I recline against the headboard in bed and turn pages of Kristen Welch’s Rhinestone Jesus, soaking up her story of how she and her family started a maternity house in Kenya to help young pregnant girls living in extreme poverty. When I reach page 106, I come to a minor detail in the overall scope of the story, but one that hits me with major force.
I sit straight up, tap my nearby husband on the shoulder and say, “Baby, you have to hear this.”
Kristen writes of how Maureen, the Welch’s partner who oversees the maternity house in Kenya, went to the post office to retrieve a package sent by the Welch family. After riding the city bus into town to pick it up, the clerk at the desk wouldn’t give the package to her unless she paid him a bribe. Refusing to be a part of corruption, Maureen returned home empty handed. The next day, the post office called again about the package, so Maureen made an identical trip into town to retrieve it. A different clerk sat behind the counter, but Maureen was again asked to pay a bribe before the package would be handed to her. So once again, Maureen made an about face and left without it.
Armed with prayer and fasting, Maureen was finally able to pick up her package, but not without a significant amount of frustration and hassle first. When I finished reading that story in the book to my husband, we shook our heads and I said, “There’s a freedom I never considered. The freedom to go to the post office and pick up a package without such a hassle.”
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Curled up on the sofa with my chai and laptop on hand, I peruse the blog of one of my favorite women, Kat Lee. On this particular post, she talked of a conversation she had with a young man who relayed his plans following high school. He mentions,
“I thought about joining the military, but I love my freedom too much.”
My eyes widen as the irony sinks deep within me. Because it’s true:
Join the military and give up the freedom to choose where you live.
Join the military and give up your freedom of time with your spouse and children.
Join the military and give up the freedom of safety and ease.
Join the military and sacrifice your freedoms so others may rest in countless known and never-thought-about freedoms. Big ones like my daughter getting an education without her dreams turning into nightmares. Small ones like picking up a package from the post office with no threat of corruption. These freedoms and a plethora of others don’t accidentally happen. They are hard fought and won through sacrifices ranging from the loss of good opinions to the loss of life on earth.
Service always brings a sacrifice in one form or another. Jesus’ all-encompassing love reflects this and his nail-scarred hands proves it. Our armed forces serve without complaining about their sacrificed freedoms so you and I may enjoy more freedoms on a daily basis than most the world will know in a lifetime.
To all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard servicemen and women, the (in)courage community wants you to know how deeply we appreciate you. You are selflessly giving and devoted, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
To the families of our military members, know you have our warmest thanks. You are generous and brave behind the scenes, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
And to those families of the fallen, may you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you in the middle of your own loss.
With tender hearts we lift you all up today.
And we say thank you for everything.
Kristen Strong, Chasing Blue Skies
One way we honor the memory of those who served and sacrificed is to make a difference in the lives of those who are serving now. And one way we can do that is to show military spouses they are seen and appreciated. Because when we build up military spouses, they are better able to build up their own service-member husbands and wives. If you would like to learn more about a very real way to do just that, click here.
If you have a loved one serving at home or abroad in the military, might you leave his or her *first* name in a comment so we can pray? And if you don’t, might you leave a word of encouragement to our military and their families?
Leave a Comment
Jennifer says
Adam
Kristen Strong says
Praying for Adam now. Thank you for mentioning him here today.
Anne says
Adam
Kristen Strong says
Praying now for your Adam too, Anne. Much love.
Judy says
Praying for our service members safe return and the peace of God that surpasses understanding guarding their families hearts.
Kristen Strong says
Amen. Thank you, Judy.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Kristen,,
I have said it before, but I am so praying for all the military spouses and families who are left behind to hold down the fort while their soldiers are serving. YOU are a sacrificial backbone of our great Nation and a key reason why we enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy. Praying for those who serve, past and present, and those who sacrifice so that their soldiers can serve. We owe you a debt of gratitude. With heartfelt thanks…
Blessings and ((hugs)),
Bev
Kristen Strong says
Beautiful, Bev. xo
Amy says
Tim
Kristen Strong says
Praying for Tim right now. xo
Holly Barrett says
Daniel, Rachel and Neil
Kristen Strong says
Lord, we thank you for Daniel, Rachel, and Neil who serve and sacrifice so faithfully.
Thank you for sharing these names here, Holly. xo
Lisa says
Tim
Kristen Strong says
Thank you for sharing Tim’s name, Lisa. Praying now.
Karen says
Are you still sending care packages to the family members? It shows that you have already reached your goal, so I’m not sure if this is on going. My husband is no longer in the service, but he served through several deployments and something like that care package would have meant the world to me! I would love to support it!
Kristen Strong says
Karen, thank you so much! Hmmm…for me, the Pure Charity fundraiser page is showing it is still wide open. Would love to know what is showing on the screens for other folks?
Karen says
I must have been bleary eyed. I would swear that both numbers said $3100 when I checked the first time! 🙂
Sorry bout that!
Kristen Strong says
No problem, Karen. It wouldn’t have been a bad problem to have. 😉
A big hug to you!
