At 7:55 this morning, my windows began to rattle. The sound became thunderous as five F-15 Eagle jet fighters from the Hawaii Air National Guard flew the “missing man” formation over Pearl Harbor. They came in so low over my home the pilot could have picked a papaya off the top of my tree.
Sixty five years ago to the minute, Japanese war planes flew that same route in their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, plunging the US into war with Japan.
Years ago, I spoke with a gentleman who has carried a heavy burden since that Sunday morning in 1941. It was his first day at the Schofield Barracks duty station. He received a call from a radar installation on the North Shore of Oahu that detected incoming planes. Assuming they were our own B-17s, he uttered four words he has regretted his entire life. “Don’t worry about it.”
Later, a congressional investigation absolved him of negligence. They placed the responsibility on his superiors for inadequately preparing him for his responsibilities. Still, he lives under a cloud of guilt.
I often think about the responsibility God has given me as a husband and father. You see, we have an enemy and nothing would please him more than to pull off a surprise attack on our family. We need to be watchful, alert, always on our guard.
… not ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11).
When our children were young and we would send them off to school, every morning we would all go through motions like we were putting our armor on. “Helmet of salvation? Check. Breastplate of righteousness? Check. Belt of truth? Check. Shield of faith? Check. Sword of the Spirit? Check. Shoes of the gospel of peace? Check.” Okay, we’re ready to go! They might have forgotten their pencils and tablets but they never forgot their armor!
Looking back, we came through a few battles. More than a few. I know you have as well. And there will be more to come, sorry to break it to you. But in all things, we can be more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us and gave Himself for us.
So keep your armor on, my friend. You can leave home without your American Express but don’t leave home without your armor!
December 8, 2006 at 1:29 am
Del, this is an awesome post. Keep your armor on, that’s a GREAT message!
Love,
Diana
December 8, 2006 at 2:51 am
Well-said!
I appreciate the parallel you drew between Pearl Harbor Day and our need to be always watchful. You’re right, our enemy is a sneak and a creep.
Be alert
(the church needs more lerts)
Phil—
December 10, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Great and insightful article, Del! Indeed, we must always be on guard against our mortal enemy. I just posted a new article that reveals just how devious is Satan: “God’s Law Compared to Man’s.” He will stoop to anything: as the ancient Prophet warned, Satan has set up himself as God with plans to ascend to God’s throne; which we know he cannot do. However, setting up himself as God here on earth has been an easier feat to achieve.
Much love in Christ,
http://bonnieq.wordpress.com
September 2, 2007 at 6:38 am
Great post. I grew up in Hawaii and miss Oahu so much. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of where I used to live and tying such a special story into a Christian message.
In Christ,
Kim
September 28, 2007 at 7:14 am
I have seen the image you have posted with the peace on earth and wondered where it can be purchased. We are doing a hawaii christmas program, “Holding On to Faith” and this is a great image.
Please advise.
Thank you.
Melissa