Chaplain: Lent is a time to perform kind acts

Hello, my fellow comrades, since my last article my duties have been calm, but my prayers and thoughts are always with all of you.

In the past month, I enjoyed another bingo session at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Also, I attended the national recognition of two outstanding leaders at the Minneapolis VA. Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Armstrong and Director Pat Kelly led the celebration of National American Legion awards to an esteemed ophthalmologist, Dr. Karen Armbrust, and an endocrine nurse practitioner, Amy Stanwood.

One received The American Legion’s VA Physician of the Year, and the other Healthcare Provider of the Year.

As a 50-year member of Earl C. Hill Post 550 in Bloomington, it was heartwarming for me that the Appreciation Rally and March DEC meeting were held at my home post. It’s been decades since Bloomington hosted state conventions. We are happy to do our part again.

Thanks to all those who attended the rally. Thank you to Post 550 Commander Blaine Beste for paying the meal for all who registered! Thank you also to Post 550 Membership Director Shaun Einecke and his main salesman, member Richard Skinn, for getting Post 550 to 100 percent before the rally. This is the first growth for our post after 16 years of decline.

It shows everyone that posts can turn things around.

The meeting was very informational. The rally recharged the spirits. I’d like to thank all the posts and districts that attended.

Our current Season of Lent is upon us. It is my favorite time of year. Lent coincides with spring and the 40 days is a period of time for all of us to reflect on our faith. Also, it is when we remember to be thankful for loved ones, friends or even a stranger in the produce aisle.

I’ve had two women in my life pass away during Lent — my wife’s mother at the age of 64, and my mother at 70 years. Both were extremely religious in their faith, taken away too early to their heavenly father.

During this Lenten season and in the future, do an act of kindness for another person. Here is my prayer:

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, we come before you this Lenten Season seeking your grace and guidance. We thank you for the service and sacrifice of all veterans who have defended our nation. As we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of your son, help us renew our commitment to serving others, strengthening the bonds of fellowship within our community, upholding the ideals of The American Legion.

Lord, during this time of fasting and repentance, we ask for your healing touch on those wounded in body or spirit. Comfort the families of the fallen, especially the veterans who recently died in the Iran War. We remember White Bear Lake Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, mother of two, age 39.

Guide us to be a source of strength to our comrades. Strengthen us to walk in your ways, replacing selfishness with compassion and discord with peace, as we work together for the good of our country. Amen.

Jim Mead of Bloomington Post 550 is the chaplain for The American Legion Department of Minnesota.