Honor, Dignity, Brotherhood, Sacrifice

It's all the things we long for actually isn't it?

Been spending some time talking with friends about a letter in the Bible, Ephesians, the past several months. It's been good stuff . . . the timing incredible! This past Sunday, we were looking at vs. 25 of chapter 4:

"What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense.
Tell you neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each
other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to
yourself."

So, we talked about it, the interaction was good (as usual). But Monday, I saw it . . . it action . . . real flesh and bones . . . right before our eyes!

I don't know if you've ever seen a military funeral. They are quite something to behold! The austere presence is moving. We were up at Bushnell at the Florida National Cemetary to say a final good bye to Alfred, a loving husband, father, grand-father, friend. He had served our country in the Army through WWII. He had also been a NYPD Detective, serving in that capacity for 30 years as well. He was truly honored by all those who gathered in remembrance. The Color-Guard awaited his arrival, and along with his family, escorted his body to this solemn and holy place. There are various groups that will help in occasions such as this, various military guards . . . but today, I was moved by those who would honor Alfred's life and service in this moment. For these were men and women who had also served our country . . . veterans from every branch. They were not active duty personnel, but rather, each one was very old now themselves. Their cadence was off as they marched, but not within . . . voices were a bit shaky now as they spoke and answered commands, but not within. Even the dear one who played "Taps" seemed to labor with each breath and each note. These were Alfred's comrades. These were ones who had served with him. And they honored their hero, their brother with an expression of love, honor and dignity that few of us ever get to see much less experience.

It dawned on me in that moment, Paul's words again . . . (as another translation reads), "We are members of one another" . . . was being lived out right in front of our eyes. For these warriors understood, and have embraced and lived something that the Father has actually asked each church to model and live before a community and world that simply doesn't see or experience this powerful union. No, we squabble about every little thing under the sun. Hurt feelings, missed expectations, music, programs, gossip, politics are what we model. Soldiers are not perfect people at all. I grew up in the shadow of the military as an Army brat. They don't even try to hide their faults at all. They cuss, smoke (maybe), hang out at the NCO club, . . . swap stories, brag, hide, probably lie . . . their marriages suffer intensely . . . their kids lose much . . . but in the midst of all their lives, THEY ARE A COMMUNITY!! The soldier on the battlefield knows that his survival is in the hands of the man who lays next to him in the foxhole and he trusts him warts and all.

Man, my heart longs for that type of community . . .

and I feel fortunate because I have been graced with a few close comrades both close and afar . . . but so many have not.

John Lynch, from TrueFaced, has often said "wouldn't it be wonderful if the absolute worse things about you are known, and you are still celebrated".

Honestly, that just hasn't been my larger experience in this journey called "church" . . . every time I screw up, I felt judged, abandoned and thrown out with the bath-water. But when I'm just about ready to chuck it all and give up . . . a peaceful dove is released and I feel hope stir. I believe . . . I truly do . . .

I think the secret of that reality was displayed as each shaking fold of the American flag was creased before our eyes. As each member of the color guard saluted their brother in honor, respect, and love. And even as one returned the salute on behalf of the one that would no longer be saluting.

"Well done thy good and faithful servant" . . . the words echoed across the landscape . . . as each member, with unstable gates and steps returned to their posts and awaited the next fallen brother . . . my heart cried out "WELL DONE TO EACH OF YOU!!"

Thank you Alfred!