I Will Never Leave

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified...

for the Lord your God goes with you,

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

 

This stunning photograph, taken at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in September 18, 2012, is making the rounds of the Internet this afternoon, purported to be soldiers guarding the Tomb today during Hurricane Sandy.  This is NOT a photo from those circumstances, but from a similar time of heavy rainfall earlier this year.  

The tomb of the unknown soldier has been guarded continuously since April 6, 1948.  Although a shelter was built for the guards to use in times of extreme weather, most decline to use it.  The Tomb's honor guard comes from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).  You can read more about them at www.army.mil/oldguard.

There is something that strongly pulls at the heart to see these young men continuing to guard in the pouring rain.  They are ordinary human beings like you and I, but their strength, courage and dedication go above and beyond the normal call of duty as they refuse to abandon, even for a moment, a poignant symbol of the greatness of this country and the longevity of its memory and love for its fallen heroes.

 

Ordinary men and women like you and I also have someone who also stands guard - One who never slumbers or sleeps and who will not leave us or forsake us, no matter what is happening in our lives.

How blessed we are to have the Creator God as our strength and shield.