The Cost of Freedom

Hello friends,

I was going to post a Fourth of July blog, a reminder of the debt we owe to our founding fathers and those since then who have paid the cost for our freedom. Instead, I decided to let an award-winning book say it for me.

If you haven’t read Flowers From Afghanistan by Suzy Parish, put it on your Fourth of July reading list. Everyone knows of someone who has been to Afghanistan.

I initially resisted reading this because I thought it would be bogged down in military and war scenarios. That is not the case. The author skillfully describes the realities of that war-torn country, but within the scope of a plot that has little to do with Afghanistan.  After a car accident that took the life of his young son, Mac escapes to Afghanistan to nurse his grief and survivor guilt, leaving his wife to grieve alone.

I found myself fascinated by descriptions of Afghanistan and those who serve us. It’s easy to understand why Flowers From Afghanistan was awarded the bronze medal by the Military Writers Society of America. As we approach the celebration of our nation’s independence, may we never forget the price of freedom. Men and women are still there today, sacrificing so we can live with safety and security.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13