While I don't agree with the notion that all of the wars and conflicts the United States has been involved in have been absolutely necessary (particularly within the past 15-20 years), I do agree that some have. And for those, I know it was important for the brave men and women of our military to fight in defense of our freedoms. So for all of those who gave their time, their skills, their devotion, and particularly their very lives to defend that freedom, I give my heartfelt thanks to you.
I felt a lot of gratitude as I sang on today's broadcast titled "Remember and Give Thanks." In regards to patriotic music in general, there are definitely some that fall into the category of light-hearted and somewhat cheesy. But all the ones we sang today were reflective, inspiring, and spiritual--which I really appreciated. They were like prayers of remembering and prayers of hope.
I don't normally include the text of the Spoken Word portion of the broadcast, here in my blog, but I wanted to include today's because of how moving it was. I can't imagine being the parents of these four boys spoken of, but their unwavering devotion to their country and to God is very inspiring. When I go through my own trials, is my response like theirs?
I'll end with that text, but I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the knowledge that God loves everyone. His way is a way of peace, of unity, and living according to truth. It's designed to promote true happiness. While it's sad that today's world does not reflect that divine way of living, on a general level, and gives way to violence, hatred, and intolerance, I hope we can all do our best to be a little kinder, a little more appreciative, and a little more loving to all those around us.
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SPOKEN WORD MESSAGE, 5/27/18
"Remember and Give Thanks"
Every year on Memorial Day, a young woman visits the small community cemetery in her hometown. She is often drawn to four gravestones standing side by side. They mark the resting places of Clyde, LeRoy, Rolon, and Rulon Borgstrom. She never knew them, but she knows their story. Everyone in the small town of Tremonton, Utah, knows their story.
In 1944, the Borgstrom family sent five sons to war. And in less than six months, four of the five boys had perished. Clyde was killed in an accident while clearing an airstrip. LeRoy was shot caring for a wounded comrade in Italy. Rolon died in Germany after a bombing raid. His twin brother, Rulon, died in France. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt heard of these four tragedies all striking the same family, he ordered the military to send the fifth brother, Boyd, home from his assignment in the Pacific. Boyd did not want to leave, but he finally relented and came home.
When the bodies of the deceased brothers were laid to rest in that small cemetery, the whole community came together to mourn the Borgstrom family’s incredible loss.
Many years later, during one of her annual visits to the cemetery, the young woman met the wife of the surviving brother. She asked her, “How did the mother of the Borgstrom boys cope with such a loss?” The wife responded, “She turned to heaven.” In worship and prayer she found comfort and strength.
Of course, heavenly thoughts don’t remove us from life’s realities. But they do provide perspective. They help us remember and reflect. It’s good for the soul to pause and give thanks for the lives of those who have given so much. Would we have hope and freedom without them? Would we have a chance of peace and prosperity without the brave men and women who protect us still today?
Memorial Day is a day to decorate graves and remember those who went before us—especially those who died serving our country. We honor their valiant service and hold sacred their sacrifice. Each of them deserves to be remembered. Let us never forget.
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Until next time, God be with you.
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