This is my Grandpa who was a WWII veteran. I loved hearing his stories from his time in the Navy. One in particular captured my heart.

My Grandpa was a Navy airman. Early into his time in the Navy he lost a fellow airman. He traveled on a train to Maine with the casket to bring his fellow sailor home.

My Grandpa was only 18 and the his fellow sailor was around the same age.

I share this with you today because our veterans have stories to tell, many of which would be hard for us to hear, yet it is their reality.

I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we give thanks for the selfless service of veterans, and all who serve our country. Whether we hear their stories or not, may we understand they have taken to the sky, the sea, and the land to defend the freedoms we get to have today. May we have compassionate hearts towards our veterans for the visible or invisible wounds they carry with them.

Listening to each other’s stories matters. May we be sure to take the time to listen, as there is so much we can learn.

With gratitude and hope,

Shawn

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

- Galatians 15:13