Honor them...

"The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Matthew 8:8-10

Oh, Lord- help our Michael to have that centurion's faith. Help him to see you in all the levels of leadership he is learning about now, and draw him into your arms like never before.

We have been praying for our dear friend's son every day for the last few weeks- as he has started basic training in the Army. I think about him often, all the memories we have of him being a twerpy 8 year old, then a rebellious teenager- and now a grown man who wants to be a part of what makes America great. He still seems so young, it was only two months ago that he stormed into our house gripping about how "unfair" his parents were. All the concerns of his 18 year old heart seemed so normal, and now he is living "Hell Week"- what the Army calls the first 3 weeks of boot camp.

Today I am thinking about him even more because of the date. 9/11 will always have memories for us...what American doesn't see this date and think..."I was right ______ when it happened." I am thinking about his last letter to his mother, that said how much he wanted to do his part, and he wanted to serve and fight for freedom for all people. But that he "didn't want to die". 80% of his platoon will be shipped out come graduation. I pictured Mike, wearing his uniform, participating in whatever remembrance service they will have today, and I thank God again for our great country. That we have boys who grow up to be brave men. That I can sit in my comfy house, fight with my husband over stupid things, and even blog about anything I want without someone coming into my home and taking away everything I hold dear- my family. Having watched my dad go to every war that has happened since I was born, and come back from Iraq at the very beginning of this war, I got to hear and see pictures of what the people really feel over there. How happy the women are that they can have a little stand to sell their goods, that girls can go to school and boys can choose what they want to do with their lives. I know there is still a horribly long road ahead, and more of those sweet faced kids are going to be put in harm's way. Sometimes I wonder why, and think "God, there has to be a better way." But then I remember:
"The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. " Psalm 9:7-10
There is nothing better than trusting in the sovereignty of God. Because He is "sovereign", He has "supreme rank, power and authority" (dictionary definitions are awesome!) and I can trust that He is orchestrating and maneuvering the nations of this world to bring more people to Him and to show His glorious nature.
So, I know our Mike is completely safe in the hands of One who can lead him. I know that the lost lives of 9/11 were not meaningless and God had a plan and a purpose to work even through that tragedy. And I know that in the worst war torn countries of this world, God is not absent. He is cherishing and holding the little ones, and making Himself visible to anyone who has the eyes to see. Thank you, Father- for that promise. Help me to remember to show the leaders of our country and the men and women who sacrifice so much the honor and respect they deserve.