Maybe I Needed to See It
In honor of the July 4th holiday, my husband suggested it would be a good idea to watch a war movie Friday night. He chose “Flags of our Fathers,” a 2006 World War II flick based on the book by James Bradley about the Battle of Iwo Jima and the six soldiers who raised the American flag at the top of Mount Suribachi.
Squeamish at any violence in a movie, I was taken aback by the graphic and gory depiction of this battle, and had to turn away from the screen numerous times. When I read this was an accurate account of the Battle of Iowa Jima, I thought, Maybe I needed to see it.
Maybe I needed to see what soldiers have done for me so I might have freedom, and live in the comfort of my home. Maybe I need to be broken hearted for the families who lost loved ones in battle. Maybe I need to pray for the men and women who return from war changed and unable to cope anymore.
Maybe I needed to see it.
I felt the same way when I watched the movie The Passion of the Christ. I had trouble viewing the unfathomable torture Christ endured, but realized I had sugar coated his death and crucifixion in my mind. However, just like the soldiers fought and died so that I might remain free, Jesus went through the pain and suffering so I might be free from the death that sin brings, and that I might have a bright future in eternity.
Maybe I needed to see it.
So today, I want to say thank you to all the soldiers who are serving in the military or have served so that we might have freedom in this country. To the families who have lost loved ones in battle, I am praying for you for peace, and to those who cannot shake the images of war, you are in my prayers as well, because I cannot imagine what it is like for you now. You didn’t just see it; you lived it.
And my final thank you goes to Jesus Christ, who without his sacrifice, I would still be a lost little girl, without direction and hope. Help me to never forget what you did for me on the cross. Thank you for letting me see it. (LBW)