Still Remember . . .

Hello Ladies!

I hope all of you took some time to remember our fallen soldiers this Memorial Day. Living near Ft. Campbell, our community seems to be more sensitive than many for the sacrifices that our soldiers make. I have many army wives for friends and am amazed at their continued attitude of hope in the Lord. They would proudly say that it is through His strength alone that they survive long deployments and months upon months of uncertainties -even when their husband is considered "home"!

Once, I even had one of these precious ladies, a pastor's daughter herself, remark that she thought she had it easier as an army wife and mother than I did as a minister's wife! Patricia has managed two small preschool boys, a home and ministry opportunities all by herself through two of her husband's deployments. She has such an amazing inner strength and devoted character, it is obvious to anyone and everyone that it comes from the Lord. She never complains and always is focused upon the needs of others. God is continually glorified through Patricia and many other military families like hers. 

Unfortunately, I know a few other military wives that aren't so Godly. They are representative of the majority of military families where God is non-existent in the house or hearts of these soldiers and their wives. Upon the return on the 101st Airborne Division, Clarksville has seen a rise in domestic violence, suicide and divorce. I know that God can, will and is using even these sad situations for His glory even if it s far from obvious as to how.

So even though the Memorial Day holiday has passed for 2009, please keep remembering those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country as well as those that are still sacrificing. Our military is an incredible opportunity for God's glory and work to be done. The federal government is paying for many of our troops to go and be missionaries in parts of the world where our International Mission Board is forbidden to send our own missionaries. As you pray, pray for these families, the soldiers and all those affected by their missions . . . They are God appointed ones, even if they are not necessarily those ordered by those who out-rank them in command. For we are all soldiers in the Lord's army . . .