Patriotism
Memorial Day 2021: The Bravest Boehme
Of the ten official holidays on the American calendar, some commemorate secular events and others point to spiritual realities.
Memorial Day stands out as our most spiritual secular holiday because our remembrance of those who died for our freedom mirrors the death of Jesus Christ for our eternal salvation.
In both cases, God wants never to forget John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Remember Jesus every day. Remember our soldiers on Memorial Day and others.
My uncle, Richard Boehme, gave his life for his country in World War II. He is the bravest Boehme.
This is his heroic story.
Thanksgiving–Our Uniquely American Holy Day
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American “holy day” that arose out of the deep faith of our spiritual ancestors–the Pilgrims–who came to these shores in November of 1620. Other nations celebrate it (like Canada to the north), and Israel enjoyed many holidays that were used to give gratitude to God.
But our American Thanksgiving is different. It came from a community of New Testament believers who not only grasped the importance of thanking God in all things, but experienced a providential act they never forgot.
Hate Evil, Do Your Duty and Vote
I just returned from the county courthouse where I spent the morning with forty fellow Americans serving on jury duty.
I have many friends whose faces fall when they receive a jury summons in the mail. A number of them are close to me (and shall remain nameless).
On the other hand, I relish the call to jury duty because it reminds me of the privilege of living in a nation where biblical principles dictate a love of justice that is completely foreign to Muslim governments and totalitarian nations–and most of recorded history.
To me, the duty and responsibility of citizenship in a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” is a priceless treasure.
Since this past week saw an outbreak of horrific evil with national elections looming, I think it’s fitting that we admonish each other to hate evil, do our duty and get out and vote.