Don't throw stones at the super rich

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Heb 13:5

Mark Zuckerberg has an almost 100-meter yacht with its own tender for maintenance and re-stocking.  What was his thought process?  "My peers have 50-meter boats.  I have way more money and don’t know what to do with it.  So, I’ll get a 100-meter boat."   Or, "I have to have a longer boat than Larry Ellison, whose boat is 88 meters."  Somewhere along the way, he became a slave. I don’t know when; maybe around $10 million, maybe $50 million.  At some point he walked into the cell, and the jailer closed and locked the door.

Bill Gates may be free from bondage to his fortune.  He has given away over $50 Billion dollars to charity.  I write 'may be' because of these rich Getty lyrics: "It's not what you give but what you keep, is what the King is counting."  Think about that.  How are you and me any different, just Scaled down a few commas?

A close friend had a really good year financially and started to build a custom home.  The general contractor asked him, "Do you want two or three shower heads in your master shower?"  His reply was, "Um…two, I guess?"  Why is one not enough?  Ok, I admit, I would have said three.  But the point is that at some level of wealth, one shower head is just not an option.  

God, I love money and I love shower heads.  I may not have as much or as many as Mark, but I love them just as much.  Grant me the gift of contentment knowing that I am rich beyond measure in Christ Jesus.

Time to Abandon the Church

 Time to Abandon the Church

Atheist actor, Brian Cox, may be on to something.  He recently criticized religion in an episode of his Starting Line podcast, and several of his comments were right on target:  “The problem with religion is that it has led us into all kinds of horrors,” and religion “shields humans from examining how they are contributing to society's problems.”  I would only add that people have long been adept at these skills without needing any help from religion.  Cox also charges, “Religion has sold humans a false story.”  Amen, but I would rearrange this to “humankind has created religions which have sold people false stories.” 

But what really got my attention was how he described the god of religion:  “It's all about this notion of God, the idea that there’s a God that takes care of us all. There is no such thing, doesn’t happen.” And of those who believe, “Human beings are so f-d,  basically because they're so stupid.”

Here, Cox is far too kind.  If this was the god I believed in, I would look around at the world, flip god off and call him the worst f-ing failure ever.  The problem is, I don’t know of any religion that believes god’s job is to take care of us all, though many make this their aim.

The job of the God of the Bible is not to take care of us all.  In fact, he doesn’t have a job, he simply is.  He is holy and perfectly just.  Every one of us has offended him by hurting his creation, each other, and ourselves, justly bringing condemnation.  But God is also love.  He has chosen—not to create a religion for us to work our way to him—but to come down to us in the person of Jesus, exchanging his perfection for our rebellion, and offering to restore us to a holy, loving, Creator, Father, God, and King.

True Christianity is not about a god who helps us, so much as it is about the one true God who offers to save us.  It is not a religion to practice but a relationship in need of restoration.  

The kicker is that even if we entrust and commit our lives to him, he still doesn’t help us.  Instead, he promises that in this life we will have trouble, pain, and hardship.  We will age, get sick, and die.  We will be hurt by others and experience consequences of living in a deeply broken world with cancer and car accidents.  In fact, in some ways the Christian life is harder: We are to love him more than anything or anyone else, including our families, our sexuality, and our money.  We are called to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to take up our cross daily and follow him.  

Why would anyone take this offer?  Because no one helped Jesus when he was abandoned by his Father.  He died for humanity, taking the judgment we deserved and giving us his perfect record.  He swallowed death itself, and he promises “not to help us escape problems—but to never leave us through our problems.  He offers to hold onto us through the very shadow of death, bringing us into that life which is truly life.  

All of which leads me to wonder, where did Brian Cox get this notion of god?  I fear it comes primarily from the American church itself.  It is the aging remnants of a vague religiosity; twisted, mangled, repackaged, and passed down through generations as effectively as the telephone game.  There is so much misunderstanding and cultural baggage that true Christianity is virtually the exact opposite of American religiosity.  In fact, there is so much cultural baggage to the terminology of Christianity I suggest it is time to abandon ship.  

The word Christian appears only once in the English Bible. Much more helpful, I propose, is follower of Jesus.  His disciples in the Bible left everything to follow him, and this demand has not changed for us.  

