“Everything you do or say, should be done in the name of the
Lord Jesus." ~ Colossians 3:17
“Why is Daddy leaving?”
A simple question, but one Sheila had been avoiding. Why would any sane person want to join
a distant war characterized by tropical disease, monsoon rains, and guerilla
tactics? Why would a family man enlist
for a job that insured missed birthdays, school programs, and job opportunities?
The question hung in the air like the wisp of smoke in a
silent wind. “It’s part of his job,
honey,” Sheila said hoping that would end the conversation.
Their soldier gave one last glance before turning and boarding
a transport plane for Vietnam.
"Wave to Daddy sweetie," Sheila said choking back
tears.
As the plane left the runway, endless doubts pulsed through Sheila’s
brain. She considered her daughter’s
question, wondering what she could possibly offer that might ease the child's heartache.
One day Sheila would explain that Daddy left for a greater
purpose - so that protesters marching the streets could do so, free to say what
they felt. He loved America that much!
Daddy left so that the children have the freedom to go to church
and school. Even though kids don't
understand the sacrifices Daddy made . . . he loved them that much.
Daddy left so that people may own weapons even though your
Daddy died at the end of a gun barrel . . . he loved this country that much.
Your daddy left for the love of freedom, even when it took
away his own. Be proud of him; one
day you’ll understand the choices he made. Never forget that he loved you that much."
"Atten-hut"?
"boomed the Drill Sergeant.
As they were being briefed, the young soldier thought back
to the day her Daddy boarded that plane. Fear, pride, and sorrow overwhelmed her. She could still see her Daddy's eyes as he
disappeared into the dark. Her heart raced,
as the company loaded gear bound for Afghanistan. As a tear warmed her cheek, she whispered to
herself, “I never forgot Daddy, I’ll never forget!"
To her it’s about defending our nation and protecting one
another. It’s about experiencing a sense
of exhilaration unmatched in the civilian world. It’s about assuming hardships that most people
would never consider and doing it with a sharp salute and an immense sense of pride.
It’s about trying to be something greater than what our
culture thinks is vital or cool. It’s even
about shrugging off the anger that sometimes bubbles up when she thinks about
how so few have given so much for so many.
It is about standing alongside, serving with, working for,
and leading some of the greatest human beings that she’ll ever know – soldiers
to whom words like honor, brotherhood and duty are voiced without snickering
irony or shame.
Because she loves us all that much.
Lord, please be with their families; don’t
let them be alone. Let them know that
what they’re fighting for is waiting back at home. Amen
