It’s always sad to read about the death of any soldier like the one of Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard who lost his life on Aug. 14th in an ambush in Afghanistan.  But I don’t remember reading about one so young (21 yrs old) yet described as a ”Holy Man” by his fellow soldiers.

George Washington said “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”  Indeed Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard bore that character.

I asked the Lord for a word today after I had read his story in the Sunday paper and when I opened my Bible it opened to 2Cor Chapter 5

Verse 1 says “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

That was an awesome scripture for all of who believes in Jesus Christ.  Joshua believed and without a doubt he is glad he knew his Savior.  He probably wants all his friends to come to know the Savior he knew so well that gave him a servant’s heart after all that’s the greatest tribute to our Lord and that is to be like Jesus.  He was the greatest servant of all.

Joshua saw it was his duty to serve God and country.  I am sure the seeds he planted in the lives of the men he was around will someday sprout and they too maybe called “Holy Man”–what an awesome thing that would be.  Joshua I am sure would like that.

He was described as humble, unassuming and shy yet in contrast he was also the point man for his team and he was known for his determination to get the job done.  2Cor 5:11 talks about the fear or “awe” of God.  The fear or awe of God gives Christians uncommon courage in face of life’s troubles as it did Paul of Tarsus and I believe Joshua had this also from what his fellow soldiers described.

Let us remember to pray for his family also as they continue the fight.  His father, John Bernard,  had sent (weeks before his son’s death) a letter to lawmaker.  This was in regard to a recently revised rules of engagement that state troops, can fire at an area if they are receiving fire and are in imminent danger, but if it’s possible for them to move away from the area, they are to do so.

He states “our troops are nothing more than sitting ducks.”  What a way to fight is that?  Joshua’s father feels this attributed to his son’s death.   John Bernard said “they’re being fired upon and being told they can’t fire back in fear of hitting civilians, which means Marines can die and ultimately can’t protect civilians because they can’t fire at the bad guys. ”

“It’s not that they want to go out and kill women and children, but they can’t fight like this.”

Joshua’s father has demanded change so no more troops are in unnecessary danger.  They are fighting a war and they can’t do it with their hands tied which is basically what seems to be happening more and more.

Let’s honor the memory of his son by contacting our Congress in support.  Call 202-224-3121.  There are many concerns about our economy to call Congress on –but this is also of high importance.  Our brave men and women deserves us to also fight for them.  It’s the least we can do.  After all they give their lives for us.  Thank you Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard for a life well lived serving God and country.  Hope we can do the same.