Giving Honor Where Honor is Due

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

— Romans 13:7

If you’ve ever walked a graveyard, you’ve probably noticed headstones and markers darkened by mold and mildew where the names inscribed of those buried are illegible. That’s exactly what Andrew Lumish, photographer and history buff, noticed several years ago as he walked the grounds of a cemetery.

Lumish, although not a veteran himself, was moved to honor America’s heroes by restoring the gravestones of military veterans in Florida. As the owner of a cleaning company, he understood what it would take to clean and restore the places of rest of those who served.

Most Sundays Lumish can be found at the Woodlawn Cemetery, not far from Tampa’s skyscrapers, where history on the headstones date back to 1888. The remains of some who served from the Civil War to Vietnam rest there.

To date Lumish has transformed about 600 headstones. Not only does he restore their grave markers to honor them for all they’ve given, but he digs deep into the past to uncover stories that might otherwise go untold. Lumish says that he hopes that his actions will help people appreciate the men and women, who currently serve in the armed forces.

It’s easy to take for granted those who serve. From veterans to first responders, teachers to pastors, we often forget to show our gratitude, but Scripture reminds us to pay honor and respect. When we choose to honor someone, we remind them and ourselves that they are loved and valued by the Creator of the universe. And maybe we can show them a glimpse of that love here on earth.

Today’s One Thing

Take the opportunity to honor someone today. Perhaps it means buying lunch for a serviceman in uniform. It might mean helping your child create a special award for their teacher. No matter how you do it, show someone that they are esteemed and valued.

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email