Veterans Day is an important time to honor and celebrate our veterans’ sacrifices, honorable deeds, and acts of service. Thank you, Veterans!

Today I recommend an unforgettable book I discovered approximately 20 years ago that is worthy to be read again and again. From this powerful book we learn about ordinary humans who performed extraordinary deeds. I think reading it is a perfect way to commemorate Veterans Day.

BEYOND THE MEDAL by Peter C. Lemon is a compilation of true stories by Congressional Medal of Honor recipients in their own words. Their stories, full of hope and inspiration, are by real people whose real situations compelled them to act heroically. Their choices and actions resulted in their receiving America’s highest honor.

Lemon’s book gives us opportunity to ponder the dependency on God by so many of the recipients who credit Him with giving them strength for the task. That gives me hope that God guides and provides even in the darkest situations.

In today’s world of superficial heroes I find hope in knowing our nation has produced worthy examples to honor. BEYOND THE MEDAL offers more than 90 such heroes, of which author Peter Lemon is one. Thanks again, Veterans.

I became aware of Voices of Service, an amazing acapella quartet, when they competed on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” (season 14). I instantly became a fan because of the beautiful blend of their voices and their smooth harmonies. I appreciate their mission and their hearts even more than I appreciate their voices.

The quartet from Virginia is composed of Master Sergeant Caleb Green, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hanna, Sgt. Major Christal Rheams, and Retired Staff Sgt. Ron Henry. They use their music as therapy for military members who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Voices of Service brings healing and hope to America’s heroes.

In the AGT finale this week Voices placed in the top 5 of an extremely close competition. This season offered some of the most talented contestants ever. So many are definitely winner-caliber.

(Congratulations, AGT contestants! Your talents have impressed and touched us these past weeks. May you use wisely the opportunities in your future.)

Master Sergeant Caleb Green explained well the Voices of Service quartet’s nobler priority than just winning top prize of a million dollars:

“We want to touch a million lives. We want to make a difference there.” (Green)*

With this perspective and future opportunities to make a difference Voices of Service is already a winner. So are the ones they help find hope and healing.

Thanks, Lord, for blessing us with Voices of Service and for the hope they bring our heroes!

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed.” (Psalm 6: 2)

“The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health.” (Psalm 41: 3)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” (Psalm 103: 2-4)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147: 3)

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22)

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17: 14)

“Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33: 6)

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (III John 1: 2)

* Green’s quote was included in WTOP News’ “After America’s Got Talent, Virginia military singers’ mission continues” by Jack Pointer, 9/19/19.

Watch for more about Voices of Service in my next blog post.

Tag: heroes

PETER LEMON: HOPE AND THE MEDAL