Alone, no one sees the General, the man,
Fighting his demons…
On one sees the burdens and stress upon his shoulders
Carrying the weight of the responsibility
Of his fellow soldiers
See those medals on his chest…?
They weren’t given for cowering down when the battle was at its worst
They weren’t even thought about…
It was only after the fiercest battle was over and won
That the parade was given and the praises sung…
Soldiers don’t have the luxury of saying, “Hold on I’m not ready.”
They are alert, watching, one is always on guard…
They’ve trained and ran miles and dug their heels in and moved through the trenches
To be ready and able to fight at all cost, when called to the front. It is then they fight, without restraint, or thought of bodily harm for themselves…adrenaline flowing, heart pounding, sweat pouring, determined to fight the enemy to the death…every ounce of energy spent, determined to live, but even if they die…to do their best, giving their all.
Bloody from the fight…they must not show weakness, no letting up; fighting with everything they’ve got…
Strategic…with purpose…
For their job is to show up and give all for God and country. It’s not just another day at the office….No; their job is to give without question while taking orders always at the ready. Disciplined at most in the heat of battle, to endure to persevere, this is what they’ve trained for, live for, and if it comes down to it, they die for. Their job is to fight and never give up. It is to fight for life, keeping families and friends safe from harm. It is seeing to it that the enemy gains no ground and that he is totally and completely driven back and destroyed.
And when the battle is over and they’ve survived, and they come home, it’s in the down times…the alone times…when leave has been granted, and then they have a little reprieve…
That’s when the heart of the man is revealed and he takes his time to grieve…
The loss of his fellow brothers, and sisters those who have fallen…
Those who paid with their blood and their lives…
Then he bows his head to pray, “Dear God, give me one more day. Let me have one more round, above ground, and let me be found…worthy to live and fight and give…one more day…let me stay the course to be an example of what it is to be a soldier in your army…with honor and integrity and strength of heart and mind and body…never let me bow my head in defeat…never let me become weak…if I have one ounce of breath left in me let it be given, in love for you, to fight the enemy and know that we win…because I fight in the right, with you by my side… and never let me give up, or give in, to the enemy…no matter what! Amen!
What kind of soldier are you? Are you ready? Are you prepared to give everything? Are you alone, praying? “Lord, give me one more day; help me go one more round.”
Fight your demons and overcome…you are not in the battle alone…God is with you! Your brother and sister soldiers are fighting right beside you. Get up and fight!!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill – June 18, 2017
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1-3 NLV
