05/27/2024
I sent Memorial Day links very recently. Now more. HOPE I'M NOT OVERDOING IT! If it means anything, I have put about 3-4 hours into this. 😇
FIRST, A REPEAT (IN CASE YOU IGNORED THE FIRST ONE)
If you did NOT ignore it the first time, maybe it bears repeating!
IS IT APPROPRIATE TO SAY “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY?”
I've never quite understood that sentiment. If you gather with family and friends, give thanks to God and enjoy. But take time to consider the real purpose of Memorial Day: to REMEMBER. Understand that freedom is a gift NOT to be taken for granted. Be thankful for service rendered and for sacrifices made. May we all experience deep sadness for wartime suffering and loss, but then in response make determined effort to guard and protect the freedoms for which so many have died. Certainly we can wish people happiness in general...but it seems Memorial Day is best a time for serious contemplation, prayer and plans to serve others in need as best we can. For what it's worth, please consider the main purpose of Memorial Day.
I have sent you Memorial Day links already, but I have THREE more links to offer to you.
THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!
God bless.
SM
THE FIRST LINK IS FROM A FRIEND (5:09)
Lyrics printed below at end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcHQbo5-Dz0
I received it this morning from a good friend, Brent Berkesch, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Spooner, WI. It’s by Twila Paris: “What Did He Die For (when he died for you and me)?” “He was 21 in 1944, He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore” … and he made the sacrifice so we could all be free. Then she reminds us also of the sacrifice made by Jesus so we could all be free. Very powerful. Thanks Brent! (Again: check out lyrics below at end)
THE SECOND LINK IS A 3 MINUTE VIDEO, ACTUALLY A REPEAT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RoVK5SmAXA
Memorial Day 2023: “Mansions of the Lord” (3:04) We Remember.
It’s a hymn and a prayer, a reminder that there is life beyond this sinful and fallen world, a place prepared for us where there is no more war and suffering.
BUT PLEASE REMEMBER that we are not saved by our works, however great or valiant they may be, whether in wartime or peace, for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Our best works are insufficient, like dirty rags, the Bible says in Isaiah 64:6. So we give thanks to God that Christ died also for those who died for us and for the freedoms we enjoy. Salvation is “by grace through faith, not because of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) All the more reason for always giving witness to the Lord of life every chance we get, to friends, family and others, whether military or not.
THIRD LINK IS A 10 MINUTE VIDEO, VERY MOVING and POWERFUL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yP9jpPA51c
National Memorial Concert in Washington, D.C. where the late actor Charles Durning is remembered with video excerpts of Durning describing his WWII experience on D-Day; then Ronan Tynan singing “Mansions of the Lord” (the same hymn which precedes this video; I tell you that because while the tune is the same, the words are harder to hear clearly in this piece, yet very moving. The man has a great voice!).
TWILA PARIS, LYRICS FOR…
“WHAT DID HE DIE FOR WHEN HE DIED FOR YOU AND ME?”
He was 21 in 1944.
He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore.
Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears.
Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears.
And as I watch him struggle up that hill
Without a thought of turning back
I cannot help but wonder.
What did he die for when he died for you and me?
He made the sacrifice so that we could all be free.
I believe we will answer each to Heaven
For the way we spend a priceless liberty.
Look inside and ask the question
What did he die for when he died for me?
To the darkest day in A.D. 33
Came the mercy and compassion of eternity.
Sent there by a Father with love beyond his tears.
Blameless One, the Only Son,
To bear the guilt of all these years.
And as I watch Him struggle up that hill
Without a thought of turning back,
I cannot help but wonder,
What did He die for when He died for you and me?
He made the sacrifice so that we could all be free.
I believe we will answer each to heaven
For the way we spend a priceless liberty.
Look inside and ask the question,
What did He die for?
He died for freedom.
He died for love.
And all the things we do to pay Him back
Will never be enough.
What did He die for when He died for you and me?
He made the sacrifice so that we could all be free.
I believe we will answer each to Heaven
For the way we spend a priceless liberty.
Look inside and ask the question,
What did He die for
When He died for me?
