"I smiled on them when they had no confidence; the light of my face was precious to them," - Job 29:24. Here, Job is defending himself by way of how he treats the poor and downcast. In this verse I saw a summary of a big part of what it means to be a Chaplain. A Soldier just asked me if I was going to a training event in Louisiana for three weeks. I told him I offered, but that there were Chaplains down there already. He went on to tell me how much he appreciates that I'm willing to get involved, get dirty, go through driver training, go on ruck marches; that I'm willing to get pepper sprayed (I was not allowed to by the trainer, thank God).
As Soldiers see an officer, and Chaplain with a Cross going through life with them--especially the less enjoyable parts, they are encouraged. As I chear them on, they are encouraged, as I honor them by being a listening ear, they are encouraged. When I give them respect, they are encouraged. And they often then will open up to me, which opens up opportunities for the Gospel.
God, help the Family and friends of a Soldier who took his life last weekend. Give me wisdom in helping Soldiers debrief and process; give me wisdom for the right words for the memorial ceremony. As he was a jokester and generally funny, likeable guy, may we never take for granted the emotional and spiritual state of others. May we be willing to deeply engage others with loving, probing questions, reflecting the immense dignity and value of human life that God has created.
Amen!
As Soldiers see an officer, and Chaplain with a Cross going through life with them--especially the less enjoyable parts, they are encouraged. As I chear them on, they are encouraged, as I honor them by being a listening ear, they are encouraged. When I give them respect, they are encouraged. And they often then will open up to me, which opens up opportunities for the Gospel.
God, help the Family and friends of a Soldier who took his life last weekend. Give me wisdom in helping Soldiers debrief and process; give me wisdom for the right words for the memorial ceremony. As he was a jokester and generally funny, likeable guy, may we never take for granted the emotional and spiritual state of others. May we be willing to deeply engage others with loving, probing questions, reflecting the immense dignity and value of human life that God has created.
Amen!
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