Monday, October 21, 2013

Snapshot Love—the strong and courageous



The above is a small collage of cards received from the youth group at our church for my husband and other deployed service members.

There was also a card for me that simply said, "You will be brave Mrs. Beth." Yes, I shed a few tears when reading that one.

Paper, pens and envelopes sit by a military support mailbox at our church. Every Sunday I open the mailbox and find more cards and letters for those serving in harms way. The letters are not only from the children.

I held a recent collection in my hands and realized for the past year we've been sending them to men and women I do not know. Now they will make their way to someone I do know. Suddenly they have new meaning to me. I feel a sense of urgency to collect more; not only for my husband but for the many more who will serve along side of him.

The cards and letters bring messages of gratitude, hope and love to those willing to serve and protect our country. They tell these men and women we have not forgotten them.

I believe they bring a needed reminder of where to draw their strength and courage from.
"My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." ~ Psalm 121:2
Can I ask a favor?

Would you take a moment to write a letter? Below is a list of organizations who accept letters for our troops.


Better yet, multiply your efforts by starting a letter writing campaign at your office, school or church.

A little something for you..

Do you know someone currently serving in harms way? OSOT-America will send them a comfort care package at no cost to you. Go here to add their name.

Are you looking to support a military family in your community? Kristen, of Chasing Blue Skies, provides 20 sure fire ways to love the military spouse in your neighborhood.

One last request...

Friends, never stop praying for them. Pray for their strength and courage. Pray for them to know God is with them always.


"O Lord, be with our Soldiers as they leave their homes and their families to serve our Nation. Guide them as they plant the seeds of peace for these are the seeds that will forever keep America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Bless them, O Lord and bless their families, for they are all the Heroes of American Freedom. Their sacrifices for us will Not be Forgotten." ~ author unknown

11 comments :

  1. Beth - This is such a beautiful idea. I am going to ask the women in the small group I lead to each write a letter. Then I will contact one of the organizations above to send the batch of letters. I am also going to mention it to our kids' ministry leader. Thank you for writing this post & giving those of us who would not have known this important & needed information! I appreciate you & am praying for you. You will surely be brave, Mrs.Stiff!
    Love,
    Joanne

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    1. Thank you so much, Joanne. If I can help in any way please reach out. I'm partial to Operation Support our Troops - America as I currently serve as a board member for that organization. You could always send the cards to me too and I will make sure they get overseas. Thanks for your heart to organize some letter writing. It will bless our troops greatly. Love you.

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  2. Beth,
    Thanks for your reminder...I have often written letters and sent care packages to soldiers who are serving and I need to get back to doing so! We get so preoccupied with our own little worlds that we forget the reason we have freedom to be preoccupied. I am praying earnestly for your husband and for you!!
    Love you and your post!
    ((hugs)),
    Bev

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  3. Praying for your hubs right now, Beth. Great reminder to pray and encourage our troops. My cousin's husband spent 18 months in Afghanistan. He's home now, but my daughter's Army boyfriend just found out he's deploying in 2 weeks. This is his first, and he'll be gone for the holidays for the first time. We are gaining a whole new appreciation for what military families experience.
    Love and hugs,
    Susan

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    1. Thank you for your prayers Susan. It means the world to me. I will keep your daughter's boyfriend in my prayers too. Once he is overseas and you have an address, please let me know as I'd love to make sure he receives letters.
      Love and hugs to you,
      Beth

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    2. Oh wow, Beth. That'd be great. He just lost his grandfather and they were very close. So it'll be especially hard for him and his mom (it was her dad). I'll definitely keep you in the loop. THANK YOU!

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  4. Wow! Thank you, Beth! For the reminder, and the practical info so we can take real action. What a wonderful opportunity we have. Praying for your husband, and all those serving at home and abroad (including you wives).

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  5. I so totally thought I visited my Life Through the Lens peeps already, so sorry for the late visit. This is a great post Beth, love it... and did you see on the blog today, you are the winner for participating in 31 Days of Capturing Blessing. Woohoo... FB me your address will yah.

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  6. Thanks for sharing the names of the organizations that accept letters for our troops. I think we'll be sending some!

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Much love to you.