The word church has likewise become meaningless with modern dictionaries defining it as a building used for public worship.  Jesus did say, “I will build my Church,” but he was talking about his people, with no connotations whatsoever about a building.  And what if Jesus would say to most people attending most churches today, “I never knew you”?  Still, the term church is not as easy to jettison entirely.  God’s people are called to gather together, and buildings can be really helpful.  How about the church gathered  (not original).  But then I’m still an active part of his church at work and home.  So when we are not meeting together we are the church scattered, still followers of Jesus in our daily lives.  

What about the word god itself?  Again, if my culture thinks god’s job is to help people, then I don’t want any part of him.  More descriptive or accurate would be Benevolent Creator-King.  This is a mouthful, but it communicates so much: He made me, so I am accountable to him; since he is a just ruler, I deserve to be judged.  But if I simply cry out for help in submission to him, he will graciously save me from myself and my enemies, and take me in under his loving rule.

Ok, I don’t mean abandon true Christianity, but this change would allow Jesus-followers to set themselves and their God apart by cutting the line attaching us to America’s dying and sinking institutional religion.  Think of the clarifiers and conversation starters:  “What do you mean when you say you are a Christian?”  “Would you be best described as religious or a follower of Jesus?”  “After you go to church, are you still part of the church scattered?  “Which god do you follow?...”  Ok, maybe awkward silence but that would be a great thing if it clarifies for the culture what Jesus followers actually believe.  

I am a Jesus-follower, I am a member of the church-gathered at Mitchell Road, and I have given my life to the Benevolent Creator-King.   Perhaps then, our culture will be rid of this illusion of a god sooner.  And instead of disappointment from a fictional god they can have presented real hope from the one, true, living God.  

Powerful Pride

My pride, which began at birth as a seed, grew in fits and spurts through high school.  It had periods of accelerated growth:  In college and as a young professional, and it was fed and fertilized by ministry in my 30s.  In 2013 my pride, as tall as a pine tree, was chopped down to a stump.  Soon after, a sprig shot up through a gap, and by 2019 it had grown yet stronger than before, as the mightiest of oaks.  Once again it was chopped down and this time restrained with a band of iron and bronze. Still, a sprig shot up and had grown into size of dogwood tree by 2022.  Now I gave God more of my attention as he chopped it off and installed additional bands of restraint.  Each time, he has lovingly shown me my error, and reminded me to look to his power and might, not my own.    Nonetheless, last week--how patient and longsuffering is God--a new sprig made its way through the metal lattice. God walked me to it, holding my hand.  Once again, as he pointed it out, he helped me to see the pain and danger it produced when allowed to grow.  He painfully snipped it off, and this time I helped God, as a small child helps his dad, place a steel vault on top of the trunk.  

How powerful and insidious is pride, which still lives in the ever-spreading roots.  Come Lord Jesus, and bring about the day I will sit in the shade of the Tree of Life, by streams of living water, laughing and splashing in joyful and pure humility.    

40,000 Dow

The Dow Jones stock index is closing in on 40,000 points.  As a teen I remember seeing 12,000, sitting on the floor while my dad watched evening news. And in my 40s I remember a picture of an investor in the news wearing a t-shirt with the printed message, “30,000,” eagerly anticipating breaking through that threshold. I wonder where that guy is now—is he content or is he wearing a “40,000” t-shirt?

Our best indicator of wealth has risen tremendously, but ironically a key “happiness index” has just reported last week a drop in US happiness levels. 

I think it was Ryan Holiday who asks the insightful and penetrating question (of anything in life), “How do you think that will make you feel when you get it?”  When ancient cultures set up idols on hills to worship, God told them through the prophet Jeremiah, “An illusion comes from the hills.  Today we could say, “Hills even made out of money are an illusion.”  But we keep yearning, not able to see through the mirage. Not until we come to know that Jesus became poor for our sake, in order that through his poverty we might become rich.  But look over there—someone just printed a 50,000 shirt.  Wow, I can’t wait. 