Beth says
My thoughts and prayers are with our military families, and especially with our Gold Star families today. Much love to you, Kristen. Thank you for your beautiful heart.
Thinking of my man (Scott) currently deployed and my son (Zack) who leaves on his first deployment soon.
Kristen Strong says
Beth, one of my tightest hugs is reserved just for you, friend.
Praying for your Scott and Zack today as well as our Gold Star families. So much love from my Rocky mountain home to you… xo
Rosslyn says
Our family is so thankful for the privilege of serving. Through 4 deployments, and every other day in between, God shows his goodness and grace as we trust Him.
Brian.
Kristen Strong says
All the gratitude in the world for you and Brian, Rosslyn. May God bless and keep you and yours. xo
Lisa-Jo says
Could not be more proud to know you. Love you and wishing you an early happy Birthday friend and spreading the word about this amazing project far and wide!!
Kristen Strong says
Thank you, Lisa-Jo. You are a true-blue sister. xoxo
bluecottonmemory says
Beautifully said! One of my sons was a soldier for awhile – it saved it his life.
Kendra says
Husband John and Daughter Erica
Kristen Strong says
Lifting up your husband and daughter right now, Kendra. So much love to you and yours.
Wendy says
Matt
Kristen Strong says
Wendy, I’m praying right now for Matt. Thank you for sharing his name with us today. xo
Chris Malkemes says
Thank you, my dear friend. Thank you for reminding us that freedom is not free – until those words are not words then the understanding is never fully realized.
Melissa says
Chris
Karin Madden says
Praying for Chris now. Thank you, Melissa. Hugs to you.
Jodi Michaelides says
Please pray for my neighbor’s grandson who has severe PTSD from being overseas with the Army and he needs some really excellent care now back in KY and he needs the assistance from his commanding officer from the Army.
Kristen Strong says
Praying every one of Andrew’s needs are met soon and he gets the help he needs, Jodi. What a friend you are to share his name here today. xo
Nancy Ruegg says
Thank you, Kristen, for sharing that story about Maureen, highlighting that we enjoy many freedoms we’re not even aware of. My level of appreciation just rose considerably as a result of reading about her.
God bless and protect our soldiers and their families. They sacrifice so much!
Please pray for David.
Kristen Strong says
Absolutely, Nancy. Praying now.
Much love.
Jodi Michaelides says
His name is Andrew.
Karin Madden says
Jodi, I’m praying for Andrew now. Sending thanks and love to you.
karen schwarz says
My husband Jason
Thank you for this post! I needed to read it today as I was feeling alone and forgotten and having a bit of a pity party 🙂 God is so good!
Kristen Strong says
You are seen, Karen, and so loved by many, especially the God of the heavens Who takes infinite delight in you and loves you like crazy.
The (in)courage community is so thankful for you and *all* you do.
We pray on for Jason…so much love.
Monty Carter says
Andy D.
Kristen Strong says
Praying for Andy right now, Monty. xo
Lisa says
Seth, Chuck, Tom, Travis who are all currently serving. Also praying for the families who are waiting & praying for their safe return.
Kristen Strong says
Joining in that prayer with you, Lisa, and lifting up Seth, Chuck, Tom, and Travis now. Thank you for sharing their names with us here. xo
Kathy says
Two son-in-laws, Charles and Chris.
Kristen Strong says
Praying for Charles and Chris right now, Kathy. So thankful for them both…and you.
Holly says
Timothy
And thank you for this lovely post — we have been an active duty Army family for close to 25 years. It is our privilege and honor.
Brenda says
Please pray for Rachel, Eve , Dwain and Dillon all currently serving. Thanks!
Karin Madden says
Brenda, lifting Rachel, Eve, Dwain, and Dillon up in prayer this minute. Bless you.
Laura says
My son Tyler and his wife Kelley.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to our wonderful military and the families that support them!! 🙂
Heather says
Nathan
Pattie says
Thank you, Kristen. I’m remembering all the Gold Star families today.
Kim R. says
Brandon, our only son
Karin Madden says
Kim, I’m praying for Brandon now. I have 2 sons and 4 daughters. My husband serves in the AF. I am so very grateful for your son’s service – and for your faithful mother heart. Blessings to you.
Sarah Jo says
Beautiful <3 My dad is military (National Guard/Department of Defense), and my husband, Adam, is too (full-time Guard) – they do sacrifice a lot, as do we who end up (temporarily – we pray!) single moms when they're gone on deployments. Thanks so much for this post!
jane says
MacKenzie
Kathy says
Thank you to all who give so much. We are eternally grateful.
Ginger Grant Salmon says
My oldest son Micah is a Marine. He left the week after high school graduation. He has wanted this since 9/11/2001 and he has definately achieved several things on his “bucekt list” so far!! I have always been proud of our militarty and love the chance to thank them for their service when I know they are current serving or veterans. I think my militarty radar has really peaked since my son is now serving!.
