I can’t believe it had been 20 years now, since I said goodbye to my husband, who was my boyfriend at that time, and was in the USS Missouri, off to go to the Persian Gulf War.
Lots of mixed emotions and thoughts swirled in my mind. But more of questions. Of “what if’s”. Of fears. Of sadness. Of tears. Many days went by with only prayers sustaining me with strength and hope. That one day. He would come back and return here safe. And by the grace of God, he did return. Unharmed. But a changed man. Changed by a torpedo that almost hit their carrier. Intercepted by an ally.
Changed by the many sleepless nights he was on alert, along with other comrades to watch for mines scattered in the vast, open sea. Changed by the letters we exchanged that got piled up as delivery wouldn’t be that easy. Their locations, most of the time, unknown. Changed by the tomahawks fired towards the enemy.
Changed by the many, many days that turned into months and years that we were physically apart.
He is not working with the US Navy anymore. But he continues to work to fight against terrorism. To you, my hubby, I give you my sincerest gratitude for all the sacrifice you did. Not only for your family but for all of us who enjoys this freedom we have. And my “thank you” to all of you who are serving in the military. For those of you, their families, who sacrificed also. To let go of a soldier to a mission with no time frame. It is not easy. But through their sacrifices, we remain free. May we remain honoring those who had given their lives because they never compromised. And because of that...we are free.
While many do not support war, sometimes, war is necessary to keep sinful people away from harming those innocent ones. War is indeed terrible. But sometimes, it is necessary to prevent greater evil. As Christians, the most important thing we can do is to pray for those serving in the military, those who fight against terrorism, and also for their families. Their spouses. Their children. Their parents. Whose hearts end up with a big hole every time a soldier leaves on a mission. Let’s pray for their safety. For God’s wisdom to guide our leaders.
“...a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” - Ecc.3:8
May God bless all of you who sacrifice your life to preserve our freedom!!!
30 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING - 14
7 hours ago
I am so grateful to your husband and all military who keep our country safe. Thank you, dear friend, for prayers for us! Praying blessings for you too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post and to your husband for his service.
ReplyDeleteMay I quote from your post for Memorial day? Giving you credit to this post, of course.
ReplyDelete@ Parsley: Of course,you may.Glad to hear you liked this. God bless!
ReplyDeleteA special thank you to your husband and to you this Memorial Day and every day.
ReplyDeleteI honor you and your husband for the work you are doing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRosel,
ReplyDeleteI have several urgent prayer requests at arise 2 write.
HUGS, andrea
Thanks! You captured my thoughts. I have always felt torn about war but never about supporting our troops. Monday I will post.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your dear husband, and all those who keep us safe. I love you sis.
ReplyDeleteThank you to your husband -- and to you, too, for faithfully holding down the fot and standing by his side through it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Graceful yesterday -- it's nice to meet you!
I'm thankful for the many people, such as your husband, who serve our country so that people like me can enjoy our freedom.
ReplyDeleteYour husband is my hero and so are you. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWanted to share with you about your comment to my post today:
ReplyDeleteI said that to Asher...'thank you for telling me how you have been feeling Asher'....He really did start to break down crying when I started to share. He didn't want to deal with those emotions. Was difficult for him to handle. I told him that I refused to allow myself to think the negative. That didn't make me be in denial, but to believe the best. That is what sets us apart from the 'world'. We are believers!
((hugs))
*sniff
ReplyDeletegive you husband a big thank you hug from The Lyon Family in Connecticut. (and keep one for yourself cuz I love you, sister Rosel!)
I am so thankful for the men and women who sacrifice so much for this freedom we have. As they say, "Freedom isn't free". Someone has to pay the price, just as our Savior Jesus Christ paid the price for our Spiritual freedom.
ReplyDeletePlease tell your hubby "THANK YOU" from me and my family. I know your family sacrificed much for the rest of us!
God bless you richly,
Lisa
Very nice statement of prayerful support for the men and women representing us overseas. I did a wedding for a couple in October and the husband is in active duty. That is pretty rough on the young wife in her first year of marriage.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and tribute for Memorial Day!
ReplyDeleteGod bless my friend.
xo
God's Blessings to you Rosel and to your husband for his service to the military in order to keep America the land of the free. God's Blessings to all of the young men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to protect the citizens of the United States and a special Blessing for all of those families that have lost loved ones who gave their life defending our country. God bless, Lloyd
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I thank your husband and all of our servicemen and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. God bless and protect them and their families. Have a great weekend, sweet sister.
ReplyDelete«Louis» will publish a Memorial Day tribute to those who paid the ultimate price on his blog Monday.
ReplyDeleteDietrich Bonhöffer: "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."
Oh, yes, thank you for the service and sacrifice both you and your husband give our country. My husbnd travels a lot and because of what your husband has done and continues to do along with our valiant soldiers, I know he is safer and will return home to us.
ReplyDeleteMy dear kababayan,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome post this is... to have to go through those things you mentioned in order to be changed.
Truly he has experienced that the only secure place is the heart of God.
You have gone through a lot. God has changed you too, that is clear to see.
Thank you for this post.
Love
Lidj
beautiful post...your family is making a difference...your husband..and you and your son...Have a great weekend......
ReplyDeleteYour post is a beautiful tribute to the man you love. My hat is tipped to both of you for all the good things you do for others. Anne
ReplyDelete