Wounded Soldiers

With Veteran’s Day barely behind us, I found myself watching a special on TV this week about wounded soldiers.

At the close of service at church last Sunday, our pastor honored the men and women who have fought for our freedom as well as those whose children have gone off to war.  Some returned scarred both internally and externally; others did not return.

Pastor became emotional as his words failed to express the deep gratitude his heart could not contain.  Those of us who have never fought for our country have much to learn from our war veterans.

As I sat watching the veteran’s learn how to fly fish in Yellowstone National Park, my respect rose to new heights.  The guide shared how fly fishing puts salve on the wounds of the wounded soldiers, giving their minds a place to find peace.  

The wounded soldiers were a diverse group of men.  Some had lost an eye, fingers or their voices.  Others without limbs were carried through the sand on their wheelchairs.  Some were visibly still mourning the loss of what had once been as they tried to believe that life could still be good, albeit different.  Others showed no expression, choosing instead to live life with no emotion or feeling in an attempt to deal with their pain.

These men, all once physically strong, were now broken, weak and humble.  As I continued to take in the stories held in each soldier’s eyes, I was given a picture of a new definition of tough.  Each man exhibited strength and fortitude, though trapped within a body that convinces otherwise.  

Many volunteers helped in the fly fishing outing; wounded soldiers of a different kind.  The volunteers simply cared for the soldiers and in the process their own wounded hearts found healing.  For a moment all felt right with the world as I beheld ordinary people who saw past the outward appearances and into the brave hearts and souls of the wounded. 

On this journey we call life; we must care for one another.  Whether we have been on battle fields fighting for our country’s freedom or on battle fields fighting for our family, our children or our own lives, we are all wounded soldiers.  We are all deeply flawed and broken; there are no exceptions.

As the TV special came to a close, the words “The Fight is Not Over” flashed onto the screen. 

As the Lord continues to give us insights into the hardships we all must endure as good soldiers, let’s remember that we need each other.  Our fight is not over until at last we meet the Commander in Chief face to face.

Stay the Course...

Sheila Cote