Category: Heroes

If asked to name a one-word description of what sets the good old USA apart most of us would answer, "Freedom."

Most of us take our freedom as Americans for granted. Why wouldn't we? Freedom is like the air we breathe: Always there.

Perhaps that's why we forget freedom isn't free and therefore take veterans and Veterans Day lightly.

Let's take another look.

Maintaining our freedom cost life itself for many. Those who loved them deal with pain and emptiness that won't quit.

Even many of those who survived still deal with pain of body and mind, some of them for life.

Veterans Day is all about honoring fellow U.S. citizens who served in our Armed Forces over the years. Even those who never served in a war zone set aside their personal "civilian" life choices for years.

Those who loved them and their extended families so often did the same. Without this sacrifice you and I would not be free.

It seems a puny gesture to honor veterans only one day of the year, doesn't it?

In the larger sense, Veteran's Day is about what it costs to hang onto our freedom

One U.S. Marine Corps chaplain expressed it well.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

"It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

"It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

-Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMC

Giving honor where it is due

Honor translates into respect and appreciation. When we speak it and live it, our children pick up the message: Freedom is precious and those who protect it deserve to know we appreciate what they do.

It doesn't require grand gestures, just the right heart attitude.

If we truly value those who serve/served, it will show.

Children and young people are watching and listening all the time. Even (and especially) when they pretend not to. Kids watch adults hoping to pick up clues on what to believe and what to say and how to live.

From now on let's make sure we–and our children–notice and talk to veterans and those currently serving and just say Thanks.

This simple gesture can help kids understand that real people keep us free. People who have dreams and feelings and families who love them.

People very much like their parents and the adults they know and love.

If we don't pass on this attitude of appreciation to the next generation, who will?

It's as easy as speaking well of those who serve in our Armed Forces now or have done so in the past. Always.

Are they perfect and do they always make right decisions? Of course not. They are human beings, as we are. But to let the failings of a few overshadow what is good and right and true misses the point.

Why not choose to look instead at all this Nation has come through?

Ponder the gracious hand of God's blessing on this Nation, right from the start. When we do, we reinforce our own sense of gratitude and satisfaction as Americans.

What's more, our words and attitudes "trickle down" to our children–and beyond. Our positive comments help them feel good about their world.

Like it or not, our kids "catch" and mimic our outlook on the world.

Once again it comes down to the Golden Rule

It's all about being grateful and showing it. These simple words of Jesus (Matthew 7:12a ESV) cover most of life's situations and human relationships.

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…

Let's just do it! Let's speak our thanks to our veterans or those who actively serve in our Armed Forces. A hug or a pat on the back can encourage their family members, too.

Each of us, whatever our age or ability, can do that much. Any day of any year. Think how that bit of affirmation might strengthen and comfort them.

Instead of fretting and complaining about what's wrong with America, let's start being part of what's right with these United States of America.

Consider it a way to speak up for–and help to hang on to–our freedom as Americans. If it seems one person cannot make a difference, listen to Edward Everett Hale

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. And by the grace of God, I will."

With gratitude,

Lenore

Let’s remember who we are as a nation–and tell our kids

November 10, 2021
Have you noticed how easily we overlook individuals who don't have a lot of flash and dash?

We applaud those who show great bravery at times of danger and disaster–and we should. They're easy to spot.

But we often miss the soft-spoken people who serve in the background and keep on doing it. People like "Marian," a woman I met at a convention when we ended up next to each other at lunch.

We talked about the morning's spiritual growth workshop. Marian said, "I always think maybe this time I'll figure out what I'm equipped to do for the Lord, but I still don't know.

"It's not because I haven't tried, but I just can't find my place, like in my church. I get tongue-tied in front of a group. Can't play an instrument, can't even carry a tune.

"I've tried teaching, but the problem is I never want to be up front."

She sighed as she got up to leave and said, "I think when the good Lord was giving out gifts, He just passed me by."

Later that day I met "Kate"

She said, "I saw you talking to Marian. Years ago she belonged to my little church.

"We don't have enough members to have lots of committees and boards and meetings. When something needs doing, we all just pitch in to get it done. This works real well for us most of the time. Or it did for a long time.

"Then one Sunday Fred had to run to the convenience store and buy coffee before he could get the coffeepot going. After church we regulars drank our coffee and talked, like we always do.

"Fred told us about the empty supply cupboard. Doris said she couldn't find any cleaning supplies when it was her turn to clean. That never happened before. Then Joe said, 'The last few Sundays I got here early, like always, and had to sweep off the church steps and sidewalks. Never had to do that before.'

"Marge said, 'Sounds like things are falling apart around here. What's changed?'"

The rest of the story

Kate shifted in her chair. "Then my husband said, 'Only one change I can think of: Marian moved away.'"

"We looked at each other and it was like that Bible verse about scales falling from our eyes. Marian never missed church and always sat in the same pew. A nice, quiet lady who always served food at potlucks and then washed up dishes afterwards.

"Somehow we never guessed that on her own she stocked us up on supplies and swept the walks–and who knows what else? George said he'd been treasurer for years and Marian never turned in a bill.

