Live in Victory

It has been one year since our much-loved brother, Tony, left us - when he was killed in action while serving his country in Golden Hills, Iraq. I had planned on writing something about Tony today, until I received an email from my Mommy-in-law (Tony's Mom) earlier this morning. It was something she wrote about Tony and how she has been dealing with her loss this past year. It was so heartfelt that it brought tears to my eyes. Being a Mommy myself, I can't imagine the pain of losing a son or daughter. Her letter shows how she has coped and found strength and hope in the midst of such a loss. I was going to write something, but I feel that her letter says it all. Here's her letter:

Today a Year later

I am here - Satan tried to destroy me but clearly he did not.

By my faith in my Living God, I acknowledge Tony going home as a victory. It is the victory of eternal life over death that gives our life meaning. We can be free to care, love and give to others because we have no fear of our future. We will be going home too one day.

Tony going home is also a celebration. A celebration of the Providence of our heavenly Father. The split second precision of God's hand to bring my son home. God was faithful and immediately embraced my son into heaven. "Look." He says to those in heaven. "Look, my son in home."

Death causes us to take notice and celebrate the everyday wonder of life - the smiles, relationships, and all the little things done between loved ones.

Tony going home is also a commemoration - to be recalled and remembered for years to come.

God gave us more than we knew that day. He led us to a new way of living. We have no fear in death and we know that there are some things that are meant to live in our hearts - and they are our love for Tony, our memories, laughter and the fun we shared. Some things are meant to die - our regrets, mistakes and grief.

No one is born brave. From the first days of our life we get scared - from loud noises, from being moved quickly and from so many other things. We gather fears as we live in this life. We feel like we cannot possibly be brave enough for certain events. Yet God calls us to be brave in this life.

How? By trusting Him above the fears and choosing to deny the thoughts of incredible force to dictate my decisions. Even though I am scared, I will believe God. His word says in Psalm 138:3 “When I called, you answered me; you made me strong and brave.”

Lord, it has been an incredible year of unbelievable highs and lows. I have fallen to despair and saw the slimy pit of depression try to grab me. I have also risen to heavenly places where I thought my heart would never stop singing. But no matter how low or how high I felt, you remained constant. Thank you Lord - for in this past year, you have you shown me that You are Jehovah - the Unchanging One.

Praise be to God! He is always with us - through good times and bad. He will never leave nor forsake us! He is an awesome God and He is worthy of our praise!! I'll close for now, with a quote (fitting for what Tony did for his country and also for this upcoming Easter weekend - when we remember and celebrate what Jesus did for us and for the world):

"The only people willing to sacrifice their lives for you are Jesus and The American Soldier. One died for your salvation, the other for your freedom."