Home

I love songs with deep and meaningful lyrics.  Even if you hate country music, Miranda Lambert's The House That Built Me will take you back to your childhood yard.  I've been back to my granddad's in Daytona a couple times over the decades.  His initials and a smiley face are still engraved in the concrete poured under the outdoor shower.

Lambert writes, 

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here, it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

Why is 'trying to find ourselves' ending in disappointment such a universal experience? St. Augustine wrote some 1,600 years ago--that's a long time ago, "Our hearts are restless..." But he knew the answer and continued, "...until we find our rest in you, God."  Maybe the house that built me is not 2144 Windsor Hills Drive but is actually my God from his heavenly abode.  We were made to be like him and live with him; not in the world in its current broken state--to which I have contributed.  The fact is, even if you had a 'perfect' childhood and could go back, you would be disappointed.  No, the reason this world will never fully satisfy is because we were made for another world (C. S. Lewis): We were made by God, for God, and to enjoy his presence forever.  Jesus even said he is "preparing a place" for me in John 14, and for all who put their trust in Him.   

  

Counseling

 

I guess an "abundance of counselors" in Scripture does not mean trained therapists, but of these I have had my fair share (Prov 11:14).   A couple of my counselors over the years were great, most were good, some were ok, and a few were not.  One told me I was not very good at being a counselee, which was true.  Some years ago, I went with a loved one to see a counselor; not for them but for us.  I had fallen into a deep, dark hole that took some years to crawl out of, and--wouldn't you know it--it impacted our relationship.  No matter what part of the problem is yours, it is all too easy to blame the other.  But look around the world; can we not all agree with G. K. Chesterton that you and I are at least part of the problem?

Usually, one benefit of seeing a counselor with a spouse or child is simply the presence of a third party, or it may be learning new communication tools and insights.  But there is one benefit that is almost absolute and universal, one that makes it worthwhile regardless of the help given.

The priceless benefit is that your loved one may think to themselves, "Huh, I guess he/she must really love me.  He did some research, made a call, set up an appointment, took the time, pushed through the discomfort of asking me to go along, and in the process is humbly admitting that he/she needs help themselves.  And with all this, they would gladly drop $100 for just the hope and possibility that our relationship might improve.  

Even if the counselor is worthless the above may be a game-changer.  I'll bet many humble, awkward drives together to the counselor's office have soften hearts.  God, help me humble myself in your sight (James 4:10).  Lift my loved ones and me up that we would move closer together as we are drawn closer to you.  

In our case the counselor was really helpful.  Or was it the drive?  

Nothing New Under the Sun

A picture of Justin and Hailey Bieber caught my eye in the post-Super Bowl paparazzi reporting. Justin's wife, Hailey--now she may be nicest person in world, I don't know--Hailey was sitting in one of the most exclusive venues in the world, on the most exciting night of the year, in a box seat that cost somewhere around $60,000 (not to take home, just to sit in for an evening), and she looked so bored.  Another picture in the batch showed them laughing together, and in another her head is down in her phone.  Why am I looking at these pictures?  I have no idea.  But in front of them, behind the safety glass demarking luxury and opulence, stood a plastic bottle of Heinz ketchup.  Now they may have paid extra for Waygu Hotdogs, but a really nice hot dog is still a hot dog; and ketchup is kind of just--ketchup.  

One of the most exclusive and expensive condos in the world is on a luxury cruise ship that endlessly travels the world.  One of the condo owners recently sold his unit because, “Once you’ve circumnavigated the globe a few times, you’ve seen it...I was ready to do something new.”  The only problem?  There is nothing new.  When you have sat in a $60,000 seat or lived on a billion-dollar yacht, you kind of run out of new things to chase.  

Ecclesiastes 1:9 reads, "There is nothing new under the sun."  The rushing wind of God's Spirit is readily available for any who seek him with their whole heart (Jer 29:13); instead, we chase after the wind seeking more fancy hot dogs and ketchup.

Resurrected Blog, Resurrected Hope

 Wow, 10 years. 

