Happy Birthday Sweetheart

My Dearest Pamela Ann,

Since yesterday was Veteran's Day there were a number of special ceremonies presented by churches, civic groups, and governmental organizations honoring those who have served in the United States military. One of the most sobering ceremonies was the one held at the National Mall in Washington D.C. What really caught my eye and touched my heart was when the camera panned the dozens of "wounded warriors" from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, who were being honored. There they sat; row after row of some of America's best and brightest now reduced to living life in a wheelchair or aided by a prosthetic. It was very obvious that war had taken a heart wrenching toll on these once strong and courageous men and women. Despite the enormous physical price these veterans have paid for the cause of liberty, General Colin Powell spoke of another sacrifice that veterans make that is rarely talked about---the time they miss with their families when away on active duty. The hugs that can not be given; the birthdays that can not be shared; the special holidays that can't be celebrated; the games and recitals that will not be attended. These sacrifices are the norm for active duty soldiers.

Now what has this got to do with your birthday, you may ask? Everything!

1. You are truly a "good soldier"; not of the United States military but of the army of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (II Tim. 2:3)

You are a VETERAN WIFE. You enlisted for marriage 39 years ago and you have never been AWOL or considered retiring.
You are a VETERAN MOTHER. You didn't spend your life working with other people's children, you conceived and gave birth to your own "squad" of children (seven sons and one daughter). You were never satisfied with being just an enlisted soldier. You aspired as a mother to reach the elite status of a "Navy Seal" or "Army Ranger". You truly "endured hardness" as a mother. Whether you had to get up early and stay up late, your "troops" were always foremost in your plans. As a godly "drill instructor" you insisted that your children complete "boot camp".
You are a VETERAN EDUCATOR. For 34 years you provided home education for our children. Farming out their education to a public school was never an option with you. Day by day you personally and patiently molded the character and informed the mind of each of your children. The net result was that you never had a day off, you never received a pay raise or enjoyed the luxury of a kitchen staff to at least prepare the meals. There has been no "teacher appreciation days" or "Star Teacher" awards; however, your recognition will come from the GREAT COMMANDER OF OUR SALVATION in due time. (I Cor. 3:13)

2. I also want to commend you for the particular "branch of service" you joined. After many years of "serving man-made religion" you enlisted as an "ambassador of reconciliation" (II Cor. 5:18-21) and a "dispenser of the grace of God" (Eph. 3:2). The price for that decision has been very costly for you as a mother. Why? Because two of our children are still stuck in religiosity and churchianity. To date, they have refused to acknowledge Paul's unique Apostleship to the Gentiles (I Tim. 2:7); they have turned a blind eye to the fellowship of the mystery (Eph. 3:9); and ignored God's warning to study the Bible "rightly divided" (II Tim. 2:15). Our "doctrinal battles" with these sons have been complicated by the influence of what Paul calls "silly wives" (II Tim. 3:6). As a result, they have decided to cut off communication with you and to withhold your grandchildren. Even in a declared war, there are some actions that are just not allowed by the combatants. As far as I am  concerned, withholding grandchildren from their grandparents is worse than "water-boarding". I know the pain this causes you each and every day of your life but particularly on special days like today. What you so richly desire and deserve as a mother and grandmother, they flippantly ignore. That, my dear, is why I refer to you as a "wounded warrior". And just where have you sustained your "wounds"? The same place Jesus sustained His...And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. (Zech. 13:6) Your wounds are not in your hands; they are in your heart! They are being inflicted from an unexpected source---in the house of your friends. Those of us who know you and love you know the sacrifices you have made when you chose to make God's priority your priority (Eph. 3:9). Like those who serve in the US military, your dedicated service is causing you to miss valuable and irretrievable time, hugs and special occasions with those you love the most. Don't ever forget that we are serving a cause greater than ourselves and that the only thing that people can steal from God or rob God of is His pleasure. (Rev. 4:11) You are bringing God great pleasure. What we miss down here OUR COMMANDER will make up for up there.

Carry on "wounded warrior"...Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (I Tim. 6:12)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
LOVE,
RICK