Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 543

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 9, 1940: Former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain dies.

Veteran's Week - Battlefields & Blessings Giveaway

This week, in honor of Veteran's Day, I'm featuring Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan by Jane Hampton Cook, Jocelyn Green, and John Croushorn. Today I'm repeating a post I wrote for Veteran's Day, and Wednesday I'll feature the book. Leave a comment today or Wednesday for a chance to win a copy of the book. I'll conduct a drawing on Friday, November 12. Please leave your email address in your comment, such as sarah [at] sarahsundin [dot] com.


On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War came to an end. The Armistice was signed for the War to End All Wars, but peace was built on a shoddy foundation, and war returned, nastier than ever.


The end of the Second World War brought the United Nations and the promise of rational negotiation and eternal peace. Instead the nuclear era brought the tense decades of the Cold War, flaring up in brutal regional wars in Korea, Vietnam, and throughout Africa and Central and South America.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall brought optimism for a peaceful, democratic world. This was shattered by the terrorist tactics of a new enemy without borders to attack or a government to negotiate with. A cowardly enemy that cheers when children blow up children or when unarmed soldiers are murdered on their home base.

The human heart yearns for peace but is drawn to war. We can argue about it and talk about how it shouldn't be this way, but it is. That's why our armed services are vital.

Our veterans have repelled the forces of Fascism, Totalitarianism, and Communism, and for this we owe them our eternal gratitude. Our active servicemen and servicewomen are currently fighting the forces of terrorism, and for this we owe them our active support and appreciation.

On Veteran's Day, we thank the members of our armed services, past and present, for protecting our lives, our homes, and our freedom. May God bless you in your efforts.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 7, 1940: Free French troops land near Libreville, Gabon, French Equatorial Africa. Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington collapses in windstorm.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Nov. 6, 1945: Soviet Foreign Commissar Molotov announces USSR will soon have atomic bomb.

Shoving off Shame - Restoration

Aunt Gloria glanced to the kitchen door. "Don't worry. Maggie's not too unhappy. She has your spirit. She'll turn out just like you."

Ruth wiped her eyes. Successful at a price? Forgiven but damaged? She wished so much more for her baby sister.

In my novel A Memory Between Us, the heroine, Lt. Ruth Doherty, struggles with shame over her past. This six-part blog series deals with shame that lingers after sin has been forgiven or there was no sin to begin with, as in abusive situations. Here's the first post: http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-blog-series-shoving-off-shame.html

God doesn't want us to live under a heavy cloak of shame because:

1) Christ redeems us (http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoving-off-shame-christ-redeems-us.html
2) Christ covers us (http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoving-off-shame-youre-covered.html)
3) Christ restores us.

Christ Restores Us

Ever feel like this?..."God could never use someone like me. He knows what I've done. I'm forgiven, but damaged. Useless."

The Prodigal Son felt the same way. Listen to the shame in his voice as he returned home: "'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men'" (Luke 15:18-19, italics mine).

So did the father say, "Sounds fair. You can live here, but you're no good to me anymore"?

Um, no. The father said, "'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate'" (Luke 15:22-23, italics mine).

1) He gave him a robe, a sign of distinction, and - like we talked about last week - a sign of covenant agreement and identity.
2) He gave him a ring, a sign of authority, meaning the son could act on the father's behalf.
3) He gave him sandals, something only a son wore, not a slave.
4) He gave him a celebration, because he was overjoyed to have his son back.

In other words, the father completely restored the son to his original position in the household!

When God forgives our sins, He does the same for us. He completely restores us as His sons and daughters.
1) He gives us His robe of righteousness.
2) He gives us the authority to act on His behalf. He wants to use us.
3) He makes us His children, complete with inheritance rights.
4) He throws a party! Psalm 18:19 says, "He rescued me because he delighted in me."

Isn't that fantastic? Don't let shame keep you from the wonderful things God wants to do with your life. He has a plan for you. He has a purpose for you. He has a mission for you.

When shame says you're useless, you say, "Go away, liar! I'm a child of the King. He has blessed me and He delights in me. And He has made me useful."

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 5, 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected for third term, defeating Republican candidate, Wendell Willkie. German battleship Admiral Scheer raids British convoy, sinking 6 ships.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 3, 1940: Greeks defeat Italians in Pindus Mountains.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Nov. 2, 1945: Movie premiere of Spellbound, starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman.

Lessons from the 1940s - Vote!

How many of you will be glad to see election season come to an end? I will. I'm sick of the deluge of phone calls and junk mail and spam, of the obscene quantities of money spent, of cheesy smiles and perfectly coiffed heads and plastic suits.

It beats the alternative.

While the United States has been spoiled by over two hundred years of democracy, in the grand scope of human history, democracy is still new and revolutionary. Historically, monarchies are the norm. The lives of ordinary people were dictated by one individual who received that position by accident of birth - or by murder and intrigue. Even now, dictators and extremists rule by fear and terror, and ordinary people keep their mouths shut - or else.

During the World War II era, the world was threatened by cruel dictatorships - so threatened that the Communist USSR made a worthy ally of the democracies. We forget how close we came to losing our freedom.

In the United States we have the freedom of speech, topped by the amazing freedom to vote. Tomorrow you and I can enter a booth and tell our elected officials exactly how we feel without fear of a midnight knock on the door. Don't take that privilege lightly - do your research and make informed choices, not based solely on party. And don't take that privilege for granted - make the time tomorrow and cast your votes.

See you in the voting booth!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 1, 1940: US Hawaiian Air Force activated under Maj. Gen. Frederick Martin.