"We all felt terrible," Kate said. "We wrote letters to her and all that, but how do you make up for never noticing, never saying 'Thanks' while she was with us?

"I'm ashamed to say we never really saw Marian for who she was."

Don't we all do that, even with people we love?

For instance, we parents sometimes fall into that trap with our children.

We assume our "good kid," the one who almost never worries us and always finishes homework and chores–doesn't need our attention or our praise.

On the other hand, our child who struggles, the one who keeps us frustrated–and praying–gets extra time and we're ready to applaud every little accomplishment. We tell ourselves that one needs it more.

That's understandable, sure, but is it fair?

It can happen in a marriage, too

It's easy for a husband and wife to get used to their couple style and just bump around in the same life hardly noticing each other. Over time that can rob a marriage of its sparkle.

Or one spouse may under-value the fact their mate has a faithful, giving heart full of love and say, "Oh well, that's just how he (or she) is."

Words like that make it sound as if it costs nothing to be loving and to be one who can be counted on because "that's just how they are."

In marriage–and in life–it's way too easy to take a person's love and support for granted, as we do having air to breathe.

The one who feels unappreciated may think, Why bother?

Always, love is an action verb

The good, quiet people live in the same world as everyone else. They face pressures and get tired and sometimes want to quit, too.

But they don't. They stay.

They keep doing what needs doing and what they're supposed to do, without reminders. Without being noticed. All the while they're living out love.

Do we see them? (And cherish them if we live with them?)

Do we tell them we appreciate them and their generous hearts?

Do we let them know they are loved?

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.                                                            Proverbs 25:11 ESV

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34 ESV

This Thanksgiving season let's express what we feel

Let's resolve to say "Thank you" more often. Let's say that word, write that note, make that call now.

Who do you know that's a hero who keeps on keepin' on and could use a verbal pat on the back?

Who do you know that needs your good words?

Still learning, always,

Lenore

Let’s open our eyes to all the quiet heroes in our midst

November 11, 2020
Life is fragile.

Every breath we take is a gift.

That's the refrain that drummed in my mind when I saw the photos and heard the story of US Airways Flight 1549, the one that ended up in the Hudson River January 15, 2009.

Did you hear it, too?

But for the grace of God … you or I could have been one of the people standing on a wing of that sinking US Airways jet. Or it could have been someone we love, icy water swirling around their legs and their lips turning blue.

A couple members of our family fly often in connection with their work and all of us fly now and then. That day I knew every one of our family members was on the ground. I breathed a silent Thank You, Lord!, feeling a bit guilty for being so self-involved.

But for the grace of God … that plane, bound from New York to Charlotte, N.C., would have been flying over mountainous terrain or a less-inhabited area, with rescue equipment miles away.

Instead … they hit that huge flock of Canadian geese while they were still close to New York, which, since 9/11 has in place elaborate rescue plans and trained public employees for every type of emergency.

But for the grace of God … a less-experienced pilot would have been flying that plane.

Instead … it was Capt. Chesley Sullenberger. "Sully" graduated from the Air Force Academy and flew eight years for the USAF as a combat pilot. He had studied how cockpit crews react in a crisis and is a certified glider pilot.

By the grace of God … Sullenberger made the right split-second decision. He turned the engineless plane around, gliding safely down over the Hudson River. Volunteers from boats that "happened" to be close by worked together with rescue personnel.

Instead … of drowning, passengers and crew were rescued within minutes. They're alive and, as one said when interviewed, "I will never take life for granted again."

By the grace of God …

Every passenger and crew member on US Airways Flight 1549 survived.

I can't tell you what was in cartoonist Rex Babin's mind when he drew this cartoon. Could it have been this verse?

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. –Deuteronomy 33:27

By the grace of God …

You and I woke up this morning.

    And the morning before this one.

        And the morning before that.

Not one of us possesses a guarantee we'll be here tomorrow, or even at the end of this day.

So why waste our time focusing on the "if onlys" of life?

Or get hung up on the woulda/shoulda/couldas?

Why bother to nurse hurt feelings or grudges?

Rather, let's appreciate the people in our lives and the good things all around us. Let's make the most of who we are and of every day we're given.

By the grace of God … you and I live and move and have our being.

    Life is a gift.

    Every breath we take is a gift.

    The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.

For more, anytime you find yourself feeling fearful or all alone, turn to Psalm 139 and read the first eighteen verses. Let those beautiful words wash into your heart and your spirit.

Peace to you, my friend,

Lenore
Lessons from the “miracle on the Hudson”

September 14, 2016
This is a story about overcoming BIG obstacles.

This little charmer was born in 1987, to a mother and father who walked away from the hospital and left her behind.

Permanently.

Enter Sharon and Gerald Bricker, two "ordinary" people who live in tiny Hardinville, IL.

They already had three sons, but Sharon always yearned for a daughter. She told a reporter, "I prayed, 'God give me a little girl that needs a family as bad as I need a little girl.'"

He did.

