Mourning, Veterans, and Seeking God

In October, we studied Jesus' words telling us to greatly honor those who mourn, those who weep.

Now in November, we come upon Veterans Day, a day to remember the service and sacrifice, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, of our veterans and their loved ones.

We mourn what we have lost.  Here is an excerpt from the Faith Deployed website, a posting from the faithful wife of a servicemember returning with PTSD.  Her post is titled, "Lessons Learned: From the wife of a combat veteran"...

"There were– and are– seasons where there is no “Easy” button. There are times when you feel as if your heart is being dragged across broken glass. I have known that kind of pain, and intimately. You have a choice. You can attempt to shoulder the pain and carry the burden alone, or you can invite the only One who loves you perfectly to be a part of your process. You can hold him at arm’s length, and stumble on alone, or you can let Him in, and ask Him to heal you. I encourage you to pray, asking God to direct your steps. He is the only one who knows you completely- better than you know yourself, in fact. He is the only One who can bring lasting healing- to your heart, to your husband, and to your marriage.

My husband and I have grown closer than I ever thought we could, after the mess he was after Iraq. There are challenges, but every marriage faces some sort of struggle. I believe that we have the choice to grow from our struggles or to hide from them. To seek healing in the Comforter’s hand, or to remain in the place of original brokenness. I reached out to Him from a place of utter anguish, and He drew near. All you have to do is invite Him to guide you and move you forward in the healing process. It takes time, and it does take willingness on your part. But isn’t moving towards greater wholeness is worth the risk?

Matthew 5: 13 says,
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

It is my prayer that you will find both strength to go on and healing in Him- and Him alone. His love for you is complete. He longs to bring you to a place of greater wholeness. Will you let Him? I found that He is worth the risk.
In His Hands,
Rebekah"

Let's greatly honor those wives, husbands, families, and veterans mourning what was lost this weekend.  Spend a few moments quietly among the Field of Flags outside Providence Presbyterian Church.  Seek God and His comfort.  

Greatly honored are the mourners.