Getting off the Ground

We spent September 14th, the day before set up and launch of the tent, visiting Arlington National Cemetery. I must admit: visiting a cemetery as our first touristy trip was not the plan, but God does have a way of directing, sometimes redirecting, our steps.

The plan was to visit the Jefferson Memorial, where there would be lots of space for the kids to run, be loud, look at ducks, climb steps, wear themselves out. However, the roads there were closed or packed due to a race. Door number one, closed.

Next stop, the Lincoln Memorial. Less water, but stairs and a big interesting statue. No parking. No dice.

The road led us across a bridge and through giant pillars topped with gilded lions. We saw signs for the cemetery and took the opportunity before us to check off the first must-see of our time here.

Since neither of us know anyone buried there, and we are not veterans ourselves, I must say there was no particular draw in going there. A hundred other places in the city were higher on my list, yet there we were.

The four of us passed through the visitor center and into the first road of the cemetery. I held Judah\’s hand and talked to him about the rows of identical white headstones, how each was a real-life superhero who protected his or her country. I told him how each fought for freedom.

I could not help but feel the parallel of spiritual warfare. The Scriptures make it clear that we battle not against flesh and blood, but powers and principalities. Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty for pulling down strongholds: the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, the Word of truth, the helmet of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, and so on (see Ephesians 6).

How many spiritual warriors have gone before us? How many have gone down in the midst of battle, interceding for others and fighting their own fights of faith? To how many do we owe thanks and respect and honor and dignity, the way the signs at Arlington remind us?

That evening the team held a thanksgiving dinner, and Jason Hershey reminded us that giving thanks before the start of the Tent is both a duty and privilege. God has paved the way, and the prayers of countless nameless faceless have gone before us to hold open the doors. We honor them.

As the tent is hoisted, the equipment rigged and tables set, we hope to do our own battle in the heavenlies. Our songs of praise and adoration and the welcome and love we show to passers-by are weapons to advance the Kingdom. We hope to do Him justice, to serve Him mightily.