Freedom has never been free. There has always been a cost for freedom. Even far back in the Bible, we can see God’s people have been fighting for years for their freedom. Through God’s grace, is where victory was always found. We also have been given freedom to choose to be with God, at the expense of His son, Jesus, and what He sacrificed on that cross, on our behalf. We are free here in the USA, at the expense of soldiers, that fought and those that sacrificed their lives; so, we can live ours the way that we choose. There is always a cost attached to freedom. Sometimes those that pay the price, simply do so from their act of love.

Today we remember those that have fought for our freedoms, at the expense of their lives. Those that have fallen in duty, in their act of bravery, selflessness and love. The soldiers that go into battle and fight for loved ones and even strangers, is nothing short of heroic. Their love and sacrifice I am so very grateful for. A soldiers selfless actions remind me of the love that God has for us. What He did and still does for us. To be a soldier, is definitely a high calling. I do not believe that everyone is called to be one. Though I believe those that have been, have been called for a special purpose.

As we commemorate Memorial Day, we hear the word happy with it. However, the day is sad in so many regards, as we think about the lives that were loss for our freedoms. However, despite the sadness from the loss of so many soldiers, we can find some happiness. No, not in the loss of their precious life, but in the freedoms that come, from their sacrifices that were made.

Friend, today as we grieve the American soldiers that have passed in battle, we celebrate the joy in the freedom in which they gave; their servitude and their love for their fellow Americans. I am grateful that God has lovingly called these certain, select few, to defend our freedoms. So, we can praise God better in the freedoms of our faith, so we can continue to live a life that involves many aspects of freedom. For God himself gives us freedom to choose how to live our lives. Though we must choose our choices wisely and we ought to walk with God continuously; we were always created with the option to choose. Having soldiers here fighting so we can continue to, is a blessing from God.

To the soldiers who have passed, so my family and I can live freely; I am grateful. For those loved ones that have stood by their soldiers, I send my condolences and also my gratitude. May God continue to bless the USA and may we never forget the sacrifices of these select few. These American soldiers, who fought; so that we can continue to have our freedoms! For the price of freedom is expensive, but the reward is priceless.

Erin Fitts-Brower

John 15:13 NIV

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.