If you are watching the news or scrolling through social media posts, you probably haven’t missed the significant events that have happened in the past week. The attacks on our American citizens overseas break my heart. If it is just one death, to me, it is enormous and one too many. I am tired of seeing the differing and contrary opinions on how our Commander in Chief chose to respond to the situation. I am sick of the division! I want to know my country once again, standing united — a land filled with patriotic pride.
The most difficult pictures and videos for me to watch are the deployments of 3000 plus soldiers of the 82nd Airborne. My heart carries a deep burden for our military and their families. My eyes well up with tears as I know what it feels like to be the family member of a loved one called to deploy on a moment’s notice.
I understand this is what they train for, and this is what they do. It still doesn’t make it any easier when the call comes in.
As I watched these men and women loading on the planes, I experience a sense of deep sadness and sorrow. As young men and women, they raised their hands and took an oath to defend our constitution and our freedom. Freedoms so many are willing to toss away carelessly without a second thought. They walk onto that plane, selflessly serving and full of courage, leaving behind wives, husbands, children, and parents. Their dreams and plans for 2020 put on indefinite hold. These warriors stand shoulder to shoulder with one another, not seeing the difference in religion, race, or political belief. They go united, as one. They are fighting for a transcendent cause. For you, me and every other citizen of this great country. America! Though they may be uncertain of what they face, they still go. They stand firm in the face of adversity because they believe in what America stands for. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. FREEDOM! She is the last bastion of freedom — the leader of the free world.
Today we find ourselves in a nation that is divided and filled with hatred. I wonder how we arrived at this point. History proves a nation divided will almost inevitably fall. This was the most considerable concern of our founding fathers. These men and women answer the call of duty. They go knowing they may not see their loved ones or the soil of America again. Yet, they STILL GO.
Many others have gone before them. I see their comments, and I have heard them personally say if they were able, if they could, they would go again. What is it that lies deep in their soul? A brave warrior spirit. A passion and pride, I will never understand. Can you see it? I can, but I will never experience it. I love my liberty. It is a privilege many other countries cannot comprehend. Because these soldiers are willing to sacrifice, push forward, and go, I stand in solidarity with them. With unfathomable love and gratitude, I feel nothing but honor and respect for these brave warriors.
What can we do while we wait for their return? PRAY! Pray for their safety. Pray for our leaders to have wisdom. Encourage, comfort and support their loved ones left behind. Never lose our faith and hope. Lastly, let us live a life worthy of their unparalleled service.
We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:12-13
Beverly Shoemaker 