My husband Robert often tells a story that always makes our family smile.
While serving in Iraq, schoolchildren back in Missouri sent cards and letters to encourage the soldiers overseas. Most were filled with colorful drawings, heartfelt thanks, and reminders that people back home were praying for them.
But one card caught Robert’s attention. It simply read:
“Thank you for giving your life for our country.”
He laughed and thought, I sure hope it doesn’t come to that.
But then he grew quiet.
Because if it had... He would have.
That little child had unknowingly expressed a truth that most adults rarely stop to consider: true freedom often exists because someone else was willing to sacrifice for it.
This is one of my favorite photographs of my husband. It was taken on July 4, 2008. Robert is sitting inside a Black Hawk helicopter, flying over Hawijah, Iraq, with his right hand raised as he reenlists in the United States Army.
He came home from that deployment with a finger that had nearly been severed, broken ribs that will never heal, shrapnel throughout his arms, a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and more injuries than I can recount from a number of explosions that he endured.
Every time I look at that picture, I’m reminded that the freedoms we celebrate each Independence Day have never been free. Behind every parade, every fireworks display, and every flag waving in the breeze are generations of men and women who willingly left their homes and families to defend liberties many of us enjoy every day without a second thought.
As grateful as I am for those sacrifices, they point me to an even greater one.
Jesus didn’t merely risk His life for our freedom.
He willingly gave it.
Unlike my husband—who prayed he would never be called upon to make that ultimate sacrifice—Jesus came to earth knowing exactly what lay ahead. The cross wasn’t an unexpected tragedy. It was the mission.
He bore our sin, took our punishment, and laid down His life so that we could experience a freedom no earthly nation can provide: freedom from the power and penalty of sin.
As we continue celebrate our nation’s independence this month, and her 250th birthday, may we thank God for the brave men and women who have protected our earthly freedoms. But may our deepest gratitude be reserved for Christ, who purchased our eternal freedom at the greatest cost imaginable.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
It’s this deep appreciation for those who sacrifice so much that led me to write my debut novel, Their Burden to Bear. Much of Phillip’s story is a reflection of my husband’s—from his burdens to his inner conflict and even his words. Robert was instrumental in helping me get Phillip’s character just right. Becuase of him, I’m humbled to have written a story that honors the courage, perseverance, and sacrifice of these warriors.
You can find Phillip and Elsie’s story on Amazon using the affiliate link below. Paperbacks are listed at only $11.11 in honor of Veteran’s/Armistic Day, November 11.
Are you new to my newsletter? If so, let me tell you about Their Burden to Bear…
“A sweetly protective Marine hero with secrets, an endearingly loquacious heroine with a heart of gold, an unexpected match, swoonilicious kisses, a cruel villain, a heartfelt message of God’s love and provision, and an inspiring slice of history—Their Burden to Bear offers all of this and more! From the very first word, I was fully immersed in Phillip and Elsie’s story—and not just for the kisses (though I’m still delightedly fanning myself from some of those!). Heather Tabers also brings to vivid life the origin of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, touching me deeply with the honor of its history and the depth of human emotion. A beautifully crafted debut novel that I wholeheartedly recommend!”
-Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org
Want to know more? Watch my book trailer below!
You’re going to love this list of FREE, clean, historical fiction reads. The original version of my In the Shadows of Sacrifice is listed, but I’d LOVE for you to check out Morty’s Farewell, written by my sweet friend Carrie Hachadurian.
Check out all the free books by clicking the button below. Happy reading!
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