Threefold Cording
"We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly."
1 Thessalonians 1:2
"I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country … Yet, we must try to honor them - not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice." - Ronald Reagan
When I started making paracord bracelets, I only intended to put together a few things for myself and my family. After watching a few how-to videos I decided to make a couple "thin blue line" bracelets to show support for law enforcement. As I looked at more designs, I kept thinking of the Vietnam Service Medal decal my grandfather had on the back window of his pickup truck. I wanted to find a way to replicate the immediately recognizable design of the service ribbon in a paracord bracelet. The more I tinkered with it, the more this whole project turned into a way to thank veterans, first responders, and their families for their sacrifices and to encourage them in the current political environment that has made a difficult and often dangerous job that much harder.
"Threefold Cording" comes from Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A threefold cord is not quickly broken." The broader passage (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) is often cited in marriage ceremonies, care ministries, and faith-based fellowships to encourage partnership and mutual support. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up" (vv. 9-10). We as families, communities, and a nation have a responsibility to ensure that not one of our first responders or veterans should ever fall without anyone there to help them up. I believe this is possible, but only with God (Psalm 127:1). He is a part of every good thing we do (James 1:17). His love for us is the source of our love for others (1 John 4:7), and he does great things with even our smallest acts of kindness (Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 14:14-21). Like the center strand of a threefold cord, the Spirit of God is personally present between one person who comforts another or two who support each other (1 John 4:9-16).
I’m not selling anything and this isn’t a business. Making these bracelets is just a simple way to thank others for their sacrifice and offer encouragement to whoever may need it. It’s also a way to share my faith in Jesus Christ. As much as these bracelets are a “thank you” to others, they are an offering of praise to my God who has saved me (Colossians 3:17). I'd be honored to make something for any first responder, veteran, family member, or Gold Star family that would be encouraged to wear or display one.
If you served, thank you. If you love and support someone who served, thank you. If you are hurting, please reach out. People around you care. I care and I am praying for you. Most importantly, God cares. He wants us to share each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and he gives us strength and understanding to bring comfort to those around us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), but only Jesus can truly heal us (Psalm 30:2, Acts 4:12).
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." - 2 Corinthians 13:14
Brent, Memorial Day 2021