Ten years since my last blog post.  The many blessings have also included bumps and bruises, and I feel as if now I actually have something to contribute in the way of wisdom. I will keep posting occasional updates on caringbridge.com regarding my health and that of close family.  But stop back here from time to time (or subscribe at the bottom) as I reflect on culture, faith and eternity.  For now, AI has gotten my attention along with most of the first world:

The oldest profession in the world was preceded by the oldest pastime in the world: The lust of males after the beauty of the female body.  And what we read about through the ages makes perfect sense in light of a good God and a sinful humanity.  Others have traced the trajectory of pornography through the years of pre-internet.  Most Gen Xers remember the relative inaccessibility of porn, with covered up covers stored safely behind the 7-11 clerk’s checkout counter.  Today, young teens do not merely have a rolled-up Playboy in their back pocket; instead, they have a 24/7 adult superstore with no clerks or checkout counters to be found. 

 

Unfortunately (in this case) in our modern culture technological ‘advancement’ seems to take place exponentially.  So, what may the future hold in this area with the advent of AI?  Many heard of the recent Taylor Swift images making the rounds on X with a superimposed digital nude body.  (Don’t worry, they were quickly taken down.)  Let me suggest what may be a mere matter of months away: Lightning-fast computer programs and apps that allow any subject on any screen to appear nude: from an image of a friend to a YouTube clip, and—yes, even in real-time walking down the sidewalk through Vision Pro Goggles.  The impact on marriages, families and society is overwhelming and discouraging.  Except for what I am observing this year. 

 

At many churches (in name only), let’s face it: no real transformation takes place.  At most churches long-haul life-change simply takes time, measured often in years.  But at a small, growing number of churches, real change can be observed week to week.  At one such church in Upstate SC, small groups of mostly young men and women work to address all sorts of behaviors, habits and addictions they desire to change.  Through mud, sweat and tears (it is messy), they dig into issues of family, the past, forgiveness, reconciliation; looking at how they have been hurt, honestly admitting where they have hurt others, and all this through the lens of God’s unlimited grace through Jesus.  

 

Jesus said, “I will build my Church.”  I wish it were much quicker, starting with my own heart, but it is happening, nonetheless.  And if you are not a Christian, what is taking place is difficult to explain away without supernatural forces at work.  That which appears to be shrinking is simply becoming more well defined, refined and beautiful with time.   

 

Playing in the Street

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets," Zech 8:5

When I was young, my mother would say, in joking frustration, "Go play in the street."  I don't think that is what the prophet Zechariah is after, when he speaks of a future day when children would do just that.  He is certainly speaking of a day of peace, joy, and laughter; when the Prince of Peace would bring peace to earth--both in part at his inauguration, and in fullness at his consummation.  

But I am also convinced that the New Heavens and New Earth will be one of activity, responsibility, engagement, and--yes, play.  When my Fort Bragg MPs patrol the roads, and we feel safe enough that our kids play in the street; when neighbors come out to play, and talk, and borrow chocolate chips; when we bring or fire pit out, and throw the football, we are mirroring and moving toward that great Day when there will be no more skinned knees, or dangers, or accidents of any kind for those whose trust is in Christ.  

Someone has called it "rolling back the effects of the fall."  In a way, I do that in different ways, not just as a neighbor, but as a Chaplain.  I am blessed that Soldiers instantly identify me by the cross on my uniform.  And as I live out my life, find balance with my family, seek to be helpful, promote justice, and bring encouragement, I am imaging Christ to a lost world.  

This morning, instead of doing PT with a platoon of Soldiers, one with a cane called me over.  He has had multiple injuries and is in severe and constant pain.  As the conversation finally got around to 'religious' issues, he opened up to me that he has a nominal faith and attends a church.  I was able to talk about Christ's suffering, his poor treatment by others, his physical pain, and the wrath of God he bore for the sake of those who believe.  That those who suffer more can identify with him in unique ways that others can't.  

As we continued to talk, I thanked God silently for calling me into military Chaplaincy.  I continue to love what I do, and I have more opportunities than ever to be stretched and communicate the gospel.  God has most certainly answered that early prayer of mine, that many have joined in praying for me! 

Even as my excitement in what I do stays strong, for the time being, I'm losing the motivation to blog regularly.  I will send a newsletter to supporting churches regularly, and if anyone would like a copy of those by e-mail, send me a message: hammted@gmail.com. 

Blessings, and thanks for continued prayers! 

