A Collection for Women

I first published this page on another blog that I write, and I am republishing it here to present it in the continuity of this series of poems I wrote on women and our experiences in war and to add all of these poems to my poetry blog.  I have written many other poems about all the roles women play in war, and I hope you will read them as well.   Here again I offer some of the thoughts that I experienced as I anticipated a trip to Washington D.C. where I was to visit with two of my "women of war" friends.

I was thinking again this morning about how the women of the world develop relationships of sisterhood in many different shared experiences.  I am certain that a large factor to this is found in the role of motherhood which is a common experience for many women, and a profound role for any woman.  Falling in love with men is another shared  emotional experience that is so life imprinting when it is experienced by a woman. On Friday I am flying into Washington, and part of my anticipation and excitement lies in the spending of time with two cherished women who are among the strongest in mind, heart, and spirit of my women friends.  One is a relatively new friend, and I am delighting in coming to know more about her life, her interests, where she draws her incredible strength from, her life challenges, and her strategies for meeting them.  For in these observations, I will gain strength and skills for my own life, and I hope too, to share the skills that I have won in my life in order to give empowerment and encouragement to her.  The other friend I have had for awhile, and come to deeply admire.  When something is truly challenging in my life, I seek out her wisdom.  Her life, and that of her husband are a testimony to what has built and sustained our nation, they are people who have truly offered self-less service to our country, and in essence to the world.  The poem I wrote entitled Rare and Remarkable Women was written in tribute to this amazing friend.  Following that poem you will find several others about the women of war.

Call From a Soldier

 I know from experience with my husband just how frustrating dealing with the Veteran's Administration can be.  There are those who have come home from war with wounds both visible and invisible who must rely on the V.A. to meet their continuing need for medical care.  Unless you have experienced the trial of trying to obtain services from the V.A., you can't imagine how frustrating the process can be.  I truly believe it is purposely designed that way to cause some looking for services to give up, and stop seeking the help they need.  Some of the stress of seeking needed medical care can be due to individuals who are employed by the V.A. who for unknown reasons seem to enjoy making obtaining their benefits difficult, because those individuals are not caring people, in fact they enjoy the power they wield over service members.  No matter what the reason, the frustration and stress should not exist for those who have borne the burden of the last twelve years of the present conflict.

Call From A Soldier

I received a call from a Soldier today.

He was struggling and found himself again in dismay.

As I listened sadness swept over me, many times for these brave I have made defense,

Sometimes the way we treat our Soldiers just doesn’t make sense.

We ask so much, take so much then profess great care.

But when it comes down to it, the burden they have to bear.

We make them wade through paperwork and bureaucracy without end.

We appoint them an advocate, but really for themselves they must fend.

“Jump through this hoop, sign here, and go to that corner and stand.”

There are so many requirements and so many demands.

Everyone knows that to these valiant warriors we all owe,

How is it then that in the end we become the foe?

When they reach the brink of what they can shoulder,

They tend to give up, walk away, as their resentments begin to smolder.

I wonder often if the system is not of such a design,

As to so discourage a Soldier that they give up in time.

When an enemy stands sinister and dark at the door,

The whole world looks to these men and women and implores.

Leadership with lofty words sends them out,

Their mission is the enemies of freedom to rout.

Of all the debts that the people of a nation share,

Is there one like we owe to these men and women that can compare?

I received a call from a man who used to be a Soldier today,

He was struggling and again found himself in dismay.

Dedicated to Jared Campbell and all those who have so nobly served with him, may this nation always remember and respect what they have given.  March 2011.

For of Such is the Kingdom of God

I learned of something yesterday that made my heart catch in complete happiness.  My little Kenna Bear made a profession of faith on Sunday while at church.  She is the youngest of our grand-children, has spent a great deal of time in my arms since she was born, and shared her soul with me.  To learn of her sealing of her heart to the Father caused tears of blessedness for me.  One of the most difficult things I face as we move to the Middle East is the separation from our grand-children, nothing in this world means more to us.  Seeing them come to the Lord ensures that one day we will leave this world to spend eternity in our forever home, and never be separated from, or lonely for them again.  When I am absent from the presence of our grand-children I am in constant loneliness for them.  Being with them is the greatest delight I experience in this life, along with being with my husband and our children.

 I love this picture of McKenna, it really captures her insides... which are so lovely!

