Welcome to Gold Star Dads of America

Faith, Family & Freedom

Three of the most important, powerful and yet misunderstood
words in the human language.

For those of you who are suffering the same awful emptiness that Lynn and I have felt this last year I want to offer this short poem. Edgar Guest was a prolific American poet and celebrated author of the early 20th century who I recently re-discovered. He was considered "the poet of the people" I hope you enjoy this and get as much solace from it as we do.

I Lend You a Child?

I'll lend you a child of mine for a little time, He said
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when his dead.
It may be six or seven year, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth, return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain.
Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say:
Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief will run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness; will love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

Edgar Guest

 

Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly

 

Recommended Reading and Viewing

The first book of its kind, Grace Under Fire is an inspiring and spiritual collection of letters and e-mails by U.S. troops and their families from the American Revolution through the War on Terrorism.

"At its heart, this book is not about war. It is about courage, devotion, honor, resilience, and, of course, faith. It is about individuals who have encountered trials that rival the burdens of Job and have nevertheless persevered. Even if we are not in the military, every one of us wages smaller, more personal battles each day—against despair, sin, and doubt—and these letters are a powerful reminder that no matter how tough the contest, there is always reason for hope."

Grace Under Fire - Letters of Faith in Times of War
Edited by Andrew Carroll

"Grace Under Fire brings the importance of faith on the battlefield front and center and is an inspiring reminder that none of us is alone, even in the most dire of circumstances."
- Sara Horn, author of A Greater Freedom: Stories of Faith from Operation Iraqi Freedom

 

The tiny Box

I had a tiny box, a precious box of human love - my perfume of Great Price;
I kept it close within my heart of hearts and scarce would lift
the lid lest it should waste its fragranceOn the air.
One day a strange deep Sorrow came with crushing weight,
and fell upon my costly treasure, sweet and rare, and broke the box to pieces.
All my heart rose in dismay and sorrow at this waste,
But as I mourned, behold a miracle of grace Divine, my human love
was changed to Heaven's own, and poured in healing streams on other broken hearts,
while soft and clear a voice above me whispered, "Child of Mine, with
comfort wherewith you are comforted, from this time forth, go comfort others,
and you will know blest fellowship with Me, whose broken heart of love
has healed the world."

- L.B. Cowman
from Streams in the Desert (Aug. 6th)

 

I picked this one off of one of the Mothers websites. It is a tribute to Soilders' Moms written and proformed by Angela Lashley, Excellent.

 

Mark Schultz sings this incredible song to honor American Soldiers serving their country around the world. It was nominated as music video of the year in the 2004 Dove Awards..