Sharing Leads to Deepening

"...and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ,"  Phlm 1:6.

I have often read the jailor account in Acts 16 and thought, "Sure, when is it going to happen that someone comes to me and asks, 'What must I do to be saved?'"  Well, it finally happened. In casual conversation after church last weekend, someone mentioned to me they were wanting to be saved, but that they had to take care of some things first.  This led to a long conversation, and me communicating that there is nothing one must 'take care of' first, and her trusting Christ.   Miraculously, we didn't have any interruptions in a room full of people for at least 30 minutes.  My wife didn't come prop me up and complement me, which would not have been a bad thing.  The Navigator Director was not around for me to pass her off to.  God gave me the words I needed, the confidence, the ability to be a tool in his hands, when it seemed clear someone was ready to trust him.

During seminary on a visit to Prague, I remember watching a respected pastor have a one-on-one conversation about faith, belief in God, and spiritual issues with a young lady.  I remember his confidence, his articulateness, his boldness, and thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that."

Some just have a gift,  But I believe God uses life experiences, and sometimes the hard knocks of life, to develop in us deeper levels of confidence and ability to just navigate waters--including waters of relationships, questions, and conversations.  When I meet young Soldiers now in my third career (and calling), and they tell me about their short lives, their home state, their interests, I can almost always find a connection point, some way in which the contours of my life have intersected with theirs.

God also gives ability where there is an exercise of faith.  As one shares their faith, they develop greater faith themselves, as the above verse hints.  Lord, thank you for "Two Ways to Live," and my buddies that learned that gospel presentation with me, and for using it as training wheels to propel me forward in the exercise of my faith.

God, thank you that multiple extraordinary and ordinary forces combine to mature us as we walk through life, growing, looking to you, looking ahead to our reward.  Thank you for using me, in increasing measure, as part of your plan, the advancement of your church, your kingdom, and your glory, amen! 

Contented Activity

I continue to thoroughly enjoy, and be fulfilled with, my role as Chaplain for the Military Police Battalion on Fort Bragg.  I enjoy being with Soldiers where they are—at the range, motor pool, in the Company areas--slowly building rapport and relationships.  One Chaplain reminded me that a big part of our job is planting seeds.   As I am present with my unit, Soldiers ask questions, set up appointments, or pull me aside, and I have the opportunity to do just that--plant seeds.   But even more, I am thrilled with the fact that I am meeting semi-regularly with about five Soldiers who are considering Christianity, or desiring to return to (turn to?) Christ after years of spiritual neglect.  

 

Another Army job opportunity came across my e-mail last week--Chaplain recruiter out of Atlanta, GA.  I reflected that in years past, I was always itching to jump at new opportunities, new adventures, new places; but that it was mostly out of fear and a sense or running from, rather than a sense of running to.  God, thank you so much that I am content--more content to be where you have placed me than I ever have been before.  Thank you that I enjoy my work and am satisfied with staying here as long or as short as you want me. 

 

God, that you would change hearts and for these Soldiers to respond to my challenges—to invitations to chapel and churches, to read Scripture, to read books, to lunch, to Navigators, and to respond to gospel summaries I have given. 

 Father, help us with new challenges in parenting a teenager, for protection of family time and wisdom in deciding what extra-curricular activities to be involved in, and for educational decisions in the coming year. 

Close Friends

"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  Many Sargeants like to get creative with PT, and one exercise involves doing a situp with a log on your chest.  Actually it is a long log, with many Soldiers lined up on either side.  One side goes down with the log and back up, transfers it to the Soldiers on the opposite side, and they go down. 

Yesterday I found myself on the end, which should be a strong, anchorman position.  The Soldiers opposite me quickly and intuitively realized I would need some help, and instead of waiting for me to rise from the situp, they reached down, grabbed the log, and lifted it onto their own chests.  Part of me was embarrassed, but part of me was glad to give them a chance to help me out, and I thanked them profusely afterwards. 

As an evangelical chaplain, I often find myself communicating broad, common-grace principles in groups, and looking for opportunities to communicate the specifics of the gospel to individuals.  One of those principles is the encouragement to be good friends to one another. Sometimes young Soldiers show up to the unit without a friend, and often without the support of a healthy extended family behind them. 

