Military Wives Choir – Looking Back to 2011’s Beautiful Tribute

Editor’s Note:  Yes, this was written about a performance in England twelve years ago.  But it captures the heart and life of military families, around the world, in a very unique and special way.  You will be blessed by reading the story and listening to the Military Wives Choir of England.

Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 15:5,6

It’s all over the internet, and it’s a beautiful way for us to end our postings for 2011.

Just in case you missed it, enjoy the Military Wives Choir of England singing “Wherever You Are” on this official video:

There is also a YouTube video available which captures the performance of this amazing group of “ordinary” military wives for the Queen of England at the Royal Albert Hall on Remembrance Day, in which a British officer says, “They did all military wives proud!”

So I can’t help but wipe my tears and put my tissues aside. . . to add a few thoughts:

• This is a song of oneness. “Wherever you are, our hearts still beat as one.” It takes me to Genesis 2:24, God’s plan for marriage, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
• This is a song of calling. “I hold you in my dreams each night, until your task is done.” It takes me to Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
• This is a song of perspective. “May your courage never cease.” Fighting for freedom takes much courage. It takes me to Galatians 5:1 remembering the courage of Jesus Christ who died for our freedom from the bondage of sin, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Is “Wherever You Are” a spiritual song with a message about Jesus Christ? No, probably not. But it is a picture of the things I wrote about in Excellent or Praiseworthy on December 8, 2011, “People Are Watching You – The Gift of Our Military”:  “The qualities of unity, nobility, bravery, courage, sacrifice, justice, ethics, hope, authenticity, patience, kindness, persistence, valor, humor, competence, purity, obedience, hospitality, integrity, gratitude, generosity, duty, perseverance, concern, humility, submission, mercy, servant leadership, honor, resilience, discipline, perspective, responsibility, teamwork, help, grace, compassion, faith, professionalism, trust, confidence, self-control, forgiveness, strength, maturity, wisdom, brotherhood . . . are the righteous values which our Lord and Savior had in full measure and to which we are called.”

Wherever you are. . . whether active duty (Guard or Reserve) military, a military spouse, or a military child . . . we salute you and thank you for your service. You reflect the values and qualities in sacrifice and excellence which we admire . . . and which point us to the true Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, Who is The Light of the World.

Benediction for 2011: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Questions to Share:

1. Looking back over 2011, what courage did you demonstrate which could have only come through the Holy Spirit?

2. As you face the unknown challenges of 2012, pray for each other—for oneness, calling, and perspective.