"damn few"

war movies deeply affect me in ways that other movies cannot. although Act of Valor fell short in acting and seamless coordination of script and action sequences... it still left me humbled by the reality that there are men and women putting themselves in the line of fire - every single hour, while we continue to live in the ignorance of the imminent threats around us.

courage. honor. discipline. sacrifice.

how can you not respect and honor soldiers for their bravery and commitment? they put my civilian life into perspective.... how petty are my complaints and worries!

::spoiler alert::::

at the climax of the movie, one soldier jumps on a grenade not only to save his fellow band of brothers, but for the ultimate success of the mission at hand (to keep suicide bombers from dispersing into the US).  i know real life soldiers are willing to do this everyday (giving up their lives, their families, their futures) so that they can secure the nation's safety.

what an illustration of the great and beautiful sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He jumped on that ultimate and eternal grenade so that all creation could be forgiven and know God intimately.  what then, should we not be willing to do for God and to spread the good news of His love and eternal kingdom??

"What is all the fame and flattery worth ... when a man comes to face eternity? I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile living for the world to come. If Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me." -Charles Studd (Cambridge Seven Missionaries)