Introduction

This Memorial Day weekend, I find myself reflecting on those who’ve gone before me—those whose sacrifices have shaped the world I live in, the freedoms I enjoy, and the faith that gives my life purpose.

Grateful as an American

As an American, I pause with deep gratitude to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to this country. From the beaches of Normandy to jungles in Vietnam, from the deserts of the Middle East to caves and crags in Afghanistan, countless individuals have laid down everything to preserve our freedoms and protect our way of life.

Many of them were young—barely more than boys and girls. Some had families. Some had dreams they never got to pursue. But they stood in the gap. They didn’t know my name, yet they fought for my freedom. That kind of selflessness humbles me. It’s worth remembering not just once a year, but as often as we enjoy the liberties their courage secured.

Freedom costs a lot. It has been paid for with blood, and I am thankful.

Grateful as a Follower of Christ

And I’m also grateful in a different way—as a follower of Jesus Christ.

I think about the early disciples and apostles, who left everything to follow a Rabbi from an obscure town. Many of them were persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and killed—yet they carried the Good News to the ends of the earth. Because of their faithfulness, the message of Jesus didn’t stop in Nazareth or Jerusalem. It spread across nations, across centuries, and somehow—miraculously—it found its way to me.

I think about Paul, writing letters of encouragement and correction from a prison cell.

I think about Stephen, who forgave his executioners even as they stoned him.

I think about missionaries throughout history—some of whom gave up comfort, country, and even their lives to make sure people they would never meet could one day know Jesus.

Their sacrifice helped open the door to my salvation, and I don’t want to take that for granted.

Hebrews 11 & the Legacy of Faith

In Hebrews 11, the author lists a long line of faithful men and women—some celebrated, some unnamed—who lived and died without seeing the full promise, but trusted anyway. The chapter ends with this powerful reflection:

Continuing the idea to its culmination, chapter 12 begins:

We run the race today because they ran it before us.

Carrying the Torch

Whether it’s the freedom I enjoy as a citizen or the faith I cling to as a believer, I know it didn’t come cheaply.

This weekend, I’ll celebrate and rest and enjoy time with my family—but I’ll also remember. I’ll give thanks for those who gave everything—on the battlefield and in the mission field—so that I could live free and live changed.

And I’ll ask myself: What am I doing with the freedom I’ve been given?

Am I using it to serve others? To tell the truth? To love like Christ?

May we never forget the ones who went before us—and may we honor them by living with the same courage, conviction, and selflessness they showed.