Run for a Vet 2015

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:22-23

Saturday was the first Run for a Vet Half Marathon in Branson, MO. It was a race put on by the local Vietnam Veterans Chapter 913 as a fundraiser. If you have never been to Branson before, there are two things you can be sure to find there... great shows and Ozark hills. Since my four friends and I were not there for the entertainment, we began to psych ourselves up the night before for the monster hills we expected to encounter. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised to find that the paved trail (3 loops to complete the half) course had only a few bunny hills. Not only was it relatively flat, it was beautifully shaded with a stunning view of Table Rock Lake. And it was quite an honor to be served water and Gatorade at each aid station from these veterans that so unselfishly served our country.

Each participant was asked to run in appreciation or remembrance of the veteran of their choice and to write the name(s) of that person on their bib. It seemed almost a privilege to carry the name Miguel Martinez (my father in law who served in Korea in the Navy) to the finish line. And it was humbling to think that each written name that crossed the finish line Saturday represented an act of sacrifice to grant us the freedom that we enjoy today. What a reminder that, as the engraved inscription reads on the wall of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, "Freedom is Not Free".

Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where we are free from tyranny and oppression? Where we are free to follow our dreams and worship as we please? Of course it is and praise God for our veterans who helped to make it so. But, I'm here to tell you, that there is no greater freedom than being set free from the bondage of sin. The bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, something we are all deserving of. But by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from that and have been given the gift of eternal life in exchange! Shouldn't every day then be lived in remembrance of that greatest act of sacrifice and for the true freedom it provided? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for all of us that we might be free from the bondage of sin. May we live our lives every day publicly declaring your name in honor of your sacrifice. Help us to never forget that freedom truly isn't free - It was bought by the blood of Jesus for sinners like me and you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I am Free - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRbaZYGZIHA&list=RDJRbaZYGZIHA#t=0

Margaret is a 70 year old Vietnam Veteran who ran for her husband. She shared stories of her time there. 

The after picture. 

This group of friends is such a blessing. 

So blessed to have run this race.