Subject Line: FW

The other day I received an email from a friend from church. It was one of those that the subject line included “FW”. Everyone knows that means it’s something they received they liked and forwarded on to someone else. On an average day I probably get ten to twenty emails that include “FW”. They are usually videos about cute puppies sleeping on their backs barking like they are chasing some cat or something similar. Many are cute but most are worthless. Typically I just hit the delete key. For some reason this time I clicked on the link and watched a “youtube” video that started with an elderly gentleman listening to the news on his car radio. The announcer told of someone who was arrested for desecrating a WWII memorial. About that time his young grandsons got into the car and one asked, “Grandpa is something wrong?” He replied “some people have short memories and those who are too young to know need to be taught.” The grandsons look at each other perplexed as they drove off. The next scene is the grandfather and his two grandsons entering a movie theatre where they are playing black and white WWII reels and Ronald Regan narrating in the background. Interestingly, there were several other grandfathers in the audience with their grandchildren as well. Each of the grandparents, one after the other, looked at their grandchild and said, “I fought for you.” The short video ends with these words, “all gave some, some gave all.” After I dried the tears from my eyes I remembered something Jesus said, John 15:13 (ESV) “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” The grandfather was right, I have a short memory. Last Thursday was Veteran’s Day in America. We owe much to those who have sacrificed for our country. All gave some and some gave all. Thank you to those who serve.

Father, be with those who are out there protecting our country. Keep them safe and protect the families of those who have been left behind.

Doug Svien
Stephenville, Texas