When the couple learned this 3-month old baby girl was available for adoption they were ready to jump at the chance.

There was just one little thing: She was born without legs.

No matter, they decided. The Brickers quickly applied to adopt, signed all the paperwork, took her home and named her Jennifer.

These two knew from the beginning that their new daughter would require all the love they could give her.

Meet Jennifer Bricker today, champion acrobat and aerialist

She and her parents tell their story on an unforgettable YouTube, titled: "Never say can't." www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9M6r5RF4A

I've watched it several times and one word comes through to me: Courage.

Courage for Jennifer, of course, but also for Sharon and Gerald, all the way through.

They come across as two good people, solid and strong, who stepped out in faith.

These two non-experts simply loved their child and believed in her. Because of Sharon's earlier remarks, it's safe to say they prayed, probably every minute of every day.

I consider these parents as amazing as their daughter.

In the Bricker family, the same rule applied to everyone

Jennifer traces her attitude to the one simple rule her parents gave her: "Never say 'can't.'"

She remembers them telling her again and again, "'Can't' is not part of your vocabulary. If you just put your mind to it, you can do it."

"If you're never given limits," she says, "then you think, 'I can do anything!'"

So this little "handicapped" girl decided she could be a tumbler, a gymnast and nothing would stop her.

Finding courage to go on

When I imagine Sharon and Gerald Bricker's life. I think how easy and loving and "right" it would have seemed to tell their daughter, "Honey, I'm sorry. You can't be a tumbler because you have no legs . . . You can't play basketball because without legs you couldn't be fast enough . . . You can't play baseball because how could you run the bases?"

And all their friends and neighbors would have said, "You did the right thing. It's a shame, but in her situation how could little Jennifer even think such a thing?"

It took courage to let their daughter try and keep on trying and experience the disappointment and pain until she mastered the skills.

Suppose we, too, adopted "Never say can't" as our motto

What if we removed "can't" from our vocabulary? Or refused to allow it as an excuse within our family?

It sounds almost counter-cultural, doesn't it?

Whatever age we are, it takes courage to murder the word, "can't," and push ourselves to grow stronger and to persevere when it's hard.

Maybe it sounds too simple, but as Christians we know where to find strength and courage to go on. Here are a couple of verses that remind us we are never alone:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13

Still learning, too,

Lenore

Note: Because Jennifer Bricker was interviewed on "Family Life Today" on July 15, 2015, it seemed worthwhile to re-post this. She makes us believe we can handle anything, doesn't she?

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Don't miss the wonder of your life!

How talking to your kids pays off big time

Do your kids a favor and tell them life is not fair

Look what can happen if we stamp out two words: ” I can’t”

July 15, 2015
Young or old, every one of us needs someone to look up to.

We need heroes in our lives.

Memorial Day is all about honoring those who serve in the Armed Forces now and those who died to keep our Nation free. Certainly we can never repay them or their loved ones, so we clap and cheer, our emotions a tumble of pride, gratitude and humility.

Then we stop talking bravery and get back to normal.

What about the other 364 days of the year?

Maybe it's time we stop looking "out there."

Heroes live all around us.

They come in all ages, all sizes and all shapes. Think of military spouses who thanked God their husband or wife survived terrible injury and now pray every day for strength to keep going. Consider the mom or dad with a severely disabled child or a loved one who needs constant care. Try to imagine the anguish over what was lost. Yet every day they get up, smile and keep on showing love.

Heroes, every one. One may live next door or even under your roof.

Heroes keep their word. They hang on through hardship. They keep on loving despite disappointments and refuse to give up. They consistently affirm the good in others.Spend five minutes with them and we walk away feeling better about ourselves. Lifted up.

Children especially need heroes

From their youngest years, kids crave stability and trustworthiness. Faithfulness. Love that won't quit. Something to believe in that's as sure as sundown and sunrise. Just by being loving parents, imperfect and flawed as we all are, we fill their deepest needs. They feel safe and secure.

That continues, even through their prickly adolescenet years. Every survey says that young people still pay more attention to their parents and how they live than to any media or sports star. Even when our grown children are well into adulthood they watch us, to learn how to handle life.

That's our contuing privilege and it gives us purpose for every day we live.

It's okay to feel shaky

None of us can role-model goodness and courage every day of every year. But we can ask God's help, then go forth with trust and joy. I like this "road map:"

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
    Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. –Psalm 3:5-6

Let's keep praying for our military personnel

They serve our nation and they serve us. Their courage wavers, too. They get weary and weak and want to give up sometimes. They need our prayer support.

It's personal in our family. One granddaughter is on her second re-enlistment with the Navy and scheduled for a Middle East deployment. Another completed her duty with the Marines Corps after a tour in Kuwait and one near Baghdad. Like all military parents our daughter and her husband wait and worry and most of all, pray.

Others will continue to argue over the "rightness" or "wrongness" of war. Let us unite and thank God for those who serve in our Armed Forces and pray He will preserve this nation.

With love from your fellow learner,

Lenore

Looking at the heroes around us

May 27, 2012