The Warrior's Way

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
When I think of war I imagine, like most people, it will never happen here or in my lifetime. I don't know why, I suppose that attitude comes from society's belief that humans are invulnerable, immune to harm. I've discovered that particular belief is a bald-faced lie.
History teaches that humanity's sense of right or wrong, its "moral compass" has constantly been corrupted, distorted and broken resulting in repetitive acts of war on humanity's weaker members. The people humanity deems unworthy or undeserved of life.
The reality is just the opposite. The people deemed unfit for "society's" idea of perfection are the very individuals God gave the abilities to guide and lead in times of crises. Ironic, isn't it?
When a soldier goes to war he/she is hailed as a hero; clapped on the back and told America is proud of the service him/her rendered to the country. However, when the soldier comes home he/she joins the ranks of all the others whom history would rather forget. The reason, if any is actually given for this disregard, is that the adjustment a soldier goes through while transitioning to civilian life is awkward at best, and frightening at worst. The most difficult said adjustment is, the more embarrassed society becomes at the soldier's inability to be perfect. At that point, society's "moral compass' turns upside down, and the soldier is deemed unworthy by everyone but God.
To the soldier struggling to fit in and find their place in a society that has turned its back on him/her I share these words from Psalms 91:1-2, 15-16
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God in Him will I trust. . . . He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
To God every soldier, whether on the battlefield, or struggling to fit in at home, is loved, wanted, needed and honored not because they chose the warrior's way, but simply because each one is a child of God, created in the image of God. Each soldier is considered one of his special joys. Never forget as you read this, like the poem I'm ending this article with says, "God will never leave you nor forsake you."

The Warrior King-a soldier's psalm
When the cover of night closes 'round about me,
and I hear the breath of mine enemy,
the Warrior King on high,
protects me.
When the guns explode and strafing fire slices the air over my head
and I am afraid,
the Warrior king on high,
shelters me.
When the burning of the sands
matches the grief I feel over the loss of my comrades,
the Warrior King on high,
comforts me.
When the tormeny of my captors seems endless and I am all alone
longing for Heaven and home,
the Warrior King on high,
reminds me: "My child, you are never alone."
When I returned home
and felt the strangeness of 'where do I belong?'
the Warrior King on high,
encourages me to sing this song,
"The Warrior King
of whom I sing
holds me in His Palm.
He wishes to share with everyone
this Soldier's Psalm!
A promise to all who serve King Jesus
is this,
"'He who perseveres
will no longer have to fear,
for one day wars will cease
and Peace
will reign
when Jesus comes back again.
On that day we will find
longed for hope and serenity of mind'
And in Heaven's house--a home
where all soldiers can have a place to belong and call their own."


Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
May 14, 1995

Scripture References:
Psalm 91 & John 14:1-4