In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

This poem – although it was written by a Candaian soldier and physician John McCrae and has become a symbol for the Candian Holiday Remembrance Day,is a beutifully written and moving tribute to those who have given their lives for their country – and very fitting for Memorial Day.

I memorized it in the 5th grade – and it has stuck with me ever since. It was a favorite of my Dad’s – a pilot in World War II – - and, I am sure, of many veterans.

On this Memorial Day – as members of the Armed Forces continue to lose their lives in Iraq – we need to remember the sacrifices that members of our Armed Forces have made — continue to make — and will continue to make for us. We don’t have to like the war, but we need to support the troops and let them know how much we appreciate them. If you know families of active military, reserves, or National Guard currently serving in Iraq – let them know you are there for them and want to help them. If you know anyone who has served and is now home, let him or her know of your appreciation and take time to listen to him or her.

On this Memorial Day I offer the following prayer from my tradition – the Presbyterian Church (USA). This prayer is part of our Book of Common Worship:

Righteous God, you rule the nations.
Guard brave men and women
who risk themselves in battle for their country.
Give them compassion for enemies
who also fight for patriotic causes.
Keep our sons and daughters from hate that hardens,
or from scorekeeping with human lives.
Though they must be at war,
let them live for peace, as eager for agreement as for victory.
Encourage them as they encourage one another,
and never let hard duty separate them
from loyalty to your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

In his 90′s, he served God — Church — family — community — and country faithfully his entrie life.

He was an Elder of the Church for years — made Elder Emeritus in recognition for his faithful service 2 years ago. He taught Sunday School for years — and sang in the choir. His leadership and devotion to the Church helped the Church through some very hard times.

He was devoted to his family. No one cared for or loved his family more than he did. His children, neices, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren knew that they were loved.

He was devoted to our country. He served in the Army in World War II, and earned a Purple Heart from wounds at the Battle of Normandy.

He was devoted to God. If anyone is ever “ready” to be joined with God, he was.

It is right — in a way — for him to die on Memorial Day. He was glad to have served God — his country — his family– his community — in the way that he did. What strikes me is that his generation — the World War II veterans — is dieing — and we all need to thank them for what they have done for us.

Take time today to thank God for those who have served God and country — many who paid the ultimate sacrafice in time of war — and thank a vet — for all they have done.

When I was in the 5th grade I memorized the poem “In Flanders Fields” . The poem — and the sentiment — has stayed with me.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Read the story of the poem here.

This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:–
There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;
And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged
A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords
Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince’s banner
Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.

A craven hung along the battle’s edge,
And thought, “Had I a sword of keener steel –
That blue blade that the king’s son bears — but this
Blunt thing!” — he snapped and flung it from his hand.
And lowering crept away and left the field.

Then came the king’s son, wounded, sore bested,
And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,
Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,
And ran and snatched it, and with battle-shout
Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down,
And saved a great cause that heroic day.

~ Edward R. Still

Here’s an attempt to express my feelings when reading this chapter:

I read of plots and deception,
and woder what I would have done.

I read of annointings and body broken and blood spilt,
and wonder why it had to be.

I read of trials and denials,
and wonder how many times I deny knowing Him every day.

I read the call to follow —
and — trembling in fear — stumble forward on my way.

Read all the comments on today’s Lent Challange here.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,”
Now I’m found and forgiven.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
and need His strength to carry on.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say . . . “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
who received God’s good grace, somehow.

~Maya Angelou~

Until next time — Peace! Bill