By Kathleen Gibson
It’s that month again. November, when winds blow cold over crosses and stones, some crumbling, others fresh. When we honour service people, fallen while on duty or years later, many carrying internal, interminable wounds. Most family histories include one or several such persons. And now, collectively, we remember them.
In the remembering, we wear blood-red poppies. We gather. We light candles. Attend ceremonies, lower flags to half mast. We visit cenotaphs and lay wreaths. Breathe prayers. And on November 11, at 11 in the morning, we stand silent for two minutes. Some of us, those who have held the stories close for a long time or short, speak their names. Share what we know of their lives with those who didn’t know them, honouring the sacred duty of keeping at least that alive. It’s how we remember them.
Bob. John. Jim. Elizabeth. George, Peter, Robert. Mary and Bess and Olive. Beloved forebears, relatives or friends. We name them. We owe them. And we salute them. Without them we could not enjoy the freedom and safety we walk in today. Yes, we must remember them.
November carries another aspect of remembering. Designated by several Christian organizations as the day (first Sunday of November) or month of prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer because of their faith. People who live in countries where being a Christian is criminalized and highly dangerous. Please, let’s remember them too.
In those nations people who practice Christian faith are severely treated, even martyred, because they follow Jesus. Churches are destroyed or burned, many with worshippers inside. Houses are razed. Fleeing believers are raped, kidnapped and shot. With softened hearts, open pockets and heartfelt prayers for mercy and a faith that will not shrink—in them and in us—let us remember them.
According to the organization Open Doors, currently the most dangerous nations in which to be Christian are these: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya and Iran. That list isn’t comprehensive, as dozens of other countries practice very high levels of societal and state persecution. (Find out more by searching Open Doors Canada, and Voice of the Martyrs Canada.) By all means, remember them.
As we enjoy our freedom, may we remember the cost others paid to preserve it. And when we, without fear of reprimand or consequence, bow our heads to worship, whether at home, in a sanctuary or in community, let’s commit to doing everything possible to preserve that freedom as well. Trustworthy voices have warned it is slipping. Freedom must be defended—for that, our service people have fallen. Remember that, too.
And although Easter sits in an entirely different month, consider Jesus. Our crucified Saviour, who willingly gave his life to free our sin-guilty world. Resurrected, he became the bridge to peace with our Father God, for those who would walk it. We must remember him most of all.
Try to remember, this November.
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Kathleen Gibson