Great Growing Conditions

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

Going the distance

Rising Water

There’s an old story about a guy whose house is surrounded by floodwaters. He climbs up on his roof, hugs the chimney, and prays to God for help. While he’s praying, someone from a nearby bridge throws him a rope and tells him to grab it. “No way!” he shouts, “I’m trusting God to help me.” Then a boat pulls up and the sailors yell, “Get in!” Still clutching the chimney, he says, “My salvation comes from the Lord.” Finally a helicopter hovers overhead and the crew sends down a basket to retrieve him. With one hand he pushes it away and says, “God will save me!” Eventually the waters rise above the roof of the house and he drowns. When he gets to heaven, the man is indignant. “I prayed for your help!” he says to God, “Why didn’t you save me from the floodwaters?” And God responds, “I tried to save you! Why didn’t you accept the rope, the boat, or the helicopter I sent???”

Good question! Could it be that you are overlooking God’s help?

• Do you or your family need counseling, financial coaching, debt management support, addiction assessment/support? Minnesota Service CORE is a program through Lutheran Social Service that provides those services free of charge to veterans and their immediate families. One call to the LSS hotline (1-888-881-8261) or the LINKVET hotline (1-888-546-5838) will get you the help you need.

• What about expanding your education and vocation possibilities for you or your immediate family? One visit to the Education Office here in Basrah (next to the post office) will get you on your way.

• Are you concerned about getting a job when you return from deployment? Take action now by contacting the Veterans Employment Services at 1-888-438-5627.

The only way these services can help is if you decide to use them. If you need them, use them. It’s a whole lot better than waiting for the waters to rise…

God’s Peace,

CH (CPT) Richard Rittmaster 34 ID Family Life Chaplain