LOVE THEM. Live in the present. Remember grace abounds. Feed them real food. Let them see you struggle. PRAY LOTS. don't be afraid to let them fail. Ask for forgiveness. BE STILL. LOVE THEM.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

No Greater Sacrifice

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13 Life is one of the most valuable things we possess.  To lay your life down for  friends or for your country, it shows the highest extent of love.  Jesus did it for us and so many fallen service members have gone before for our country that they love.  Now, today, 30 more have died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, paying the ultimate sacrifice.  

With an extremely heavy heart, Brad, myself and so many others say goodbye to two great men.  John Brown and Daniel Zerbe who were on that helicopter.  They have paid the greatest sacrifice and we will be forever grateful and they will be forever missed. 

It is a cruel and unfair world we live in. You want to ask “Why God” did our friends die?  Why did husbands, sons, uncles, brothers and fathers die today?  There is no explanation or answer for this heartache and loss.  As Brad said “It is the nature of the beast.” It absolutely sucks that nice guys sometimes finish last but we all know it is true.   However, in the midst of all this gloom we choose to believe that our God will prevail.  He is a mighty and just God and I know these men did not die in vain.  They fought for our freedom, my freedom, your freedom and our children’s freedom.  We take these freedom’s for granted so much but today I complained of nothing and loved on my family all day. 

Be thankful for your families today and say a prayer for the families of these two men who are grieving.  Along with all the other 28 men who died in the crash.  Brad and I did not personally know them but they were the Navy Seals mostly and pilots on board. 

Here is the story if you would like to read it but it has been all over the news today.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/06/afghan-president-31-americans-killed-in-helicopter-crash/

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John Brown and his wife Tabitha Brown.   At Gavin’s first birthday party.

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Zerbe, holding Bradley.  He was Bradley’s first visitor. 

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Zerbe with his arm around Brad, Zach and Tom too!

Two amazing PJ’s rest in peace today. 

Hooyah, never forget!

“ These things we do, That others May Live.” The Pararescue Motto. 

( I am in no way giving justice to these guys since my tears are clouding my mind for the right words. )

4 comments:

The Baldwin Family said...

So sorry for your loss Em and Brad

Nicki said...

So sorry to hear that you knew 2 of these guys personally! What you wrote was beautiful and so true. Praying for all of those families touched by this tragedy.

Groovy Grammy said...

My heart goes out to Brad -- I know he loved those guys so much. I'm praying for him, and you, Em, and of course for their families. They must be so devastated... There are no words to describe the loss of these two outstanding and wonderful men, but your tribute to them and the others that gave their lives is touching and meaningful. They will live in our hearts forever.

tiffabbey said...

This breaks my heart. No words. Just thank you.