| |
| |
|
Spirituality Information |
|
|
|
Geralds Story - A Tribute to Valor
John 15:13 June 6, 1944... So long ago, on a beach so far from the heartland of America, the course of history was changed. The liberation of Europe began, and the life of T/Sgt Gerald Henderson ended. This is the report of his death given when the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to his family after the war ended. "For extraordinary heroism against the enemy on June 6, 1944, in Normandy France, on D-day, Technical Sergeant Henderson, while exposed to intense enemy artillery, mortar, machine-gun, and small arms fire, heroically supervised the unloading of men and vehicles from his landing craft. Observing that a vehicle from an adjoining landing craft had stalled, he voluntarily drove a truck along the fire swept beech, plunged into the water, and fastened a cable to the vehicle. After towing it safely to shore, he personally carried two wounded occupants to safety and rendered first aid. He returned to the beach and amid bursting shells and devastating small arms fire, courageously continuing his rescue work. While carrying a wounded soldier across the beach to a position of safety a shell landed near this valiant soldier fatally wounding him. His heroic achievements in the initial landing resulted in the saving of many lives and much vital equipment. The self sacrificing devotion to duty, personal bravery and valorous leadership displayed by Technical Sergeant Henderson exemplified the highest tradition of the armed forces. (Auth GO 92, HQ, 21st US Army, 18th infantry, antitank company)" -------------------------------------------------------------- I wonder about the men he carried to the safety of the cliffs. I wonder if they knew Gerald in the first place or if they were just strangers in need of help. I wonder if they survived the war. Did they have children already who would have lost their father that day. Were they married? Did their mothers learn that their sons were saved, but Gerald's mother lost her son that day? And mostly I wonder what these men did with the rest of their lives? Since Gerald's life was cut short so their lives could run a natural course, did they feel any obligation to live their lives in a way that would make Gerald think his sacrifice was worth it that day? Today, other soldiers are fighting all over the globe. It isn't called a world war this time, but it surely appears to be one. And I know bravery and self sacrifice are not limited to any one generation. There are soldiers today who may wish things were different, but never the less, they will do their duty to the highest measure necessary. But bravery and self sacrifice are not limited to the battlefield. That is just the obvious place people look for such heroism. In truth, bravery worthy of the highest honor is present all around us, in all levels of society, economics, and cultural variances. The character that allows such bravery to defy extreme adversity is built daily in the lives of men and women and children who just get up and do what is required of them every day. Most days it isn't that hard. Some days it is very hard. And on that occasional day when doing one's duty seems impossible, the individual who has already set the habit of "just getting the job done" will just get the job done that day as well. I have heard the question, "Have you thanked a vet today?" asked many times over the years. I suppose the question is supposed to make us think of the price paid for our freedom and the American way of life. But how would you thank the veterans who did not return? A proper tribute is in the way each of us lives our lives. There are three things everyone who lives with the blessing of freedom should do. First, fully acknowledge that complete freedom is only possible through Jesus Christ. But he uses all sorts of people to allow us the freedom we enjoy in every day life Second, only accept the boundaries in our lives that are imposed by God and national law that doesn't contradict God's law. This means DO love God, keep the commandments, treat others the way you want to be treated, be moderate, and be modest. It also means DO NOT allow your self to be ruled by political correctness, social acceptability, or peer pressure. These things will only add unnecessary complications to your life and hinder you from doing whatever God actually has for you to do. Third, lay down your life. Surrender to God. True surrender means agreeing to do what God asks of you before you actually know what it is. Then it means doing what you know to do every day. The husband and father who provides for his family often has to set aside many personal wants and ambitions to do what is best for his family. The mother who cares for her children 24 hours a day has to lay down things she wants to do in order to do what needs to be done. The child who obeys his or her parents will set aside their own desire in order to be obedient. Just do your duty - in full measure. What ever your race is for the day - just do it as well and cheerfully as possible. In full surrender to God, and consistent completion of duty - you will come to realize that your fulfillment could not be greater, and your joy will only grow greater. You will be taking full advantage of the freedom provided by God, and all those He used to provide your freedom. You will effectively have "thanked a vet" by the way you live your life. Gerald's Song Our freedom was bought by soldiers of honor, who sleep in the valley of the shadow of death. Now weeping endures for the night but God promised, joy comes in the morning with a trump and a shout. I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound, the death song from sorrow to victory resounds. Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns, I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound. Your face in the picture, your laugh in my mind, all fade and grow dimmer one day at a time. The words on the tombstone may weather away, but your name is on the Father's hand awaiting that day. I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound, the death song from sorrow to victory resounds. Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns, I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound. Our redemption was bought by God's son the Savior, crucified, buried, but rose up the third day. Ascended to heaven to be with the Father, but coming back to receive us with a trump and a shout. I'll see you tomorrow when the trumpet shall sound, the death song from sorrow to victory resounds. Grave clothes all changed for white robes and crowns, I'll see you and know you when the trumpet shall sound. I wrote these lyrics - but I need someone to write music to go with the lyrics. Thanks, Barbara Henderson
