INNER PEACE

"The real secret to handling the demands upon you is possessing inner peace. No matter what the problems, the tensions, the pressures, one can only help oneself by thinking clearly and acting calmly and resolutely. This cannot be done without inner peace, born of prayer...in search of light, inspiration, and courage. I have a simple three-word prayer that has served me well for many, many years: 'Come, Holy Spirit.' It has never failed me."

Theodore Hesburgh, GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME, p. 309

I meet a lot of military personnel and civilians who are ‘stressed out’, ‘bummed out’ or ‘burned out’. They are unhappy and often hard for those they live and work with to be around. The wear and tear of a combat deployment can rob us of our inner strength and steal our joy.

There is an ancient practice that can help you recover your inner strength and actually find peace in the midst of your challenges. It is called ‘prayer’.

In the Christian tradition prayer takes many forms, but it is always personal and it is always directed to a loving God who is personally concerned about our welfare.

I invite you to adopt the practice outlined by Father Theodore Hesburgh in his quote above. When you feel stressed and are challenged by the pressures of life…invite God, by His Spirit, to help you. God will answer that prayer…and you’ll find inner peace in the midst of the challenges you face.

CH (LTC) John Morris 34th INF DIV Chaplain