They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course.
Danny's oldest son, Giovanni, recently makes a life-changing decision, one that has us bursting with pride. He enlists in the U. S. Air Force! As I write this, Giovanni is in Week 3 of basic training, and is slated to graduate on June 14th. Then it's off to Air Force school for another four months, where he will learn the skills required to become an avionics technician.
When Giovanni graduates from high school several years ago, with no desire to go to college, but with four years of Jr. ROTC under his belt, Danny and I think he might join the military right away. Looking back, though, we realize that he had neither the confidence nor the maturity to make such a choice. Giovanni lives with us for quite some time, working different jobs and helping with some bills. During these years, he develops a keen interest in guns, and takes part in many air-soft military mock-up events. Here are a few photos from some of those occasions.
He certainly looks the part of a soldier, doesn't he? All well and good, but now, it's the full meal deal! We follow the weeks of basic training at this official Air Force website. It's gratifying to get a glimpse into what Giovanni's life is like now.
What I deem most compelling in these videos is the fact that these soldiers in training, from all races, backgrounds and experiences, learn to work together, to watch each other's backs, and to march in line, not swerving from their course.
I find myself reflecting, as I see the determined efforts of these brave men and women, on if we as Christians, no matter our denominations, would stand together, work together, for the Good News of God's kingdom, what a phenomenal difference we could make! Just as these young soldiers come to realize that they are part of something much bigger than themselves, we, too, are part of the biggest fighting force ever, assembled in the name of Christ Jesus, and led by our God of the Angel Armies.
I'm ready to enlist! Who's with me?
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you've done everything, to stand. ~Ephesians 6:13
Prayers for Giovanni and his fellow soldiers who have voluntarily chosen to serve and defend our great nation are very much appreciated!
Amen!
We have a section in our weekly Sunday bulletin where we list those we know (people from the church, friends and relatives) who are in the military. We believe they are important and need our prayers and support.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Bill, they sure do! I'm so glad your church does this for our men and women in uniform.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying as requested, Martha; also for you and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
Thank you so much, Victor! Your prayers are most appreciated.
DeleteLove and blessings!
So wonderful to see young men that are devoted to serving the country! I know you are very proud of him, and truly the body of Christ is much like being in the military by looking out for each other yet working towards one goal, that of serving Christ!!! Blessings and hugs to you today Martha!
ReplyDeleteYes, we are so proud of Giovanni wanting to serve our country. Such a blessing! And yes, we are Christ's army, here to spread the Good News far and wide, Marilyn.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Prayers for your son and all of our brave men and women who serve our great country! I think God's army is strong with many selfless enlistees leading the way to salvation.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the prayers, Terri! And may we all be willing, ready and able participants in God's great army.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying for Giovanni, that God will keep him safe and that he will stay close to the Lord as he serves his country. We, as Christians, are in "the Lord's Army". We are definitely in a battle every day, not so much with flesh and blood as with unseen forces of evil and spiritual warfare. We need to stand strong together and fight this common enemy who wishes to destroy anything and anyone who serves the Most High God. We cannot do this battle alone. Yes, all Christians need to stand together, regardless of the name on the sign in front of the church building...if we are committed to Christ, we are in this together.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your prayers, Pamela! We are in a battle each and every day, and it's so important for us to stand strong in our faith and stand with one another that we might one day defeat our common enemy in the name of the Lord. Christ alone should be our cornerstone and rallying cry in solidarity with one another.
DeleteLove and blessings!
We are doing extra prayers for the military this month at my church and I will add him to my list! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Jean, that would be super!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praying for Giovanni. Please tell him thank you for his service to our great nation. This Saturday is Armed Forces Day, by the way. My son, Kevin also serves in the Air Force. I had the honor of seeing him graduate from basic training on the 4th of July. Wow! It is an experience I will never forget. In one week, I will be attending a ceremony where he becomes staff sergeant.
ReplyDeleteWe are so blessed to live in this free nation with people who serve it with devotion. God bless America! God bless our armed forces!
Beckie, that is so wonderful to know about Kevin serving in the Air Force, too. And I know you are looking forward with such excitement to him becoming a staff sergeant! Tell Kevin I'll add him to my prayers for those in the military, too. These two young men are doing such a great service to our country, it's hard to thank them enough.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Prayers for Giovanni! That's exciting. So appreciative of those who give and serve in the military and glad we all have the opportunity to fight the good fight. Thanks Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prayers, Jason! And we all have the opportunity to fight the good fight, don't we? Let's stand strong for Jesus!
DeleteLove and blessings!
God Bless America and the brave men and women who persevere to keep us safe. May our Heavenly Father protect them as they endeavor to protect us. May we, as Christians, band together in the same way, without prejudice, to form a united body of Christ. Amen
ReplyDeleteAmen is right, Nells! What a beautiful and heartfelt prayer you've shared here. Thank you, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I'm praying for Giovanni! Please tell him we thank him for his service! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteI will certainly tell him, Deb, and thanks so much for the prayers!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Blessings to him and gratitude for his service.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Galen! I will pass on your well wishes.
DeleteLove and blessings!
AMEN! Thankful for Giovanni's service! We are blessed with young men and women who are willing to serve our great country to protect our democracy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Lulu! These young men and women are definitely a blessing to us all.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for sharing this Martha! It sounds like Giovanni is doing well. I'm thankful for the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed forces. Yes, all of us who are God's children are in the Lord's Army; our armor is spiritual armor that we pray on each day (or should!).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, interesting choice of Scripture from Joel chapter 2, how did you select it?
Love and blessings!
Good question, Kim. After seeing the training videos, I began researching terms for soldiers on Bible Gateway. The verse from Joel popped right out - I knew I had to use it.
DeleteAnd yes, Giovanni is doing remarkably well. We're so proud of him, that's for sure, and thankful for all who serve our nation.
Love and blessings!
So awesome to see the hand of God in our children's lives. And it's profound to see how our Father calls His chosen into the service of others.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for the serving heart of the soldier that works, sometimes in harms way, to benefit the rest of us.
I'm praying for Giovanni.
Thanks so much for your prayers for Giovanni, Floyd, and for all those who serve our country at home and abroad. So glad that God opened these doors in Giovanni's life - he was in such need of direction and purpose.
DeleteLove and blessings!