“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

What a fitting verse for this Memorial Day. I find myself once again thinking about our brave men and women in uniform, their families, and our veterans who have served to defend and protect our freedoms. Their sacrifice is without question; their willingness to lay down their life for love of country and for their fellow soldier is as honorable an undertaking there is. The military has a process of  breaking you down to build you up. It really was my first experience with “We.” I learned, as we all did from day one of boot camp, that serving in our military isn’t about me; it’s about country, it’s about protecting your buddies back, it’s about team work, and yes, it’s about the ultimate sacrifice of laying one’s life down for another. Many years later when I started recovery I had another “Me” lesson. You won’t find “I” in the 12 steps of recovery. Most of the 12 steps start with “We” and it represents a call to battle; the realization that we need help to recover from our hurts, hang-ups and habits. Relying on self is what got us into trouble in the first place, and it won’t get us out of trouble know matter how hard we try. When we arrive at Step 1, it’s all about me. When we arrive at Step 12, it’s all about we. Instead of spinning our wheels trying to fix ourselves, we start the process of moving from self-will to God’s will. Through Jesus, our brokenness is exposed to the light and we are built back up to do good works; reborn in the name of Jesus. Please take some time today to remember our fallen soldiers, pray for their families and for our veterans and active military. The sacrifice they make ensure we have a country where freedom reigns, providing protection for us all. God loves you; Jesus died for you; His Spirit lives in you! Say “yes” to Jesus and live Love! Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church