Every Time I Remember You

By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer

If you’ve been to an American rodeo, you know the only moment of absolute silence follows a downed rider who fails to rise under his own power.

Apprehension sucks the collective breath of the crowd as they wait to see the cowboy push to his hands and knees.

When he does, the grandstands explode with cheers and applause.

When he doesn’t, the air is still as death.

Today at 3 p.m., Americans across this nation will hopefully pause for one minute of silence to remember men and women who have fallen on battlefields and did not rise.

This official Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day seems like a very small “thank you” for those who have died serving our country.

In many homes, such moments occur every time a parent, child, or spouse walks by a vacant room or a cherished photograph. They don’t need a congressional act or national holiday. They can’t help but remember.

More recent warriors who survived when their companions fell may die a piece at a time over years of fighting enemies called Nightmare and Flashback. They may pray not to remember.

But the rest of us can at least take a minute to convey the grace of gratitude as we pause and say, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Phil. 1:3

For those who would like to take a longer moment to honor the fallen, you can listen here to Taps.

And for those of you like me – who desperately need to remember the One who rescued them – enjoy this recording of “Holy Water” by We the Kingdom.

Pause for one minute of silence.
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A small fence bordered two cedar crosses, and a pink rose flourished between them—all new additions since she had last climbed the hill. She stepped over the low pickets and knelt between the graves. Weathered and gray, each cross bore hand-carved names. Deacon’s doing, no doubt.

“I miss you, Mama.” Tears welled and she let them fall unchecked as she leaned to trace the letters of her mother’s name. “I was foolish. I went against everything you taught me. I’m so sorry…”

Her voice blew away on the rising wind, and with a wrenching sob, she hugged her waist and doubled over the grave. ~An Unexpected Redemption