In the Book of Judges, God commands Gideon, a man of no social standing, to lead an army against the Eastern tribes invading the Israelites’ lands. As the army formed, God told Gideon there were too many men. Because of their size advantage, they’d be boastful in victory. Gideon told the group that all who trembled with fear could leave. Twenty-two thousand left, but there were still too many. So Gideon led the remaining forces down to a stream to drink. There, God told Gideon to divide the men into two groups—those who lapped water like a dog while lying on their bellies, and the others who knelt, cupped their hands, and kept their heads to the horizon.
A Lesson From Gideon
Does today’s society kneel with a spear in hand, or lie on its belly and lap water? Our bellies have grown soft. As a people, we are preoccupied. We’re too easily entertained and our attention is too easily taken. But on Memorial Day, that ideology needs to shift. On Memorial Day, we need to shift our attention away from the device that so incessantly takes our precious time. I’m guilty of this. We all are. But on Memorial Day, we need to remember.
Comfort and Complacency
What are we remembering? Can the average American even answer that?
For many, the answer centers on festivities. Isn’t Memorial Day the unofficial beginning of summer? People spend their days off of work at cookouts, perusing countless sales, and otherwise going about their day as any other.
Memorial Day, however, is different. It shouldn’t be a day we gloss over. It should be a day of revered importance.
On this day, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. That sacrifice — the giving of their lives so that we may continue with ours — is only good and noble if we choose to live our lives in remembrance of those who can’t stand beside us. Right now, we’re a society divided. We are vulnerable, susceptible to outside influence. We forget.
A Day to Remember
So how should we celebrate Memorial Day? In short, the best way is to take a moment — or several — to reflect. Think about the freedoms we have, the sacrifices that have been made to protect them, and how to ensure they endure into the future. Later, at the cookout, talk with family and friends and observe a moment of silence together. Teach your children.
Others may take a different approach. Some complete the “Murph”—a fitness challenge that honors Lt. Michael Murphy, a SEAL who died during Operation Redwing. This event offers participants a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made while enduring a grueling challenge. Others will watch movies to commemorate and remember.
Whatever route you take, just remember.
In today’s world, we have too few men and women kneeling, looking to the horizon. Most lay on their bellies. Those few lay down their lives to protect us all. I challenge everyone to take that moment of silence and remember. Put down the phones, pause Netflix and reflect. Be the best version of yourself.
Have a good Memorial Day and be worthy of dying for.
Quotes To Reflect On
“To those before us, to those amongst us, to those we will see on the other side. Lord, let me not prove not unworthy of my friends.” – Bradley Cavner SEAL, EOL June 23, 2014
“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” – President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address