What does it cost to be a living memorial?

Before starting to celebrate Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to review the history behind the observance. It’s more than just a long weekend full of barbecue — it’s a patriotic holiday intended to honor the Americans who have protected the country.

Memorial Day was started as a way to remember the more than 620,000 people who died in Civil War, which has been called the bloodiest conflict on U.S. soil. The first official Memorial Day observance took place in 1866 in Carbondale, Illinois, but the official “birthplace of Memorial Day” is Waterloo, New York, according to CNN. At the time, it was referred to as Decoration Day. Over the years, the observance widened in scope to include all American casualties of war. It became a formal national holiday in 1971 and has been observed ever since.[1]

So what did all these deaths purchase?  How do we individually leverage their sacrifice?  (This is where you insert your answer.)

For me, their deaths purchased and secured, intentionally or not, new freedoms. I can write and talk about, without reprisals, feelings that live in the sitting room of my soul. Their legacy of protection covers my faith, where I live, who I love and much of who I have become. I have learned that I can be a living memorial by helping others understand they are not alone, they are worthy, that they are not what happens to them and that “impossible” is merely a word to describe the degree of difficulty.

“I like watching people “people watch”. I guess you could call me a people watcher of people watchers. People reuniting with full force hugs, an elderly couple holding hands, the hysterical laughter of two friends; these are moments that people love to witness. I have come to realize that I am specifically prone to watching people take in those around them. I am mesmerized by the small smiles running across faces, scowls targeted at PDA couples, amused smirks directed at a dad wiping his kid’s popsicle stained face—the bystanders ‘interplay. We react to each other. It’s what we humans do.

 We ignite and inspire others by simply showing up and doing life together.

It takes a willingness to be a part of others’ lives in order to have inspirational moments that cause people to stop and take notice. Showing up for people is a deeply divine act, something I believe to be the ultimate gift we were made to share with others.

Showing up sounds simple, but as with most things in life, there are stumbling blocks. A few of the usual devils include loneliness, rejection, feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, distrust, apathy, selfishness, stubbornness, disbelief, cynicism, anxiety, fear, laziness, and pride. Trust me, I know these devils out of personal experience.

Showing up and sharing your presence is a simple yet intricate gift that we all have to give. So be bold; show up. [2] Make it your living memorial.

[1] http://www.ibtimes.com/memorial-day-2016-facts-13-things-know-about-history-origin-holiday-2374155

[2] https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1SFXN_enUS502US584&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Fruitful+by+Mollie+Ah+Sing

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.