There was a man who served in the Vietnam War. Later, he died, with a proper, military funeral.
In between those events, that man was my father.
He was abusive, violent, and dangerous. He hated everybody. H made me believe he hated me. While I wanted his love, I wasn't so sure that I didn't hate him, too.
During my childhood, I was convinced that his hateful behavior destroyed my life. I look back now, and realize that it very well could have, had it not been for God.
While Vietnam had a lot of unique qualities, and there was more involved with his mental health than his military background, I know that it definately played a part in the rest of his life.
The government works diligently to shape so many of our fellow countrymen-and women's minds into combat machines. We know this, but the reality of it is very hard to grasp. After all, they need to change their minds, for their own protection. It is what saves their lives. And, they know it's what they're in for, before they even enlist. It's just, frankly, part of the job.
Lord, I am asking that while each of these brave men and women volunteer to have their minds altered, to better serve and protect our country, please, Lord, wrap Yourself around each of their hearts, that when their service is finished...even while they are serving...they can be reminded that you continually serve and protect them, that they are intrinsically valuable, that they not only serve in combat against national enemies, but that you continually serve in combat for them, against the evil force that longs to gain victory over their hearts.
Please continue to open even more ministries and counseling services that these soldiers can utilize without shame, where they can heal from their military experiences. Please open our eyes to know that they are hurting. Please allow us to learn how to serve them.
Please teach us to pray over our soldiers, that they can know that while their "head is in the game", their heart will remember the path back to humanity, and carry them there when it is time.
Allow us to find ways to pay tribute to those willing to endure so much so that we can endure so little. Compassion and empathy are a small price to pay for the many services our military provide for us.
And, it can change the way a man perceives himself, his life, and his daughter. It could change his eternal destiny.
Allow each of our military men and women to hold tight to this scriptural truth, that they will never get confused when they are using violence as a tool to bring peace:
He does not bear the sword in vain, for he is the servant of God. -Romans 13:4
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