A Soldier's Song

A Soldiers Song

For the Funeral of Sis. L. Barrington

By: Dr. Antonio Carlisle

Senior Pastor of the Greater Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in Lake City, FL

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the

righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that

love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4: 6-8)

As with any good nation, the security of the nation depends on the training of the

military personnel.

I have found out that these soldiers endure great trails and extreme training in

order to make them a superior fighting machine.

The latest technology is at the disposal of these highly skilled warriors.

They are conditioned to make life-changing decisions in a moments notice.

Special forces are created to handle special situations. In America, the Army

fights on the land, the Air Force wages war in the sky, and the Navy confronts the

enemy on the sea.

Then there is that special branch and military pride. The branch that is said that

all soldiers dream to be apart of, but only a few actually make it. The Few, The

Proud, The Marines. They are trained to wage war in any condition and any

weapon.

Those Marines particularly skilled at their craft go on to become the elite among

the elite. The top dogs in a dog eat dog environment. They are the Green

Barrettes, although they are not Marines (they are in the army) they are the most

feared of all warriors.

In the kingdom of God, I have to discover that God has not left has nation without

the protection of military might. In fact, I have found out that the best-trained

soldiers are in the army of God.

There is an elite sect within this army. They called to wage war where many

soldier dare tread. They are on the frontline in areas where the masses may

have given up hope. They are there battling and warring against what people

may say is hopeless cause. They are conquering, achieving, over-coming, and

pushing back across everything that battles against the righteousness of God.

The Bible talks about this special branch. It says:

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of

spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to

her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a

vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the

needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with

scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall

be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

You see these Soldiers battle in the rain. They do not give up in the snow. They

are not worried about the sleet. They are equipped to you down even in the

toughest storms.

The members of the virtuous women’s battalion are specially trained in several

modern weaponries. We all know about that look that they will give in church

when you are not acting right. You know the one, the one that will make you