Prayers out to ALL currently serving and veteran military, and for those families that their son or daughter or husband or wife, lost their life while serving our great country so that we may keep our freedoms!!! Also for our wounded that have to go on living after their service, give them the physical and mental strength and perserverence to keep on going! Also and certainly not last, I would lift up the Moma’s, especially! But certainly the Father’s, Wives and Husbands, Brothers (my sons biggest fan is his 11 year old brother!!!) and Sisters, Girl Friends and Boy Frinds! Please help us to be patient and understanding!!!! And please help this Country to not only give lipservice, pararades, and fly flags, but to truely honor and take care of the ones that volunteer, and would be willing to give their lives so that not only the United States but that other country’s might have and understand LIBERTY!! In Jesus name I pray.
Christine Doiga says
My son, PFC Colby Doiga is bravely serving as a combat medic now with the 82nd Airborne, 1-508th PIR in Afghanistan. We love and miss him, but are confident he is in the center of God’s will. #armystrong
Chelsea says
My brother, Ryan.
Karin Madden says
I’m praying for your brother Ryan, Chelsea. My brother and husband serve, too. I’ve been praying for them for years. An honor to include your brother in my prayers.
Susan says
Thank you to all who serve or support someone who serves. God bless you and keep you!
Jennifer says
Mark
Karin Madden says
Praying for Mark now, Jennifer. Bless you.
Courtney says
My husband, Nick, is currently home and doesn’t have any deployments on the horizon, pray God
Janet from FL says
Kristen,
Thank you for this great tribute to all those who serve in the military and their families! I have 2 stepsons in the army, so I am a little more aware of the sacrifices and hard work of not only them, but also their wives and children. As you are a military wife too, God bless you. Our church sends care packages to those in the military, but I will definitely check out the charity that sends care packages to the spouses, too. Thanks,
–Janet
Ruth E. Chidley says
My son Nathaniel and son-in-law Mike, both USAF. They are both married and have a total of 8 children.
Thank you for your prayers!
Christie says
Praying for all of the military individuals and their families!
naomi says
Thanks beyond measure to those who served, gave their life, and those currently serving out Country! You are why we have our precious Freedom, May God Bless you and your families.
Marty says
I am so proud and thankful to have 4 generations of military service in my family…my grandfather, father, brother all have served, and I currently have two nephews serving right now, I have seen the sacrifices that others have made on my behalf, and I appreciate them so much! I have lived the life of a military kid. I know that it was God’s grace and the prayers of others that sustained us as we traveled all over the world…never putting down roots…being away from family and friends…sometimes even being away from my Dad. Thank you for shedding a light on why we have this holiday, and for reminding us all to pray for those in service, and for their families…and to never forget the fallen or THEIR families. Freedom really isn’t free. Proud to be an American.
Angela says
Dear God I pray I never forget our service members and their families. Bring them safely home grant the families strength and grace during deployments and for families of the fallen or missing comfort them during their times of loss and sorrow. Amen.
Karin Madden says
Kristen, have the happiest of birthdays tomorrow. And thank you for this post and this project. Lifting every name in every one of these comments up in prayer right now. Love you, friend.
Darlene says
David
Beth WIlliams says
Happy belated birthday Kristen!
Thank you for all you and others do for our service men and women! The people-wives, husbands, children-who stay home while their family member is off fighting for freedom are doing a tremendous job of sacrificing their own freedoms.
I want to pray for ALL military people everywhere. May God give them the ability to do their job and come home to their families safe and sound. To those who have lost loved ones in battle–THANK YOU for the ultimate sacrifice!
Vanessa Wynn says
My son, Daniel
Wendy Anderson says
Our 2 sons Joshua and Jonathan.
Thank you!
Venus Ann says
My son, Dalton
Mary says
Dean, a Vietnam Marine vet. and Jonathon and his wife serving in the Army. To the WWII Vets whose health is failing and their families, especially their spouses. My heart and prayers lift to God with thanksgiving and prayer for courage and strength. May the promise of Joshua 1:9 be with all who serve and their families.
Cleo says
*Christopher*
Tara says
Amen
Meg says
Thank you for this. Your posts always hit close to home for me. You’re much appreciated, Kristen! I was missing family and friends so much tonight, so this was some much needed encouragement.
My husband, Andrew.
Hope N. Griffin says
Husband and BIL
I wrote a blog post called “The Cost of War-3 easy steps to help our nation heal and 2 that require commitment”. I would love it if you checked it out. Thank you for the beautiful post you shared.
Carolyn says
Brian
Leslee says
LCpl Taylor E. Marvin
VMA 542, MCAS Cherry Point, NC
My son is serving in the Marine Corps and even though I have (mostly) adjusted, there are times when I truly miss him present within our family. Reading this blog was hard because there are sacrifices for military families, even if your family member isn’t serving overseas, they are usually not close either. I miss my son today so please lift him up in your prayers.
angela says
Husband jose, bil jeremy, brother Dennis (vet) sil laura (vet) fil jose (vet)