They’re dying on the Front Line - limbs, shattered; hope, lost; excruciating pain, endured. They’re defending us, you know - on the Front Line; it’s a hellish place to be! Fighting for justice, laying down their lives for their friends…and strangers. Could I, could we, do that? Make that sacrifice? Give that love? They’re pleading with us, from the Front Line - begging for support, Courageously fighting for freedom, falling from the onslaught. Standing for truth, for life, for love; giving way; pierced through for our sakes. Are you praying for them, calling on His name? Are you thankful and amazed by their generous, selfless service? Their suffering? It’s hard digging in - creating a refuge, defending your territory, holding fast. It’s unbelievably hard, being on watch, advancing, even when the chips are down; but persisting can bring reward and progress - step by step, overcoming pitfalls, moving forward. Could you brave it? Could you stand firm? Could you offer resistance against evil? (Be assured, the devil can kill the body but not the soul.) Will you run away, flea, when you’re needed most? Build your strength for the final run? Call on the Greatest Power, against Whom nothing can stand or overcome?! Their blood is falling, watering the earth, bringing life. Their tears are flowing into the battle-worn fields. Spring flowers will grow again. Green grass will sway in the breeze. Their hearts are breaking, riddled and shot through! Can they, can we, forgive? (Love your enemies; do good to those who hurt you.) Could you surrender to death; to rise again? He did. Jesus did - a Lamb to the slaughter. They have their rough-hewn crosses. Do you have one, too? It is a gift, so pick it up, for He, the Source of life, will carry the burden with you. God gave His Son. Jesus accepted the Cross. Jesus paid the cost, the wages of sin, with His Precious, Holy blood. Be brave. Be strong. Call on His name. Step towards His redeeming light… The Light of Life. Juliehughespoetry©25sept2023 (Ukraine summer advance)
