Military Honor- The Ultimate Sacrifice -Episode 25

Gigi shares her heart for the military- discussing the importance of their role and sacrifice. Join her as she prays over our military. Because as the world grows more hostile and uncertain, now is the time for our nation to unite and honor our military like never before.   

 Resources Mentioned:

 Scripture: 

Psalm 91

 Suggested Songs- “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood;  “Still Proud to Be An American” by Kyle Coulahan

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Transcript

 Aloha Ladies. Welcome Back. 

 As you know, I recently had the pleasure of visiting family in Montana. On our way home, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Great Falls International Airport security area decorated to celebrate and promote patriotism.    They had red, white, and blue streamers and "God Bless America" decals everywhere.   I found it interesting because just the day before, I had the privilege of joining my family back in North Carolina (via Zoom) to bless my oldest nephew as he joins the United States Navy to become an Officer and helicopter pilot.  

 The timing of everything was quite extraordinary.   You see, my nephew was born two days before the infamous 9-11 attack on our country. The hospital wouldn't release them until they determined "it was safe," and the local news even interviewed my sister, questioning her on how she felt about bringing a new life into this world in the face of so many who had just died in this unprecedented national tragedy.     Now, 23 years later, that little boy has grown into a man, and on 9-11-2024, he officially took his oath of enlistment.    Every service member takes an oath that says, "they will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," and effectively agrees to sacrifice themselves- to be willing to give up their lives literally!    And it’s important to understand that this willingness to lay down their lives is not for a President, a Country, or a political party- no, it is for the Constitution.   The US Constitution is considered the world's longest-surviving written charter of government. It begins with “We The People” – signifying the importance of the government of the United States' existence in serving its citizens.  

 I don’t think people truly appreciate the magnitude of the commitment and sacrifice made by our military. I don't know a single service member who doesn't have scars, disability, pain, or loss, as there is always a price to be paid for freedom—a steep price to accomplish the purpose of our Constitution, as stated in the Preamble—to bring unity, tranquility, defense, welfare, and the securement of the blessing of liberty.  

 Liberty. Freedom. 

 That’s what we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our military. 

 Yes, I am biased. I served my country for four years. My grandfathers served. My uncles and my husband served. My daughter served. My son-in-law and now two nephews are serving!   

 Before I joined the Air Force, my grandmother gave me a card that quoted President John F. Kennedy’s historic words: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” 

 A challenge lost on so many.  

 James Allen once said:

 “He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much. He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.” 

 Allen also said:  "No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." 

 Today, I want to say "thank you" to all who have served our country. As we remember what took place on 9-11 and as we consider what is happening right now in the world and the uncertainties of what our future holds, I believe there is no better way to honor our military than to pray for them!   

 So, now, I want to share with you the prayer and blessing I prayed over my nephew and dedicate it to all of our service men and women.   

 Please join me in agreement. 

 Heavenly Father, 

     We come before you today in thanksgiving- for the gift of each person who has said "yes" to serving this country. We ask, Lord, that you will empower them to be strong and courageous in the tasks that are set before them. Draw them to You so that they will delight in Your Word and have a desire to follow You with their whole heart, not turning to the right or to the left but trusting in You alone. Help them to reflect Your righteousness and love wherever they may serve, and give them success in everything they strive to accomplish. I pray, Lord, that our military will seek you as their strength and that you will send reinforcements to help them. Shower them with your favor!   In trying times, Lord, I ask that your comforting presence be made apparent so that they can carry out their orders with strength, dignity, and courage. Please give them the means to fight off fear, doubt, discouragement, homesickness, and insecurities.   You, Lord, You are our God, and this day, I declare your words over our military and pray-

Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty 

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you

    from the fowler’s snare

    and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,

    nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

    nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

    ten thousand at your right hand,

    but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes

    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

    and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you,

    no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,

    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because they love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue them;

    I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name.

15 They will call on me, and I will answer them;

    I will be with them in trouble,

    I will deliver them and honor them.

16 With long life I will satisfy them

    and show them my salvation.”

 Thank you for sending your angels to guard and encamp our military. Thank you for covering them with your feathers and providing refuge under your wings. Your faithfulness will be their mighty shield and rampart.   

 Father, we also lift to you the military families—the parents, grandparents, spouses, and children—all those who get "left behind" as their loved one serves. Military life brings much uncertainty and hardship, so I ask that you provide your comfort and peace. Reward them for their sacrifice!   

 No matter what may happen or where their loved one may go- I petition you, Lord, to go before them.   Hold them tightly in your hand, and when insecurity, fear, and doubt arise, I pray your presence and peace will overflow and surpass all understanding. 

 We thank you in advance that you hear our prayers, and your hand is upon our military. You've provided and protected this great nation for 248 years, and we cry, "DO IT AGAIN, LORD."    Continue to shine your favor upon our country and military because we love and trust you!   We give you all the praise and all the glory & ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus the Messiah!    AMEN 

   Ladies- If you know any military members or the next time you encounter one-  would you consider not only stopping and thanking them for their service but offering a prayer for them? Can you imagine what would happen if we boldly asked how we can pray for them and encourage and support them?   To demonstrate that their country appreciates and cares about them! Now is the time for YOU to serve your country by PRAYING and supporting our military.   We need them.   We need them strong and healthy in mind, body, and spirit like never before. OUR NATION’S FUTURE DEPENDS UPON IT!    

 God Bless America.