Peace On Earth-Where?
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
by Susan Thom
I loved the Christmas cards I got this year. I couldn't afford to send to everyone, but I was able to send to the family. There were hundreds of cards at Wal-Mart, but as soon as I saw these cards, I knew I could check out, they were the ones. I love angels, and there was a pretty, sparkly angel on the upper right, and the manger on the left. The front of the card says, "Peace on Earth." I have always believed in the ability for there to be Peace on Earth. I don't understand why men and women couldn't figure out how to use the brain God gave them, to correct miscommunication.
They will be deployed to either Afghanistan, or somewhere else, but no matter where they go, there will be war. And here I am sending Christmas cards wishing for Peace on Earth. And yes, I am definitely wishing for Peace on Earth. These young adults are 22 and 24. They have been training for combat. And it makes me ill. I have used every bit of psycho analyzing and psychological thinking, and spiritual praying. I tell myself that my kids could be killed in a car accident, or a health problem or a robbery, etc., but somehow, knowing they are going to be the position they will be in, scares me terribly. And yet, on all the shelves in all the stores, there are Christmas cards pledging Peace on Earth. How? When? Is it even possible? Can people that believe it is their duty to kill 3,000 plus people by flying a plane into a building, ever accept Peace? They hate us. How do we change that? They don't care if they die, or their children die.
My children will be in the midst of chaos, and will see things that will either push them over the edge, or what? What else can it do to them knowing they killed human beings, which they're not in the habit of doing? They've been shown videos, but we all know nothing is ever the same on tape as it is in reality. And why are they there? Because they respect the military, and they couldn't make it on their own with the exorbitant amounts of money one must come up with for food and utilities, car insurance a car and clothing. So, they swallowed all they were promised by their recruiters, and are now preparing to put their training into action.
But the recruiter didn't come to prepare me. No one did. And taking into consideration all the variables, I have to figure out on my own, how I will get through this. Everytime the phone rings once they are deployed, I will have a slight heart attack. The severity will increase if it's in the middle of the night, or army or airforce vehicles knock on my door. I try to block out the negative thoughts, but I'm just not strong enough for that yet I don't really know how I'm going to handle this, but I know I have to. I have to be strong for them, and for myself, and remember that they will hopefully find good jobs once they get out.
I will also pray for not only their safety, but all the men and women serving their country. I can't even believe my kids are carrying m16's at all times. What happened to Barbie and Lego's? I can only trust in God and pray for His power to keep them safe. Maybe whatever they have to learn will be right in front of them. I have to believe that will be the case.
This Article has been viewed 250 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Susan, I applaud you for writing this article, and all my empathy goes out to you, another mother. I cannot even imagine how I would deal with that. Thank God, I don't have to. Know that many, many prayers are with you.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi joyce,this is all foreign territory to me, and extremely painful and apprehensive.I'll keep God in my pocket, and try to deal the best i can.thanks for the applause :)thank you for reading and commenting,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue,My prayers go out to you and your children. Excellent article. I think the only peace on Earth that we can really experience depends on how our relationship with God is. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.Hugs, love and blessings,MichellePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi michelle,i'm so glad you're able to type again.thank you reading and responding.i absolutely agree, and i know God, and this is in His hands,my very best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Peace on Earth begins within each of us. We have faith and we have hope, regardless of circumstance, and we have peace. My prayers go out to all of those in harm's way, and to the families.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi michael,thanks for reading and responding.i have peace and faith and hope, but i also know all the mother's of our military men and women feel the same way, and only God knows which ones He will call home. only He can help calm the pain,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Susan you stay strong, peace I believe is right around the corner. All those Christmas carols we sing once a year such as "Peace on earth good will toward men" will soon be a reality.Please log in to respond to this comment.dear david,your words are like gold.i will count on them.thank you for reading,commenting, and caring,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I found your article very moving. It must have been hard to convey your feelings about such a critical time for you and your family, but you have done an excellent job. I have children also, and although they are unlikely to face the choices of your children any time soon, I can empathise with you. At a time like this, please remember that you have done all you can for them and now you must trust that they will live the life they were meant to have, whatever that means. It feels natural for me to include you in my prayers, along with all the other families who have the same challenges to face as you have. God willing, your children will return safely. In the meantime, remember that they will always know where home is no matter how far away they are. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas holiday.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi marjorie,thank you for such a warm and honest comment.i would definitely appreciate your prayers.my daughter, who i didn't think was off base, surprised me last night with a visit. it turns out she has a few days off for christmas.God shined in that hallway when my partner opened the door, and i saw who it was, complete with fatigues!she has definitely changed. she is more mature, and much stronger.it was a wonderful gift.i hope you also have a happy and peaceful holiday,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
This was a nice Holiday story. Good article.Please log in to respond to this comment.thank you david.i appreciate you reading and commenting.happy holidays,best regards,sePlease log in to respond to this comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.