Many people don’t realize that April 5
th is Gold Star Spouse Day. This is the day set aside to remember the living spouses of those who died in military action. The U.S. Army website has an outstanding article on the subject. If you want to know more and read a personal testimony, click the link below.
Gold Star Spouse Day
This article is dedicated to the men and women who have lost loved ones in action, but more importantly, it is dedicated to the King—Jesus.
Annie Cox talks about the day she learned her husband would never return. He had left for Afghanistan for his second tour. His first one was Iraq. Two months after he left, she heard a knock at the door. When she opened it, she was shocked to see two men in green uniforms. Her friend, a woman whose husband was also on tour, immediately understood. Her friend scooped up little Sophie, Annie’s 6-year-old daughter, hoping to protect her from what was about to be said. Army Staff Sergeant, Nathan “Nate” Cox, was killed in action by a roadside bomb in Korengal Valley, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. After giving their condolences and answering questions, they said, “We probably need to tell Sophie.”
After we lose someone, the toughest days are those of significance like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Though Annie didn’t brave fire or bombs like her husband, she found herself swept up in a battle of emotion and loss. Most will never experience what she and those like her have to go through. Generally speaking, the bereaved usually wonder if there is anything they could’ve done to change circumstances, but in Gold Star families the question is more often about whether the sacrifice was even worth it.
Scripture does not tell us Jesus had a wife, but it does tell us he had a mother. A mother first approached by an angel. Mary bore witness to the homage the shepherds and wise men paid. She and Joseph knew they would have their hands full, so they simply did the best they could. Like mothers today, I’m sure she tried to reinforce right and wrong. No doubt she tried to make sure he was well fed and taken care of. One day, which came like a flash, she kissed her son on the cheek and gave him some cheese and bread so he could go listen to John the Baptist, his cousin. This was her boy.
Soon much of what she knew about her son came through the grapevine. A blind man. Some lepers. Demons. Resurrection. She was proud. The angel’s words echoed in her ears, “He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
For Mary there would be no knock at the door, but, instead, the bang of a hammer inserting a nail. For Mary there would be no men in green fatigues, but, instead, soldiers in Roman gear. There would be no show of appreciation by the government through pomp or benefits. No gold star. Instead, standing beneath the cross, the shadow of it permanently laced in her memories, she saw her son’s last breath.
If you know anyone who has lost their spouse to war, call them, give them a hug, or buy them dinner. Most of us could never imagine what they go through.
Concerning Mary having to see the death of her son, don’t forget it only lasted three days. Sure it was three days of torturous grief, but it was only three days. After that, her Son would never die. You can’t beat that kind of ministry.
