The Murph Challenge is the Official annual fundraiser for the LT. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, presented by Forged. LT Michael P. Murphy was killed in action on June 28th, 2005, when he sacrificed himself by running into enemy fire, to help save his teammates, it was the only way to make a satellite phone call to reach the base for backup. On that same day, 16 men in a Chinook helicopter was killed as well as two of his other comrades on the ground, Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson. The only surviving member of that unit was Marcus Luttrell who was blasted over a ridge by a rocket-propelled grenade and knocked unconscious. This is what the movie Lone Survivor is based on.
It wasn't until after my brother was back from his second deployment that I was able to bring myself to watch this movie. The heartbreak of it. Last year, I read the book. Marcus Luttrell tells this amazing story of falling down a mountainside but always within an arm's length reach of his gun. He speaks of his love for Christ, and the reliving that day over and over in his mind. Interestingly enough, another key piece of the story that I sometimes to fail to remember the Afghan Villagers that saved and protected the Navy Seal from the very terrorists who were hunting him. These villagers lived by a non-written tribal ethical code called Pashtunwali. One of the codes of the Pashtuns is Nanawatai meaning forgiveness or asylum. Derived from the verb meaning to go in, this refers to the protection given to a person against his enemies. People are protected at all costs, showing great respect and showing hospitality towards others regardless of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status. Protected against all costs. I have often failed to make nice with my neighbors because I was too tired, too scared, too whatever. One of our pastors used this very explain about staying 'on mission' for Christ during our lifetime.
It is often said the reason why soldiers uniforms have a backward flag is that (on Army uniforms) it makes it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it, moves forward. Moving towards the battle and "away from their loved ones." This is the reason we celebrate and hold in great significance Memorial Day. It is because someone was willing to sign their name on the dotted line forsaking all others as well as possibly their own life.
As Iron Woman said earlier today the Murph is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor those who gave everything they had. We live free and safe because of them. Prayers for the families of the people who sacrificed their lives, I am forever grateful for their bravery.
Tomorrow, I'll post a little more about how my workout went today.
Blessings everyone, hug your loved ones tight today, remember those who sacrificed, and what are you doing to stay on mission with your spiritual, emotional, physical journey?
Blessings,
A
It wasn't until after my brother was back from his second deployment that I was able to bring myself to watch this movie. The heartbreak of it. Last year, I read the book. Marcus Luttrell tells this amazing story of falling down a mountainside but always within an arm's length reach of his gun. He speaks of his love for Christ, and the reliving that day over and over in his mind. Interestingly enough, another key piece of the story that I sometimes to fail to remember the Afghan Villagers that saved and protected the Navy Seal from the very terrorists who were hunting him. These villagers lived by a non-written tribal ethical code called Pashtunwali. One of the codes of the Pashtuns is Nanawatai meaning forgiveness or asylum. Derived from the verb meaning to go in, this refers to the protection given to a person against his enemies. People are protected at all costs, showing great respect and showing hospitality towards others regardless of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status. Protected against all costs. I have often failed to make nice with my neighbors because I was too tired, too scared, too whatever. One of our pastors used this very explain about staying 'on mission' for Christ during our lifetime.
It is often said the reason why soldiers uniforms have a backward flag is that (on Army uniforms) it makes it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it, moves forward. Moving towards the battle and "away from their loved ones." This is the reason we celebrate and hold in great significance Memorial Day. It is because someone was willing to sign their name on the dotted line forsaking all others as well as possibly their own life.
As Iron Woman said earlier today the Murph is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor those who gave everything they had. We live free and safe because of them. Prayers for the families of the people who sacrificed their lives, I am forever grateful for their bravery.
Tomorrow, I'll post a little more about how my workout went today.
Blessings everyone, hug your loved ones tight today, remember those who sacrificed, and what are you doing to stay on mission with your spiritual, emotional, physical journey?
Blessings,
A
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