Our Soldier Experience

I am a veteran of America and many wars. In my old age I often ask myself (And God) did I and my fellow comrades in arms really make a difference in this crazy world for good? The answer often comes that, “There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your brother.” (As Jesus Christ said). And, although I am still among the earthly living, I sometimes hear the truth that even though I survived the horrors of wars and other’s died, that we the survivors have the greater responsibility of reminding the world that God is real and He is sovereign and He decides who must suffer, sacrifice, live or die. That it is necessary in order to get our attention back on Him. I find much comfort in this truth. It keeps me, as faulty as I am, looking forward and outward toward trying to see things through the eyes of Jesus. After all, no man suffered more than Him. So, whatever I suffered in wars is really small compared to what He did. Most people throughout history always seem to forget the noble efforts of Soldiers (And others) to love Him and their Homeland. The love for God and Country is real no matter if you win or lose a war. But, the main thing is that a Soldier believes that they are fighting for Liberty and Freedom and Justice for ALL people. If a Soldier can come back from any war knowing that, then, they are among the “Heavenly Armies of God.” Since God is in control of all events, then we have done our duty. Be proud! Be thankful! Yes, perhaps people will forget your sacrifice, but God will always remember it! Yes, the people who have not fought in any war may never understand us Veterans. And, yes, we will always feel that people around us can’t ever understand our daily memories and suffering for lost opportunities, lost comrades and the death and destruction of innocent people we have seen. These things remain forever etched in our minds. It is only among our fellow “Brothers in arms” that we find our identity and comfort until we finally find Christ (Or rather He finds us). Once that happens we find we can live with after the war with our physical, mental and emotional suffering and know that Jesus suffered more than we can ever imagine and He was there always with us on the battlefield even if we did not know it at the time. We are then impelled to tell our stories of our losses and try to live a good life for our dead friends. And we ourselves can live in a way that truly honors them. Make your life count for love, for God, and for others, even if they never understand you. Then, you will be free to really live and be the true Hero that you are. Fight now the good fight of Faith with God and do everything possible to love people even if they never understand or love you back or know what we know. At least, you will find peace in your suffering and will know you are a special and respected and loved person in God’s and Americas eyes. God will always know yourself sacrifice and love you even if others do not.