Sold out for the military

November 7, 2011

My father served 30 years in the Air Force during World War II and the Korean War, so the militarylifestyle was all I knew growing up. Then I met, and married Bill while he was serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. So needless to say, I am completely sold out for the military!

The 200 women who came to the West Region PWOC Military Conference in Seattle two weeks ago totally stole my heart, mind, and emotions. It is a tremendous privilege to be on the front lines of life with the wives and moms who keep the home fires burning, while their husbands, (or as many call them, “my soldier”) serve and protect our country. These women are my heroes, many of whom live with fear of what tomorrow might bring, but push through each day with perseverance and determination to rise above their circumstances.

I met two extraordinary young moms who attended both of my workshops for an entire morning. They are close friends and from the same military base in New Mexico. Their husbands are pilots of a new “Search and Rescue” plane in the Air Force. Not only are the men good friends too, but they are pilots on the same plane. The women shared with me how proud their husbands are of their new plane and the mission they are trained to do. That same sense of pride flowed through both women. Who knows where a mission, or circumstances, will take their husbands, how many men and women they will rescue, or what their future holds. Yet, these two young moms, strong believers in Jesus Christ, rely on their faith and trust in God each time their men fly on a mission together.

This is only one of the many stories that I hear about, listen to, talk through, and pray over. Many times, the tears flow-and just holding a young woman as she cries is enough. It is Jesus who will meet these women at their point of need. It is Jesus who will soothe their soul, and comfort their hearts. It is Jesus who gives hope to face tomorrow. He has done that for me, He will do that same thing for them.

My bags are packed, my emotional tank is filled, my arms are open, and I’m ready to once again embrace the women I meet at the Southeast Region Conference in North Carolina this week. I’d like to think I’m a soldier for the Lord. My mission: just showing up and serving Him!