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Sermon: The Forgotten Soldier—A Reflection on Honor, Sacrifice, and the Struggles of Coming Home

Introduction: The story of a soldier returning home from war, only to find himself alone, struggling to survive on the streets, is a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and the challenges they face upon their return. The narrative of this forgotten soldier, sitting at a bus stop, lost and broken in a country where he once served, speaks to the deep wounds that extend beyond the battlefield. By exploring this story through Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and Scripture, we can find ways to honor those who have served, support them in their struggles, and seek justice for those who have been forgotten.

The Cost of Service: Sacrifice Without Recognition The soldier in this narrative has returned from war to a land that seems to have forgotten him: “No parade, no cheers, just a struggle to cope.” This line captures the painful reality that many veterans face—sacrificing so much for their country, only to return to a life of hardship and neglect. In John 15:13, Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The act of service, especially in the military, is one of the highest forms of sacrifice, and it deserves to be honored and recognized.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values the individual’s freedom to serve their country and the responsibility of the nation to care for those who have served. The failure to honor and support veterans upon their return is a moral failing of society. It reflects a need for justice and compassion, ensuring that those who have given so much are not left to struggle alone.

The Struggles of Coming Home: A Battle Within The narrative continues with the soldier’s struggle to cope with the trauma of war: “Fighting new wars against demons within.” This phrase highlights the internal battles that many veterans face—battles with PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues that can be just as devastating as the physical wounds of war. In Psalm 34:18, we are reminded, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse speaks to God’s presence with those who are suffering, offering hope and comfort even in the darkest moments.

From a modern human perspective, the mental health challenges faced by veterans are well-documented, yet they are often met with inadequate support and understanding. Christian Libertarian Ideology emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, but it also calls for community and societal support. Veterans should not have to fight these battles alone; they deserve access to mental health care, community support, and compassion from those around them.

The Reality of Homelessness: A Broken System The soldier’s experience of homelessness, “Pavements for pillows and an alley’s my bed,” reflects the harsh reality that many veterans face upon returning home. Despite their service, they find themselves abandoned by a system that fails to provide for their basic needs. Isaiah 58:7 challenges us, “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” This verse calls us to take action, to care for those who are suffering and to ensure that no one is left without shelter, food, or care.

Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to pursue a better life, but it also calls for justice and compassion for those who are marginalized. The soldier’s story is a reminder that our society must do better in caring for those who have served, ensuring that they have access to housing, employment, and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The Cry for Help: Seeking Compassion and Understanding The soldier’s cry, “Can’t you see I’m the ghost of the brave and the free,” is a powerful plea for recognition, compassion, and support. This line reflects the deep pain of feeling invisible, of being a “ghost” in a society that has moved on without him. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus teaches, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” This verse reminds us that our treatment of the most vulnerable among us is a reflection of our relationship with God.

From a modern perspective, the cry for help from veterans like the soldier in this narrative is a call to action for all of us. It is a reminder that we have a responsibility to see, to listen, and to respond with compassion and care. Christian Libertarian Ideology emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support, recognizing that while individuals are responsible for their own lives, we are also called to support one another in times of need.

The Call to Action: Supporting Our Veterans The soldier’s story is a call to action for each of us to do more to support those who have served. Whether through volunteering, advocating for better policies, or simply offering a kind word and a helping hand, we all have a role to play in ensuring that no veteran is left behind. Galatians 6:2 urges us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” By supporting our veterans, we fulfill the call to love and serve one another as Christ loves us.

Conclusion: The story of a soldier sitting at a bus stop, struggling to survive in a country where he once served, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and the challenges they face upon their return. It calls us to honor their service, to support them in their struggles, and to seek justice for those who have been forgotten.

As we reflect on this narrative, let us be moved to action—advocating for better care and support for our veterans, offering compassion to those who are struggling, and ensuring that no one who has served our country is left to suffer alone. Let us remember that every veteran is a reflection of the brave and the free, and they deserve our respect, our support, and our love.

May we all strive to be a source of hope and healing for those who have given so much, and may we work together to build a society where every veteran is honored, supported, and cared for.

If I fall for this land across seas so wide

I came back to the streets where my comrades

One by one by one have died

No parade, no cheers, just a struggle to cope

At the bus stop alone, seeking warmth, seeking hope

Lost dreams and my pocket medals I’ve earned

Now it’s in the shadows where my fortune turned

Left with my thoughts and the scars

From the fight, the city sleeps cold

Through my long restless night

At the bus stop, just trying to survive

At the bus stop, in a country where I serve

Where I barely feel alive

They say stand proud, you’re a hero son

But what’s worth a title when your battle’s not won

Pavements for pillows and an alley’s my bed

Streets are my prison filled with dread

Once had a mission, now I’ve nowhere to go

Just a forgotten soldier with seeds left to sow

Fighting new wars against demons within

At the bus stop, where despair draws his friend

At the bus stop, just trying to survive

At the bus stop, in a country where I serve

Where I barely feel alive

Screaming inside, does anyone hear

The land of the free, I’m shadowed by fear

Promises shattered like the glass at my feet

Are fading to nothing on this desolate street

They pass by with eyes that refuse to see

What’s become of the savior who forgot to be free

Lost in a system that doesn’t find fear

Just seeking some comfort at the chill in the air

At the bus stop, just trying to survive

Hey, hey, hey, hey

At the bus stop, at the bus stop

In a country where I serve, where I barely feel alive

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Can’t you see I’m the ghost of the brave and the free

All I’ve got now is this pipe and my pleas

Can’t you see I’m the ghost of the brave and the free

All I’ve got now is this pipe and my pleas

At the bus stop

Just trying to survive

Hey, hey, hey, hey

At the bus stop, in a country where I served

And where I barely feel alive

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

At the bus stop

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson