In Memory

Dear Friends in Christ -

Once again, we find ourselves at the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. For a long time, I have sensed that the reason we commemorate this day especially, is that it's a day on which we were taken by surprise. We knew the world was at war, but we hoped and prayed it would not come to us. We knew that something like this "could" happen, but we did everything we knew how to do - diplomatically, militarily - to prevent it.

In order for us to understand the true meaning of this day, we must touch down in a place beyond heroism, into the place where we take seriously that probably no matter what we do, things like this will happen again in this lost and dying world. In this tender place of vulnerability we must FIRST acknowledge our dependence on God. Of course, we must still strive for peace. Of course, we must still maintain military forces that protect and defend. But we must also renew our commitment to hear God's voice and to follow in His way - and to encourage others to do the same.

May we be successful in living in such a way that the world may know the glory of God, the power of His love, and the will of His heart for perfect peace, peace that passes understanding. For when we trust ourselves to live fully in His care, swords can then become plowshares, and we will begin to know heaven, even on earth. This isn't just wishful thinking, it's the promise of God to us.

Once a long time ago when I was working in a nursing home, I asked a man who was a veteran of World War II what he wished I would remember about the Great War. His reply: that war is always terrible and that I should do whatever I can to prevent ever going to war again. I write to you today in memory of him, trusting that this drop in the ocean will somehow make a difference.

Faithfully,
Janet+