Another Devotion

Another devotion sent from Iraq to those of us here at home. I enjoyed it, so I thought I'd post it for everyone. I promise to post in the next few days with what I've been up to :-)

Inner Strength to Get Somewhere

I learned to swim in boyhood. My grandparents took me to Wisconsin every summer to Moose Lake. My grandfather Ken took me down to the boat dock and watched me swim in the lake. I was little and had not received swimming lessons. My grandmother Cleta was very protective of me and just lovingly feared for my life.

Out in the distance, a dock floated in the water. One day I looked out with boldness and began swimming to the dock. As I swam, my grandfather watched me for a few minutes and then cried: “Stop fighting the water and trust it to hold you up. Use your strength and get somewhere.” Under his direction a few moments sufficed to convince me he was right. I lay flat in the water without moving hands or feet and to my delight, it held me up. Then I struck out, using my strength to forge ahead. What a revelation! When I swam back, my grandfather smiled. Of course, when we went back to my grandparent’s cabin, my grandmother scolded me…and my grandfather.

Today many are held in bondage to the fear of death. Many verbally persecute our military efforts in Iraq like my grandmother because of the risk of life to young men and women. But the calmness and courage of our Warlords put to the test by this verbal torture impress me. I admire the bravery and dedication of our Marines and Sailors to bring freedom to the oppressed people of Iraq. Despite the risk of death, I see young men who share laughs with Iraqi sheiks, mayors, police, and soldiers. In these brave men, I see greater heroism than any that can be captured in the words of those outside the military uniform.

Today I believe many live imprisoned by fear to use our strength, mentally and physically, to get somewhere. In Philippians 4:4, the Apostle Paul wrote when he was in prison: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul wasn’t a prisoner to his circumstances. In his heart, he was free. By changing his attitude, he was able to change the world.

Our Warlords are not prisoners to their circumstances. Like I trusted my grandfather, in this war to bring freedom to a land distant from their own, Marines and Sailors trust in their elder officers for directions to conquer fear. Because of this support, these young men experience the fullness of their gifts given by their Creator through military service.¹ The dedication of these Warlords brings freedom from fear to the Iraqi people. Like when I swam to the dock, these young men listen to their elders and use their inner strength to get somewhere. Like Paul, our Warlords will help change the world.