Encouragement

Once a Veteran, always a Veteran. Once we taste war it is never fully digested but lingers in our hearts, souls and minds. It has always been that way and always will be. The book of Psalms in the Bible is a good example of that as its author was not only a king, but a soldier – a mighty warrior. The effects of fighting and the results thereof helped shape some of his writing. Thus the reason the Psalms were and still remain the most read and worn part in many combatants’ Bibles.

Once again our Nation is in the middle of a war that is being politicized, analyzed and in some ways denied. And once again the Military personnel and the Veterans thereof are caught in the middle.

To my fellow Veterans and to your loved ones and friends, I commend the following: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)”

The following is a written reflection of a picture in REFLECTIONS that is based upon the above verses.

One of the first things I had to learn in Vietnam was to trust those on guard duty. And just as important, I had to learn to be trustworthy in that same position.

When on guard duty, especially during the night, I had to be keenly alert. I had to listen well and watch intently. I had to know the terrain all around me. And I had to be prepared to respond instantly to any threat.

Guard duty was an emotional rollercoaster, especially at night. I hoped my watch was uneventful while at the same time was ready to squeeze the trigger, pull the knife, throw the grenade, set off the claymore. Mornings never came fast enough; nights came all too soon.

When fear invades your life, or anxiety wells up within you, or pressures bombard you, remember there is a Guard who never sleeps nor slumbers.

Who is pulling guard duty over your heart and mind?

Dear Heavenly Father,