When my husband first deployed to war in April of 2009, you would never have been able to convince me that there would be but one blessings that would come to us.  The sacrifice that separation has required from me I do not have the words to convey , and other than knowing that we both were fulfilling God's will in our lives by Randy's service, I anticipated nothing but the blessing that comes from that.  However, God being God, there were and are so many rich blessings, I can no longer count them all.  Some of those blessings have been of such a surprising nature.  Coming to know Canon Andrew White, because of Randy's service with first the Army, and then the State Department has been one of those surprise blessings.  He is known the world over as The Vicar of Baghdad, and known to our hearts as a dear friend, and a pastor to the people of Baghdad who desire to know the True and Living God.  An even greater blessing has come with coming to know some of the people he pastors, and to love them as family.  We rejoice with them when they rejoice, and mourn with them when they mourn, and the people of Iraq have come to be knit to our hearts, as we have seen God's great love for them, how He cherishes and provides for them, even as great evil attacks and causes them to suffer desperately.

One day Andrew posted to Facebook the following story, which reflected so vividly what life as a Christian is like in the Middle East.  It will cost you something more than the usual to follow Him in Baghdad Iraq, and those Brothers and Sisters in the Lord have my prayers everyday.  After the events portrayed in the story below, what I learned from these little children became another rich blessing from God. I would never have known all these little children have taught me without Randy's willingness to serve our country and our people in the United States Army and the State Department.  I thank God everyday for men such as my husband and Canon Andrew White, and for the children of St. George's Church, who love God, and with joy and abandon claiming Him Lord and Savior.  May God be with them daily as they struggle and triumph in the face of adversity such as I have never known.  Knowing of their lives, seeing their faces which reflect their innocence, joy, peace, and God's amazing love, causes a sensation in me of awe and wonder at what God has done, and is doing, in Iraq.  Had their lives been taken that day by the terrorists, they would have instantly been transported to their forever home to be with the God they love, and that is the ultimate of obtaining blessing.  Instead they were protected by our God, and left in this world a witness to the joy and peace that God brings to every true believer, no matter what the circumstances they face in this world.  As Matthew 19:14 so beautifully states, "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Below you will find what I wrote in tribute to the beautiful children of St. George's Church, Baghdad, Iraq, the day that God spared their lives to leave them in this world as a testimony for all to see of true love and devotion to God, and for each of us to be blessed by.  I thank you Father God for their lives, for their love of You and the testimony of their love, and as on each day is my habit, I ask your favor and blessings for them today, may they know they are loved by You, and by me.

I love photographs, truly one picture can be worth a thousand words, Al Hassan H. Fahmi, of Baghdad, Iraq took this one. Last Tuesday, a week ago, as a group of children from St. George Church, Baghdad, Iraq, were on their way by bus to church for their communion classes, a suicide bomber left this world for the next as their bus passed.  He was Taliban of Al Qaeda, and the purpose of this bombing is believed to have been an effort to free Taliban members held prisoner in a nearby Iraqi jail.  As the children later related the story to their pastor and our dear friend, Brother Andrew White, they told him that they began singing and praying, because God had delivered and protected them from the blast.  These children know well the explosions of violence which occur daily in Iraq.  In their lifetimes all they have ever known is war.  They were born during war, and its horrors and its thefts of security and peace are constant companions to them and everyone else in Iraq.  Yet the faith in Jesus Christ of these children did not leave them crying and screaming at the death and injuries around them, but because of  their faith, they remained calm as the bus sped on, trying to escape the danger.

They had not escaped at that point however, and another huge blast shook the bus, blowing out all the windows and badly damaging the bus.  Here is Brother Andrew's account of what happened:

From Baghdad, Canon White
Terrible Bomb Blast of Our Children’s Bus and They're  All Alive

Dear Friends,

We are used to of bad days but today it has been in a different league. Central to our work and ministry here are our children. One of the biggest services of the year is when some of our children have there first communion. This service at the end of August. The children prepare everyday with

about two hours of sessions. They all come to church in our bus and are then taken home.

As they were on their way home today they were caught up in a major bomb. The bus was not too badly damaged and it continued it journey. All of children started singing the Lords Prayer. As they were in the midst of their prayer a huge bomb exploded. All the glass of the windows shattered, people fell to the floor injured and one of the teachers was in a very bad way. They were all taken to hospital but were all discharged as none of them had life threatening illnesses. In a normal country there is no way that some of the teachers would have been discharged. One person was hardly breathing and in profound shock. She was brought to the church and I looked after her until she was more stable. Only then could I leave to visit all the children.

It was wonderful seeing all the children. Despite their injuries they were all smiling, their parents were not some were in floods of tears on learning what happened. The fact is that today was miraculous. When you see the state of the bus it is simply a major miracle that nobody died or was more seriously injured. The children knew quite clearly why, they just kept telling me that they were alright because they were praying and G-d was with them and He was.

Many tears were shed and there are huge things still to do and there are people who still need treatment. Please pray for us as we try and recover from another trauma.

