Remembering

Why do we make such a big deal about remembering such horrible events? We relive the travesty of 911 every year. Society holds onto the devastation of past wars, WW1, WW2, Korea, and Afghanistan. But why? Go back even further and we can see even more events that are continually brought up and they are either worldwide events or are geographically specific. What is it that keeps society clinging onto the past?

Here are my thoughts on this. I hope we, as a society, never forget the travesty and losses that are associated with wars and conflicts. The moment we forget, the second these losses become as commonplace as breathing, that is the moment we become ignorant to the pain of loss. I would suggest that the memory of such huge loss should never be forgotten. When we forget the loss, the pain, the destruction and senselessness of such conflict, we could find ourselves in much larger and more damaging conflicts.

Men and women have put their lives on the line and given up so much so that others are safe. They put the needs of others ahead of self. John noted in chapter 15 verses 12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” So many gave their lives so that others may know the safety and freedom we enjoy here in Canada. The least we can do is remember their sacrifice and never forget the gift they gave to their friends. To forget would be a travesty just as forgetting the sacrifice one Man made for all mankind almost two thousand years ago would mean certain death. Never forget the devastation of war, never forget the selfless sacrifice on those who chose to answer the call and never forget the sacrifice on the cross for all mankind.

Take some time this week to thank a Veteran, take time to let a Forces member know you appreciate them, remember the sacrifices of those who gave their life and let Jesus know that you will never forget His sacrifice for your life.

Shalom

Pastor Todd