or forsake them, and they won the battle!
Living in this world of today takes courage. Every day presents a new set of challenges for each of us. As we remember the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice and exhibited unbelievable courage, it would do us all good to remember that the real hero is the one who goes home to face whatever life hands them no matter how tough it might be.
Imagine the courage that comes from entering a battle with the strongest most powerful swordsman at your side! God has not forsaken us, and He will not leave our side.
Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you all for your service!
