February 2019

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

February can be seen as a multi-purpose month as we celebrate Black History month, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. All are significant and should be recognized as well as celebrated. Realizing all the above are connected by love, understanding and respect.
Those who gave their lives for the freedom, equality and civil liberties paid the ultimate sacrifice of no greater love has no one than to lay down their life for a friend. The friend does not have to be someone we know personally but whoever we know that is being oppressed. We as military members past and present understand this scripture probably more than anyone as we daily place ourselves in harm’s way with or without pay to ensure others will be protected and maintain the ability of freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms and that the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments are upheld for those who choose not to wear the uniform.

The sacrifice doesn’t seem too great to us because of the love we have not only for others but the nation in which we live. We as a nation and people must remain in unity and allow love to abound above all. In the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who states: “I have decided to stick to love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy