Memorial Day
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MONDAY MOURNING: It’s Memorial Day ~ the day set aside to remember the fallen from war, giving them honor and respect for sacrificing their lives in battle. In addition, may I suggest that we honor the unknown men, women, and children who have lost their lives in the crossfire of conflict. No matter how we look at it, people die daily leaving suffering families in their absence. What is the value of memorial traditions? The first benefit that comes to mind is that we recognize that our lives have forever changed due to the losses we have experienced. We can re-evaluate our attitude toward this imposed adjustment by either holding on to bitterness and resentment, or seeking grace and healing to recognize the beauty that is capable of growing from our ashes. The second benefit is the blessed, yet sad and sometimes consoling, memories we hold dear of our deceased loved one/s. Remembering their love and contributions to us is an important way to honor them and strengthen our lives in their memory. Traditions of grief also remind us that all is not well on this planet. It can prompt us to consider The Divine hope of a future life that will be radiant in a Forever-Kingdom-of-Love. That is a wonderful belief in which to keep our focus.