As Jesus is the one True Friend for us, we are called likewise to reach out to, sacrifice for, and carry the weight of, those around us.

God, that there would be healthy relationships within my Battalion, with less and less behavior problems, abuses, and unhealthy interaction.  That those who are believers would be bright lights, having an impact on the consciences and behavior of the group as a whole. 

And for several Soldiers I'm meeting with one-on-one, work by your Spirit to draw them to yourself, and grant me the words, time, patience, and love to help them along the way. 

Amen!

Responding in Fear or Faith

"If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there...the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die." - Jer 42:11-12.  I don't know how many times, and in how many generations Israel ran back to Egypt, or sought an alliance with them against common enemies, but this was the case at the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. 

It is still the tendency and temptation for ourselves as well.  Often--especially as it relates to our witness--the cowardly way seems safer, more attractive, more right.  But we will fail, we will not prosper, when we seek to protect ourselves in fear, rather than live by faith.  This is the way of the gospel--the way to life feels like death, because God would have our hearts and our trust rather than mere lip service. 

God, grant me the ability--and the continued desire on their part--to evangelize and disciple the three men you have brought into my life who are open to spiritual things.  Please open blind eyes to see!

Grant me strength and mental proficiency tomorrow, and for the next two weeks, in Air Assault School too finish the race, overcome fears, and pass the course.  For your sake.

Please bless and protect one of my Companies, preparing to go to Africa for Ebola related security. Grant safety, and also a deeper awareness of the frailty of man in order that more and more may turn to you in faith and repentance. 

God, haver mercy on the numerous broken marriages in my unit.  Grant me the wisdom and words for speaking into these situations, and may they turn to you in their desperation and hopelessness.

And in each of these situations, and many more, help me to step out in faith rather than fear, trusting you as I go!

Amen!  

Regimental Week Activities

Most of the family in an Armored Security Vehicle.  Very safe, and claustrophobic.  The Army frequently has celebrations for which you can invite the family.  This gives them a better picture of what Soldiers do--riding in vehicles, trying on parachutes, handling weapons, etc.  This also gives Lucibeth and me a great chance to connect with spouses we would not otherwise see. 

Couples retreat at Myrtle Beach

Single and Step Parent Retreat

Jaynie and BJ in Hummer

Thanks

Thank you God for seeing us through some very busy days, and for a time to catch our breath. Thank you for the privilege of opening Scripture with a Christian Soldier today. Thank you for the blessing of opening CS Lewis with a sceptic last week. Be at work in these hearts and more, encouraging, convicting, and drawing many to yourself. 

Straight as an Arrow

Motorpool Monday is when the entire Battalion goes to do preventive maintenance on their vehicles.  It is a time-honored tradition, and an excellent time to catch up with Soldiers.  I spoke at length with one today who was highly encouraging.  He is a Christian with two teen-aged daughters.  Mom and dad are also in school working on degrees.  They are dealing in healthy ways with parenting challenges, some typical, some unusual.  But he talked about overcoming generational patterns and preparing to send his daughters out on the right course.  I prayed with him, for his daughters, for their Family, their church, their communication, their emotional health, and much more. 

I reminded him of Ps 127: "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (kids)".  Children are like arrows: we form them, fashion them, sharpen them (or did in ancient times before Walmart).  But we raise them up for a specific purpose.  That is to shoot them out into the world, in a particular direction, prepared to fly straight, aimed at a particular target. 

Often I think of ministering to others.  Thank you God when I am reminded of overarching life purposes and I am ministered to by others.  God, I also pray for the Soldier I am meeting with to discuss Christianity through Mere Christianity.  Open his eyes to see and believe.  Grant me wisdom and courage to speak truth. 

Bless my Company of Soldiers in Louisiana, my memorial service this Thursday for the Soldier who committed suicide--grant me the Scripture and words to speak.  Bless my son Craig who is 14 today--and give us wisdom, balance, grace in parenting him, and them all.  Grant strength through Friday's local marriage seminar, and the weekend marriage seminar at the beach, and time to recover and regroup, and be refreshed next week!  

Smiling Countenance

"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!