STRENGTH FOR TODAY – A Message of Encouragement and Strength for Everyday Life from U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Zack Parker
By Lt. Zack Parker, Chaplain, U.S. Navy // July 5, 2026
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON D.C. TO THE SPACE COAST
Zachary C. Parker is a native of Merritt Island and attended Tropical Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and is a 2008 graduate of Merritt Island High School. He enlisted as a Master-at-Arms in the Navy Reserves in February 2013. Parker was commissioned as an Ensign, Chaplain Candidate Program Officer, and completed various Chaplain Corps training evolutions from 2015 to 2020. He served in civilian ministry roles, including as the operations manager at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA, and as the senior pastor of King Street Baptist Church in Cocoa.
BREVARD COUNTY – Fourth of July traditions growing up on Florida’s Space Coast was watching the fireworks at Port Canaveral or from a barge near the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Also, I can still picture cookouts, the smell of the grill, and everyone waiting with anticipation. Then, almost on cue, the dads of South Merritt Island would unveil what must have been hundreds of dollars’ worth of fireworks, happily embracing their inner pyromaniacs as the night sky erupted in color.
Some of my favorite memories, though, came from Fourth of July nights at the old Brevard County Manatees games. Following another fun Little League baseball season with my teammates, we’d run all over the stadium trying to snag foul balls, dreaming of catching a home run, and, if I’m being honest, hoping we’d work up the courage to talk to a few girls.
Those simple 4th of Julys shaped me more than I realized. They taught me to appreciate family, friendship, community, and the incredible blessing of calling America home.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, I’ve found myself reflecting not only on those childhood memories but also on the people, principles, and providence that shaped our nation’s founding.
One image from American history has always captured my imagination. During a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Isaac Potts, who owned the millhouse that General George Washington, his military staff, and domestics occupied during Valley Forge encampment, is said to have quietly stumbled upon General Washington alone in the woods, kneeling in prayer. Potts later recalled:
“I tied my horse to a sapling, and walked on quite softly into the woods, in search of my cattle, when I heard a deep, solemn voice at a little distance. I walked cautiously toward the sound, and, to my great surprise, beheld the Commander-in-Chief of the American army upon his knees, in the act of devotion.
His horse was tied to a sapling near him. His weapon of war was on the ground. With his hands clasped, and his face raised toward heaven, he was pouring out his soul to God, pleading for his country and his army.
I felt that I was on holy ground, and retired unobserved. When I arrived at my house, I was greatly agitated. My wife, seeing my emotion, asked me what was the matter. I replied, ‘If there is a man on this earth to whom the Lord will listen, it is George Washington.’”
Whether every detail of the account can be verified or not, its message remains timeless. Washington understood what every leader eventually discovers…
There are moments when human strength is simply not enough.
As a military chaplain, I have seen that same truth play out time and again. During moments of celebration and seasons of hardship, the strongest people are often those humble enough to recognize their dependence upon God.
As the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”.
America’s 250-year story is not one of perfection by any means, but it is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith.
From the Revolution to Normandy and through countless trials since, generations of Americans have found hope in God’s providence when circumstances gave them little reason for optimism.
Perhaps that is what our country needs most today.
More holy ground.
Not only in historic battlefields, but around dinner tables where families pray together, in churches that faithfully proclaim God’s Word, in neighborhoods where people love one another well, and among leaders humble enough to seek wisdom beyond themselves.
I hope this Fourth of July across the Space Coast was still filled with South Merritt Island dads trying to outdo one another with their backyard fireworks displays (bummer that our beloved Brevard County Manatees are only memories now!), and with friends and family gatherings to create memories for the next generation.
The brightest fireworks, even in our Nation’s Capital, last only a few moments. But the values that sustain a nation like faith, gratitude, humility, and sacrificial love must be passed on.
The strength of America has never rested solely in her military, her economy, or her institutions.
It has always depended upon the character of her people and upon men and women willing to humbly kneel before the Lord.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Zachary Parker is a Merritt Island native who attended Tropical Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Merritt Island High School in 2008. He currently serves as an active-duty U.S. Navy Chaplain at the Washington Navy Yard, advising senior leaders on readiness, resilience, and ethical leadership. With more than 15 years of experience across military, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors, he also serves as an adjunct professor teaching graduate-level courses in moral leadership and professional chaplaincy. Parker holds a Doctorate in Educational Ministry and has been nationally recognized for Navy-wide initiatives impacting Sailors and their families.
