jbicephotography: A Memorable Memorial Day

Today we all remember those who fought for out country and their heroism. Thinking back on where it all began I looked back to the most obvious place, God’s word. Hebrews 13:7,8 says, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Our country was founded as a Christian nation.

Tex Browning says, “Granted, God is not mentioned in the Constitution, but He is mentioned in every major document leading up to the final wording of the Constitution. For example, Connecticut is still known as the "Constitution State" because its colonial constitution was used as a model for the United States Constitution. Its first words were: "For as much as it has pleased the almighty God by the wise disposition of His Divine Providence…"

Most of the fifty-five Founding Fathers who worked on the Constitution were members of orthodox Christian churches and many were even evangelical Christians. The first official act in the First Continental Congress was to open in Christian prayer, which ended in these words: "...the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen". Sounds Christian to me.” (http://www.afn.org/~govern/Christian_Nation.html)

“The writer of Hebrews tells us to remember the leaders from yesterday, think about their lives, and imitate their faith. Then he reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What God did for those leaders in years gone by, HE can do for you and me.” (John Maxwell)

Many of us may not know one of those leaders or heroes but I can tell you that leaders and heroes are still around today for us to think about their lives and imitate.

Today I was blessed to spend some time with one of my dearest friends’ girls. We stayed up late last night visiting friends, baked a cake this morning, and swam for hours. I sent them home exhausted, sunburned, and full of cake. Am I calling my self a hero, ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, I did create memories with them and my girls that they will never forget. I hope and pray that my life can Glorify God and that I can reflect his love to them all. I hope that when I die, they can remember the fun times we had and somehow remember seeing Christ in me.

As for my son…he was more in the presence of a hero. Should I call him a hero? Well, time will tell. Our dear friend Brian introduced us to his friend Tra Battle. For those of you who have no clue about football, Tra played for UGA around 2005 then went into the NFL playing for DallasSan Diego. Several of us had lunch with Tra after church and he spent time with Will yesterday fishing and grilling. Today they golfed and Will was able to introduce him to his Pappy. Pappy (Tim’s Dad) is an avid UGA fan and is actually a graduate from there. Tra is very humble and did not boast about his abilities. He comes from a strong Christian home and was not interested in a football career. He was able to stay away from drinking, drugs, and gang activity and Christ has used him in amazing ways to reach out to young children. He graduated high in his class and unbelievably intelligent. I believe he was a med student at UGA (I had to pull this info out of him). Will is 13, very intelligent and very athletic; however his size makes him lack confidence. Tra is not a large man. He was always looked at as “too small” for football. My prayer is that today Will’s mind has been opened up to new opportunities in life. He has seen a small boy from up the road a little, live his life for Christ and be successful in a sport that he sort of played for fun. and So, should I deem Tra as a hero? If my son can remember this day, apply the words/encouragement/do’s and don’ts that Tra Battle said to him, and overcome this obstacle then yes…he is a hero.