So often I forget whats going on in the world. I felt ashamed that I don't pay more attention to what's really going on. I see in the news occasionally that another soldier or two were killed in action. It never really seems real to me until it's someone I know. It's been so long that our troops have been overseas that it seems not that many people notice what is still happening over there.
The Lucas family has been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I heard of Leon's sacrifice. The night of his death I could not sleep. I kept thinking about his family -- his wife, his two sons, and the other one soon on the way. I kept thinking about what they must be feeling, but I couldn't even imagine, I could only try. I didn't know them very well, but I always saw them as a sweet, godly family.
Since I couldn't sleep, I decided to write. As a bunch of jumbled thoughts raced through my mind, I did my best to write it out. I wrote with two men in particular in mind. Leon Lucas . . . and Timothy Watkins. I still remember the night (October 15, 2005) when my family got a call late at night from our pastor. The night he told us his son, Timothy Watkins, was killed in action. We all shed tears that night, and no one slept much at all. I have never forgotten the sacrifice he made.
I wanted to share what I wrote that night . . .
The Soldier
A family sits at home praying for a safe return. They look forward to each call they can receive from him, and fear the one that will break their heart. A mother sits anxiously, praying her son will be okay. A wife lies alone at night wishing he was right there beside her. A child calls “Daddy!” in the dark of the night, having woken from a bad dream. A mother fears her baby may never meet their daddy.
He sits in the heat of the sun, while thoughts of his family fill his mind. He wants nothing more than to be with his loved ones, and dreams of the day he will see them again. He hasn't seen them in months, but knows his duty is to protect his country. Day after day he fights to give us freedom. Always alert of his surroundings, never knowing when his last breath will be . . . or if he will even see tomorrow.
So many of these men have given everything . . . These soldiers – these heroes. Everyday another fallen soldier is mourned over. Everyday a family dreams of the day they will see him again in Heaven. May we remember these men always – these soldiers . . . these true heroes.
America's Hero
They are dreaming of the day they will see him again.
No one could have known today would be the end.
He gave everything to protect his country –
To keep America free.
I wish for all the world to see . . .
These men who gave their lives are heroes,
So is the family who suffers such great woes.
You never get something for nothing . . .
Freedom is never free.
It is said of America to be
“The home of the free and the land of the brave.”
What do you tell the family who stands before a grave?
There are no words to ease their pain –
Nothing to fill the void in their lives where their loved one once was.
America truly is the land of the brave . . .
With all the love, support, and sacrifice of each soldier's family,
And all that these men gave –
The bravery is displayed for all to see.
So many people have their own heroes. They have their favorite artist . . . their favorite actor/actress, or favorite athlete who they idolize or say are their heroes. But what have they really done to make them a hero? Sure, they may sing pretty or cool . . . they may be the best actor/actress of the year, or be able to score a touchdown, but what have they really done to deserve the title "hero"?
To me a hero is someone who willingly gives of him/herself for others. I don't only think that the fallen soldiers are true heroes, but also the men and women who join the military knowing the risks and still continue on.
In the dictionary a hero is . . .
"Any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose; especially, one who has risked or sacrificed his life."
Thinking on all these things brings Christ to mind. He is a true hero. The ultimate hero. He sacrificed his life willingly to save all mankind. He lived his life knowing that he would die for the world . . . for the people who put him on the cross to suffer and die. He took on all the sins of the world, so that we can have eternal life in Him. If you don't know Christ personally, I would encourage you to do so. You never know when your last breath will be.
May we always remember these true heroes and their families.
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