Grace, Peace, and Blessings,

Andrew

While they were badly shaken, and of course needed comfort, they are doing very well now.  A couple of days later, Brother Andrew posted the picture at this link, and I have not been able to escape its captivating message, you won't be either...

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151159402041369&set=a.65409196368.79084.617111368&type=1&theater

I wrote the following poem in tribute to these amazing children, and God's power and glory! 

For of Such is the Kingdom of God

The picture I see shows them smiling and beguiling, love and peace is seen in each eye.

Some would not understand how it can be that these beautiful children do not cry.

Death brushed by these happy young faithful, and from the crowd took nineteen.

Enemies within had brought death, and until the destruction, had remained unseen.

With the first blast of violence, in the bus they began sweetly to pray and sing,

Like Paul when he was in prison in a hole in the ground, and God gave him wings.

Then came the second roaring blast, which left their bus shattered and damaged.

God’s guardian angels brought His protection, to these precious, no harm was managed.

God’s divine knowledge and understanding, we know our children does not always spare.

Even then in life wrecking grief, we know always the sure mercies of His love and care.

This time, while I do not comprehend what hidden wisdom has held back His hand,

I find such faith in their young lives, and inspiration, as they for Jesus take their stand.

This miracle reminds me of words spoken long ago to little children by the one who is My Rock.

When he said, “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom, so fear not little flock.”

I sometimes worry about Brother Andrew, as he travels the world seeking support for the Christians of St. George, they do not have an easy life.  At any moment their faith could cost them, or someone they love, their life.  You will find links on Brother Andrew's facebook page,  and the St. George's page where you can make your own pledge of support for the work in Iraq, and follow there what The Living God is doing in Iraq.  God's blessings will surely be yours if you keep these faithful in Iraq, especially these beautiful and courageous young Christians, in your prayers. 
 

  

I Know Where a Good Soldier Sleeps

 I cannot comment on this poem...

To the Good Major

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
His death was shadowed in mystery.
The real story must be told for history.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
They say by his own hand he took his life.
It is said his heart was broken by his wife.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
This story has never made sense to me.
The facts I know tell me it could not be.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
Sometimes at night his soft whisper I hear.
Never at its sound do I know fear.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
Dark secrets this warrior carried to his grave.
Of failed leadership which made his soul rave.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
His story and truth I am pledged to uncover.
There are many truths  left to discover.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps
His family at his remembrance still weeps.

The wrong done to him no one will admit.

If none else will help me still I will not quit.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
Only when justice comes will their tears dry.
His redemption will come from God on High.

I know where a good Soldier sleeps.
His family at his remembrance still weeps.
His death was shadowed in mystery.
The real story must be told for history.

Missing Him So Much

One of my dearest friends in this whole world is the widow of an Afghan Soldier, he wasn't an ordinary man, but rather one of the sons of Afghanistan who lived above the common man.  He died a hero, and to his last breath, devoted to his country, his wife, his children, and living a life of honor, service, and devotion to sacred duty.  When you have been married to such a man, while you know what rare and special privilege has been yours, and that few women ever find such love, that knowledge cannot come close to comforting the loss.  I know why General Duad Duad loved his Belquis, not only is she a beautiful woman with the most soothing voice I have ever heard, she is also a remarkable person, living a life of honor, service, and devotion to sacred duty.  She loved her husband with her entire being, and does still.  He was assassinated on May 28, 2011 as he served his country, knowing that day his life was under serious threat, he refused to retreat from the threat, and faced the danger for all he held dear.  Courage was his until his last breath.  "Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen!  Stripped of their weapons, they lie dead."
May the daughters of Afghanistan raise their sons well, that General Duad Duad's boots may one day again be filled, and may my dear friend find comfort and peace. 

Missing Him So Much

Once a woman wrote to me words that my heart did touch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

An act of war took him, no matter how tightly she did clutch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

She and I know that nobility resides more deeply in men as such.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

Once a woman wrote to me words that my heart did touch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

Rare and Remarkable Women

My husband and I spent time together in Washington DC before he departed for his new assignment with the State Department this past week.  I so much enjoyed resting while he did his training for this position, and then in the evenings we enjoyed long and significant talks, relaxing in the hotel, seeing the sights of Washington, and dining out.  Over the weekend there was no required training classes, and one of the most refreshing and beneficial treats we savored was having lunch on Sunday with friends.  They have built a beautiful marriage which is approaching fifty years in length, and was forged and refined like gold in the fires of his service in the Army.

 I have learned so much from my husband going to war.

