While our government defines a Veteran as "a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under condition other than dishonorable." Merriam-Webster also provides the following definition, "a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill (such as politics or the arts)." Over the years, I have always viewed Veterans in the light of soldiers who risked their life to protect us and the rights granted to us by our government. When I came across the image from Jon McNaughton, I realized that as a nation under God, we should be honoring ALL veterans. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus' disciples chose to spread the word of God and His Grace. They faced persecution and death to defend all of us from damnation. Their "long experience in some occupation" is one of the most noble of all ... servants of God's Word working to spread His message.

Upon reflection, I realized that without their sacrifice there would be no United States of America ... a country where we are blessed to have the right to worship God without persecution. There are still Christians around the World who live knowing their life is in danger solely because they are Christian and want to spread God's Word.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, I hope you will take time to reflect not just on the Veterans who have served our country, but the Veterans who have been serving God for thousands of years and the ones continuing to find ways to be an open door to those around them.

Thank You Veterans!