Today, we celebrate the freedom that flooded the beaches of Normandy during WWII. To some of us, it’s a snapshot from history displayed on a screen or found between the pages of a dusty history book.
But, D-Day is not easily dismissed for men like Jim Radford. Now a ninety-year-old veteran,  he served on a tugboat during the invasion–leaving childhood and naïveté’ behind.
At the tender age of fifteen, a boy watched the red blood of men mingle with sea foam. He witnessed the ravages of evil inflicted on the innocent who willingly gave their lives for a greater purpose. A higher calling. A human right.
Along with the powers of three allied nations, Jim Radford and thousands of other men and boys trampled on the head of the snake. They felt his sting as the poisoned teeth of ruthless power and degradation penetrated marrow and bone. Still, they pressed on–armored up and willing to sacrifice their lives for the innocent.
These were great men fighting for freedom. For life. For those who had been born and for the generations to come.

[bbctt tweet="The men of Normandy illustrate the terrible beauty of sacrificial love.#loveothers#purpose#sacrifice."]

The men of Normandy illustrate the terrible beauty of sacrificial love.
Two thousand years ago, another battle raged as Jesus invaded the enemy’s domain. The prince of the air slammed headlong into the true Overload, certain he’d earned the victory as heaven’s blood pooled at the bottom of a rough-hewn cross.

[bbctt tweet="Satan dismissed the might of the godhead.He diminished the power of the Father to reflect his own limitations.#pride#folly#OperationOverlord"]

Just as Hitler miscalculated the strength of the Allied army, Satan dismissed the might of the godhead. He diminished the power of the Father to reflect his own limitations. Denied the sacrificial mission of the spotless Lamb. And, dismissed the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
But, the Holy Trinity couldn’t be contained.
The eternal version of operation Overlord began the day a refugee woman birthed a babe sent to rescue those bound by the chains of sin. Only a handful of years later, the enemy mocked and jeered. Celebrating at the noise of a blinded crowd, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” But, then?
The holy Warrior shook off the cold grip of death and rose triumphant.

[bbctt tweet="The snake that stung the King's heal lay crushed beneath the terrible beauty of a matchless,holy sacrifice.#heavensvictory#holysacrifice"]

The snake that stung the King’s heal lay crushed beneath the terrible beauty of a matchless, holy sacrifice. While death rattles the enemy’s chest, he still fights. He knows the war has been lost, but pride emboldens him. Determined to secure a territory of his own, he attempts to overcome the weak and vulnerable.
But, Christian, we are God’s soldiers. We are called to love and serve. To pray. To invade that which the enemy holds–a land teeming with people who need the hope of the one who can rescue and restore their lives.

[bbctt tweet="We must be willing to leave our comforts behind.To engage in the eternal fight for souls.To live up to our calling.#eternityinthebalance#commissioned"]

Our weapons, though, are spiritual. Designed to protect from the tactics of a skilled enemy and empower us to wage battle on our own behalf and that of others, we must be willing to leave our comforts behind. To engage in the eternal fight for souls. To live up to our calling.
Perhaps these words from Esther 4:14 are meant as much for this generation as they were for a Jewish queen. “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
 
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following bloggers:
Mondays Sunday Thoughts / LMM Linkup
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode
Wednesdays Encouraging Word Wednesday / Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee
Thursdays Heart Encouragement  / Grace Moments / Tune In Thursday / Destination Inspiration / Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Fridays Dance With Jesus / Faith N Friends / Fresh Market Friday / Grace and Truth / Faith on Fire / Blogger Voices Network