When your life's story is wrought with tragedy and violence, your view tends to be jaded. When you experience the hell of war and conflict, peace seems uncomfortable. When you step out of yourself and gaze upon what you have become, it no longer seems natural to press on to business as usual.
How does a person become re-assimilated or re-engaged to the life that surrounds them? How do you begin to function in the light of what was witnessed? How do you live a life that is void of cynicism and pessimism, when all you've had was pain? These are just some of the questions I find myself asking.
It's true, I've never lived in the ghettos of society or faced death as an everyday occurrence. It's true, I've never seen combat or war ravage families and neighborhoods in my life. It's also true, that my provincial life was only exposed to the atrocities of poverty, war, and bloodshed; when I chose to watch it on the television or read it in the newspaper. It's true, my life has no right to claim any knowledge of these things, but I can claim a first hand knowledge of a life wrecked by selfish, self-righteous, arrogance. I know what is like to stand in the places where many lives were taken so that I may experience freedom. I know what it is like to be humbled and broken by the understanding of true love. I write these reflections as a passion for others to hear about my life and the power of redemption. For, I know what it was to be lost....praise the Lord Jesus Christ, I've been found!!
In a recent article published by the Electronic Journal of Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding-NCRP (http://www.ejournalncrp.org/problems-of-combat-veterans-transitioning-to-civilian-life/)
Discipleship is more than sitting in a group and discussing the weekly lesson. Discipleship is defined as "come with."
As disciples of Christ, scarred by the sin in our life, healed by the redemptive blood of Jesus; we walk alongside brothers and sisters in need. Not just physical needs, because God takes care of those, but emotional needs. We were designed for fellowship; with one another and with our Creator.
If you want to be re-assimilated or re-engaged to the life that God has set apart for you, you can't go it alone. Life is meant to be shared. We were put here to worship and display the glory of God. This cannot be done whilst living your life in a silo.
Good News!! You are not alone. Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23,
How does a person become re-assimilated or re-engaged to the life that surrounds them? How do you begin to function in the light of what was witnessed? How do you live a life that is void of cynicism and pessimism, when all you've had was pain? These are just some of the questions I find myself asking.
It's true, I've never lived in the ghettos of society or faced death as an everyday occurrence. It's true, I've never seen combat or war ravage families and neighborhoods in my life. It's also true, that my provincial life was only exposed to the atrocities of poverty, war, and bloodshed; when I chose to watch it on the television or read it in the newspaper. It's true, my life has no right to claim any knowledge of these things, but I can claim a first hand knowledge of a life wrecked by selfish, self-righteous, arrogance. I know what is like to stand in the places where many lives were taken so that I may experience freedom. I know what it is like to be humbled and broken by the understanding of true love. I write these reflections as a passion for others to hear about my life and the power of redemption. For, I know what it was to be lost....praise the Lord Jesus Christ, I've been found!!
In a recent article published by the Electronic Journal of Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding-NCRP (http://www.ejournalncrp.org/problems-of-combat-veterans-transitioning-to-civilian-life/)
One in 10 prison inmates are U.S. combat veterans, male veterans are more likely to serve time for violent offenses compared with non-veterans, and male veterans make up 33% of the homeless population nationwide. These alarming statistics demonstrate a clear need to investigate the problems combat veterans experience when transitioning to civilian life.The study focused on 6 participants that included U.S. combat veterans, 18 years or older, who have engaged in combat in OEF/OIF and have transitioned to civilian living.
All six participants described the value of having the support of fellow combat veterans with whom the participant had served. One reason given was the opportunity presented to share experiences of similar adversity, which contributed to the ability to be sensitive to one another’s emotional states. Also, the bonds forged in combat were described as being so strong that the combat veterans continued to depend upon each other for support upon return to civilian life. Other reasons given for the importance of peer support included the open lines of communication and the shared goals of moving forward beyond their shared military experience. As expressed by James Bond,
In other words, we need each other. We don't need to have ALL the answers, we just need to walk together on the road to the One who does.“Having a good friend that was in the military with me…we were able to help each other with our time and resources, and we were able to find other people…[accepting] us and…help us to heal…”
Discipleship is more than sitting in a group and discussing the weekly lesson. Discipleship is defined as "come with."
As disciples of Christ, scarred by the sin in our life, healed by the redemptive blood of Jesus; we walk alongside brothers and sisters in need. Not just physical needs, because God takes care of those, but emotional needs. We were designed for fellowship; with one another and with our Creator.
If you want to be re-assimilated or re-engaged to the life that God has set apart for you, you can't go it alone. Life is meant to be shared. We were put here to worship and display the glory of God. This cannot be done whilst living your life in a silo.
Good News!! You are not alone. Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23,
"For we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard."
As I continue my journey to reinitialize, please know that time heals all wounds. God's not through with you yet.
The best is yet to come.....
