To Our Veterans & Their Families, Thank You!
I'd like to take a moment to thank all of our veterans who served our country as well as the families that stood beside them and shared in the difficulties of making such a sacrifice. My father was a marine among those that stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima and witnessed the original raising of the American flag, not the reenactment for the photograph. I know first hand of the struggles families often face, even when the ultimate sacrifice has not been made.
For those of you who may be dealing with some of these issues, I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is hope. The transformation in my father's life from age 60 to 85 was nothing short of miraculous. He finished well, as did our relationship. I can still remember the deep joy that I experienced after his passing (yes, you read that right!), realizing what a blessing it was to have experienced that miracle. I will cherish those final years for the rest of my life, and into the next.
For those of you that may be struggling with incredible difficulties, whether you are learning to forgive, or simply struggling to believe that receiving forgiveness is even possible, I assure you there is hope. I will share with you the words that I spoke to my father on his last day with us. He was unconscious for the entire day, or so we thought. I laid down next to him and said, "Dad, God promises in His Word to restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), and they've eaten a lot of our years. But I want you to know that those years are dead and gone and I have nothing but love for you. You can go knowing that I don't have an ounce of bitterness in my heart". My dad's reaction was miraculous but too much to share right now. Maybe another time. He passed a few hours later but the joy of those final days is mine to keep.
If you think I am writing this to tell you how wonderful I am, I am surely not. It was not possible for my father to become the man he became and overcome so many demons. It was possible for God. It was not possible for me to let go of the pain and take my eyes off of myself long enough to see my own need for forgiveness, but it was possible for God.
There is a scripture verse that hangs in a prominent place in our house.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8
The words ring in my ears...love mercy...love mercy...love mercy. Not just receiving it. Actually LOVE extending it to others. The God who loves mercy wants us to be like Him. THAT was the power behind the miracle. The God who loves mercy and is willing to give the power to accomplish the command, is up to the challenge whenever you have the thought, not possible for me.
So nothing to advertise today, but something deep to give away. Thanks again to all of our veterans and their families. Wherever you are in your journeys, there is hope. REAL hope!
God Bless!
Bill Formella
Founder
Swish Atlanta, LLC
PO Box 491657
Lawrenceville, GA 30049
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