The US Census Bureau for 2017, reports that .04% of America, is currently serving. They also report that 7.2% of America are Veterans. (https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-census-bureau-releases-key-statistics-our-nations-veterans) That’s a small percentage of those who are called to serve and Protect. When you consider the sacrifice they go through, leaving their families behind, the opportunity to finish school, and to start and succeed in business, it definitely is a higher call.
The verse from John 15:13 always comes to mind when I think of service men, women and Veterans:
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13 (NKJV)
Of course, this verse is referring to Jesus dying on the cross for us. However, when you think about what these men and women sign up for, they are willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms. It really is an honor for the sacrifice they make.
Thank a Veteran when you come across one. Pray for our active men and women and for our Veterans. A lot of them deal with wounds that cannot be seen as well as physical wounds. Please, remember this when you come across a Veteran or Active Duty Member.
When I entered in the Army, it had been a dream for me. My grandparents were WWII Veterans. Grandma was a nurse and Grandpa was an officer overseeing repairs of planes. My dad is a Vietnam Veteran. I have other family that are Veterans including 2 brothers who are currently serving.
The Army was a big turning point for me. I was changing jobs and had no stability in my life. I was 4 years clean and sober, the only thing I could say that was going for me. Joining the Army meant a commitment that I could not turn away from.
But not having stability was not why I joined, I joined because of the desire I had to be part of something bigger. I also wanted to continue a family tradition.
The Army did more for me because of the stability I needed. It also gave me an opportunity to focus on getting into church again. Doing this, increased my awareness of seeking Jesus. Although it took me 4 years after I left service to rededicate my life to Jesus, the things I learned taught me about true commitment. The Army was a way for me to start this change in my life and helped prepare me for this walk of Faith as well as ministry.
You never know what each person deals with. What we do need to remember is that it truly takes a commitment for one to serve.