Veterans Day marks many things for many people. Honor, pride, sacrifice, freedom… to name a few. However, it also marks memories, pain, sorrow, loss, and grief.
“Every year, the VA conducts the largest national analysis of veteran suicide rates. According to their 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report – based on data from 2021 – veteran suicide rates increased by 11.6% from 2020. On average, according to the VA, more than 17 veterans take their own lives each day ” (Pinkston, 2024)
MORE than 17 Veterans a day commit suicide! So while other people may celebrate and honor our Veterans, others struggle with loss and pain of the ones gone. Regret and shame often leads Veterans to the unthinkable. So many find it nearly impossible to get past their own mistakes or the pain of watching others die before them, blaming themselves.
But there is a reason you are asked to CHOOSE LIFE! When it is dark and hopeless, CHOOSE LIFE! When the regret is overwhelming and the pain is nagging, CHOOSE LIFE!
The war never ended! We are in constant war and battle of our thoughts that try to rob us and steal the life we have! You have to FIGHT! You have to take up your weapons of TRUTH and defeat the lies that are literally trying to KILL you!
You have the choice today between life and death. CHOOSE LIFE!
“Deuteronomy 30:19-20 MSG
I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.”
Pinkston. (2024, August 21). The state of veteran suicide (2024). Mission Roll Call. https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/articles/the-state-of-veteran-suicide/
