Essays
Remembering Those Who Have Fallen
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN
At our church picnic last Sunday evening, after our meal and before the volleyball games, we paused to sing a song of thanks-giving to God and to pray for His ongoing blessings. Our thoughts on that Sunday before Memorial Day were two-fold. We listened to some of our teens read to us about the significance of Memorial Day - - in honoring men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom in service to our country. We also paused to decorate the memories of fellow believers who have gone on to their reward. It was a touching moment to hear the spoken names of so many who have been associated with our church family.
Over the last ten years we have bid farewell to many comrades and friends in the faith. In 2006, Will Fisher, Bill Wilson and Ilene Taylor. In 2007, Velma Thompson, Harry Holt, Jean O’Brien, Ruth Bissett, Eva Hibbs, Tom Magyar and Frank Culp. In 2008, Mary Semeraro and Lyle Williams. In 2010, Bob Walker and Alberta Cantelupe. In 2011, Janet Simpson. In 2013, Gloria Cool and Velma Hamm. In 2014, Mary Chester and Rick Noble. In 2015, Mary Jones. In 2016, Jane Scott and Helen Rossi. Added to this list are the memories of others not directly connected to our church roster, but loved nonetheless: spouses, parents, siblings, grand-children and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and a host of dear friends. In the words of the writer of the book of Hebrews, What more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of (them all)… (Heb.11:32). We’ve been blessed with a great cloud of witnesses (Heb.12:1) who have served the Lord and in so doing have encouraged and enhanced our walk of faith. And of course, our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus - - “the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” (Heb.12:2). As we consider HIM and these many others, “let us not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb.12:3).
Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ
