I will call him “Bo”, though that is not really his name (and, yes, I do remember his real name. I just think it’s best if I do not use it). I was taking my usual morning walk a week ago today. Our HOA had put little flags in everyone’s yard for the Labor Day weekend, which they also do for Memorial Day and Independence Day. My habit is to wave at everyone who passes by, whether on foot, in a vehicle, or, as in “Bo’s” case, on a bike.
When I waved at “Bo” he stopped his electric bike to say hi. But he did not stop there. He proceeded from there to tell me much of his life story. He was a veteran (I thanked him for his service) and was emotionally appreciative of the flags. He has served three tours in Iraq and has some memories that haunt him (I’ll keep those confidential, also). He’s getting help and greatly appreciates the assistance he receives from the VA but knows he will never be the same.
I shared with him that I am a retired Lutheran pastor and then told him of a memory from years ago. I was ministering to three different veterans, all in hospice care, at the same time. One served in WWII. One served in Korea. And the other was a Vietnam veteran. Three different people – three different wars – but all the same story! The memories of what they were called to do haunted them. The adjustment back to civilian life could never quite be fully made. They coped by isolating themselves (and their feelings) from family, friendships, and God. It sounded to me like “Bo” had exactly the same story.
The good news of my memory is that I was able to minister to those three gentlemen in their last months of life on this earth. God opened the door for them to be receptive to the Gospel I shared with them. At each of the three funerals I was able to comfort the families how each of their loved ones had ended their journey on earth with peace and faith. I fully expect to see them in the throng gathered around Christ’s throne in the resurrection.
It was at the end of the conversation that “Bo” told me his name, and then said, “I don’t really know why I am telling you all of this.” We shared where each of us live in the sub and I said I would love to talk with him again. He said the same and then said that he must be on his way. I promised to pray for him – which I do now every day as I walk past the location of our conversation.
Yesterday I conducted the funeral of another veteran. I did not know Joe very well, but he did not seem to have struggled as these others had. However, it is the same Gospel no matter that saves what your story. So today I am simply sharing that Gospel with you, not knowing if you are hurting, feeling isolated or afraid, or having a great day. It does not matter, these words of St. Paul are for us all, myself included.
“Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me … Yes, in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying revery rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed in death.” (1 Corinthians 15.1-8, 20-26)
My prayer is that “Bo” will hear and receive these words in faith. However, my prayer is not just for him. I hold you up the Lord with the same prayer … no matter where you are in your story.
