Memorial Day in America is a day in which Americans honor the courageous and heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their life in defense of the nation. This yearly observance marked by parades and family gatherings serves as a huge reminder of the countless people who gave their lives so that America can be the country it is today and that people can enjoy the liberties they have.
Beyond the activities that take part over the weekend commemorating the fallen, Memorial Day holds a bigger meaning. It is a day that calls people to reflect on the values that have shaped a nation. They are values such as courage, honor, and selflessness. These virtues, embodied by the sacrifice fallen soldiers throughout the centuries, serve as an enduring reminder of the price paid to uphold the ideas that a nation was founded.
Ministry and Memorial Day
As Ministry leaders there is a real opportunity to use this weekend and beyond to encourage families and draw your community together. Here are a few ways:
Encourage people to tell stories of fallen soldiers. There are families you know and in your community who have had family members who gave their live serving the country. Encourage them to share their stories and minister to them as they share. No matter how long ago it was, it can be a great opportunity to minister to the family and community.- Minister to the older generation. America has had several wars over the past 100 years. And, there are plenty of people who have lived through and experienced those wars. There is a good chance that they know people who gave their life for the country. Take time and spend it with them and hear their stories. You can go to a local veterans’ hospital or a nearby VFW post.
- Go to a community parade or a concert. There are plenty of Memorial Day weekend parades and concerts in towns across America and on TV. Experience that together as a family and remember the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers. You can also go and attend these community events as a Church or ministry and serve those attending.
Through these actions that you do for the people in your community, both younger and older generations, it gives you the opportunity to show them that you and your Church or ministry care for the community. You are serving them and sharing the light of Christ with them. Some of the older generation may not have many people to talk to or remember things with. You are opening up the opportunity for them to do that. And hopefully, it will lead to even more conversations and discussions.
Observing Memorial Day is not merely a symbolic observance you do every year. It is also an opportunity to care for your community and help them see the hope of Christ. Click To Tweet
Conclusion
Whether it’s this Memorial Day weekend or a future weekend, do two things. First, reflect on the profound debt you owe to those who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom. Honor their memory with family and friends. But secondly, use it as an opportunity to minister to those in your community. Serve them and care for them as Christ would so that the hope and love of Him will radiate throughout the weekend.
Before you finish reading this post, write down a quick action plan. What else can you do? Share them below or on social media.
Want to meet with Tom and pick his brain? Set up a FREE 30 minute conversation with him today by clicking here.
Interested in being a Digital Missionary or want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry this year, join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!