MORE RESOURCES:
Spirituality - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Pray Off Your Debts in 10 Days or Less - A Short Case Study Last Friday night, I met a Christian at a prayer meeting. He was rescued from war-torn Sudan and brought to the U. The S Word We all sin. To avoid using the "s" word, we may call it by other less penetrating names; politically correct names. Do You Make These 3 Mistakes In Your Christian Life? You're probably sabotaging your successful Christian life right now if you're making one or more of these mistakes. Do you know what they are?I'm going to share with you quickly three of the most common mistakes that Christians make and how they can be corrected. Moksha - Salvation Hinduism... Highlights Concept and the Path Is it not true that only after gaining Enlightenment (Self-Realization) that one can reach the stage of Moksha (Salvation).Moksha is that ephemeral truth of life without which human beings cannot sustain themselves. The Power Of Prayer - Gush Katif Needs You Now You can't help but feel a sense of electricity in the air. History is unfolding, make that prophecy is being fulfilled, and will continue to be fulfilled daily from now until the coming of the Lord. The World Revolves Around Me Lately I have become aware of a new truth that is formulating in my life.After years of study in New Age and New Thought a new awareness of self is emerging. See You At Midnight: Strategy For Terrific Speed To Greatness! The gate of every year is the begining of that year; the gate of every month is the begining of that month; the gate of every week is the begining of that week; the gate of every day is the wee hours (from 12midnight) of that day. Are you presently STRANDED or STAGNANT in your journey in life? It is perhaps because you're locked out by a gate-keeper, from entering into fulfilment and you don't even know. On Seeking The Silence Within every obstacle there is an equivalent or greater benefit.~Napoleon HillHow would it feel if you rose to each obstacle with calm determination. Surrounded By His Glory As communion was being passed this morning, I listened to the song "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. I fought to keep the tears in my eyes. Looking Back With A Pained Expression Anyone who tells you that the path to self-actualization is an easy one has never walked it. Along the way, we meet - head on! - the skeletons in our personal closets, and the process of coming to terms with our past and al that it brought into our lives is a long and solitary one. For I, the Lord, Heal You! With those words recorded in Exodus 15:26, God proclaims to man the source of all healing.. Gods Will Many may wonder what is God's will, or how do I put God's will into my life? Well let's see what the Bible says about God's will. We must first understand that Jesus wants us to be holy. Petitioning for Your Needs Human beings are blessed with a unique gift: the gift of prayer or petition to the Infinite for our needs. A religious person would call it prayer; others may call it petition or meditation. Watch Your Language! I have a big mouth. If you have read my testimony, you know that I have struggled with panic attacks and an anxiety disorder that most of the time left my tongue paralyzed when it came to simple things, such as ordering a meal or answering the phone. Wealth Catchers: Discover Wealth and Prosperity with the Angels of Abundance Did you ever know somebody who easily accumulates wealth? If it rained money and you each put pots out to catch it, would yours be likely to hold the half inch or so that was predicted to fall and theirs overflow? How could it happen that way? The money energy falls equally on each of you just as rain would and your opportunity to stand in the flow of money is equal as well.I wondered the same thing and, oddly enough, the Angels brought the answer to me as I flipped through a catalogue of earth friendly products. Angelic Art - Alternative & Spiritual Healing Therapy As more and more alternative and spiritual healings are being studied and documented they are finding that all forms of upliftment heals the body, mind and spirit. Angelic art falls within this category by uplifting the spirit. The A To Z I Beheld I beheld the sky and its wonders and saw AstonishmentI beheld the earth and its flowers and saw BeautyI beheld the animals and beasts of the air, land and water and saw the hand of the CreatorI beheld the fullmoon and to me was it , like a blooming DaisyI beheld the rivers and saw its EffusionI beheld the star that led the East and saw the FirmamentI beheld the sun and saw the GloryI beheld the cross and saw my HeroI beheld the dove and saw InnocenceI beheld the heart of the master and saw a priceless JewelI beheld the Pentecost and saw the Holyflame KindledI beheld the slaughterand saw the cleansing blood of the LambI beheld my reflection and saw The Creator's MasterpieceI beheld my loss and looked up to Him who is my guiding star of the NorthI beheld The Spirit descend from above and saw the heavens OpenI beheld The throne and saw the big PictureI beheld the power of His might and saw no QuestioningI beheld the sepulchre and saw the ResurrectionI beheld the open heavens and saw Him who is crowned the morning StarI beheld The word and saw the TruthI beheld the HolyOne and saw given to me, the unctionI beheld His church and saw mighty men of ValourI beheld the fear of Him who is crowned LORD of lords and saw WisdomI beheld His breath and light and saw that which is exceedingly greater than XenonI beheld my future and saw no more of YesterdayI beheld the face of my Father and saw myself on the mount of ZionAbout The AuthorA motivational and Inspirational writer and programmer.. Penthouse or Basement? The Spiritual Realm is Topsy-Turvy Am I dreaming? The sign outside the skyscraper reads: "Spiritual Realm." I hurry straight to the elevator. A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION - Wisdom From The Fulfillment Forum Books & Study Courses A few men and women are universally successful but such superior seeming geniuses usually lose so much empathy for we lesser souls that their relationships become selfish and self-defeating. Many end up alone and unloved, in a prison of their own making, as Michael Corleone did in The Godfather. Surviving the Tsunami--Animals and Their Connection with the Spiritual World When the Tsunami struck Asia and East Africa on December 26, 2004 more than 220,000 humans died, but amazingly the wild animals escaped without harm.Two chained elephants managed to pull free of their chains before the Tsunami wave arrived and they ran to higher ground for safety.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
