Honoring All Veterans, Part Two

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
Perhaps it is the combined memories of my mom and dad weighing heavy on my mind these days. But whatever the reason, I would like to continue to give thanks to God for the men and women who serve this country. In conflicts great and small, through peace time and war, you are always in my prayers and in those of fellow believers the world over.
In 1995, I wrote the following poems. Their message is as relevant today as it was then. I pray you find a loving welcome and an easy adjustment when you come home. Thank you for your courage and your sacrifice.

Honoring All Veterans
From the beaches of Normandy
to the sands of Saudi,
we stand before you today
paying homage to those soldiers whose sacrifices paved the way
for us to live free.
So too, has Jesus' death and resurrection brought us freedom from sin for all eternity
if we only believe!
Then we too will receive
His Peace
and all misery will cease.
This is why we can sing,
Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords, the Eternal Father of Fathers and King of Kings!"

Written on:
May 14, 1995.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

A Soldier's Psalm
Past:
Strafing fire rakes the night sky,
a sniper's bullet meant for me,
catches you behind the knee.

Present:
Drug wars ignite,
drive by shootings in the neighborhood,
pine is the choice for coffin wood.

Danger works
to make my mind think everything's a trap,
as my tight control crumbles and snaps . . .

Sweating, I realize the only solace I see
may be
for me to disappear in a forest of trees.

Future:
God's "future" for me:
In my "heart, soul and mind" the war has finally ceased,
and through His Grace I truly have found Peace.

Written on:
October 29, 1995.

Written by:
Belle Ann Leslie

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 22:37-40.