  It takes a special man and woman with a rare relationship to stand the test of time and service.  My husband and I both admire this couple for so many reasons.  Their leadership is unequaled and unfailing.  That can be rare in the military as a service person rises in rank.  Having someone to look up to unquestioningly becomes more difficult as the intoxicating force of increasing power affects officers who may have once served from a self-less heart.  Changes can, almost without any sense of awareness, occur within anyone.  The pressures associated with enormous responsibilities, and being surrounded by people whose job it is to do your bidding and follow your every directive without question, are just two of the forces which can change men and women serving in the uppermost ranks.  These changes can make an individual more humble and aware of  just how grave the responsibilities and accountability are, or they can easily become just as ugly as any addictive abuse ever taken up by a man or woman, and just as destructive.  

 The spouse of a Soldier serves too, as well as their children.

The ability for the abuse of power is built into military service by the very nature of that service, and what is required of men and women who consent to make war in the defense of this nation and its' constitution.  Always, the military must self police for the abuse of power within their ranks. That "policing" falls to a smaller and smaller group as an officer advances in rank, and can create an incestuous "policing process."  In fact, the selection process for the next rank a Soldier attains becomes increasingly incestuous as well, as only those above you in rank can select officers.  There is a "boarding" performed by other officers who are one rank above a service person, which makes the selection from those qualified to be promoted.  



Americans, and especially all of us who "lend" our beloved family members to service, demand the most stringent adherence to honor in this self-policing and self appointing, as does the very privilege itself of serving.  However, I have observed that a man or woman strong enough to serve at the highest pinnacles without yielding to the intoxication is rare indeed.  I have also noted with shame that the principle of "going along to get along," seems to prevail as well.

The rarer leader, who because of unfaltering honor and integrity, does not make it as far in rank is always the one that others wish to follow.  They breed trust in all they encounter.   Such is the man whom we had lunch with on Sunday.  I must admit I have observed character flaws in my own husband, and I am sure they exist in our friend as well, which are of a personal nature, but in the grand scheme they are without much impact on the world.  (Sometimes my husband doesn't actually listen to me when I talk to him, he just smiles and nods yes, and sometimes he isn't careful, but rather runs with scissors, and he walks really fast and it is hard to keep up, ...those types of things.)   My husband too is one of those men of integrity of service.  He would not make any decision in service that he did not believe to be in the best interest of the mission and those under his command under any circumstances, even if it cost him personally.  I have watched him make and execute decisions that did just that, but they were the right decisions to make, and the right thing to do.  For that reason, and many others, I have a deep abiding admiration for him that knows no limits.  Our friend Alba has the same thing for her husband.

The road home to our house in early spring.

As I have watched my husband at command and in personal service, I have seen how necessary it is for him to have those in leadership in whom he finds that same quality.  I tell the reader again, that is harder to find all the time.  So on Sunday as we talked with our friends, and they shared memories of their lives of service and news of their present service, my husband found refreshment and encouragement.  I know it will empower him as he serves at the American Embassy in Iraq during this critical time.  When pressures for compromise assail him, as they surely will, knowledge of the fact that there does exist leadership which over a lifetime has never wavered, will give him strength and courage.  When things look impossible to achieve, but are essential to achieve, that same knowledge of uncommon leadership in our friends will unconsciously urge him to never give up , but to work beyond the impossible.  I am so grateful for men and women of such distinction and honor, and the benefit of watching their lives.

 Sometimes in life, it rains until it floods.

While the actual service of this man of leadership will be the capacitating  source of my husband's support, I do not believe it could have occurred without a factor that was undeniable in his living room that day.  That old cliche, "behind every good man..."  Well, you know the rest, and it may be a tired expression, but it is a powerful truth.  As I participated in the soothing conversation which encouraged me every bit as much as my husband, I took note, as I always do, of the dynamics between this couple.  His beautiful wife has a devotion, loyalty, and love which shines constant in her essence for her husband.  The stories of the challenges of this love over the years strike at my heart in waves of admiration and appreciation for her life and all she is.

 Nights can be long for the wife of a deployed Soldier.

Even more compelling are the waves of those same emotions and life long love that emanate  from him for her.  He doesn't have to proclaim that he could not have done it without her support, it is forever etched in his face and its' expression.   He loves her in a way that only a man who is never anything but lifted by a woman knows.  She is possessed of as much inner strength and courage, maybe even more, as he is.  She is as devoted to this country and self-less service as he is.  I take that back, she is more devoted, and he above all others knows it.

God helps and strengthens a good Soldier, and the spouse of a Soldier as well. 



My husband and I are so favored to know these two people; we have received so much from them, and did so again on Sunday.  So I offer the words of tribute that came to me in honor of the both of them.  They speak of her, but he will find delight in them, because he finds such delight and ennobling in her.  Thanks to the both of you for all you have stood for all these years.  I know I speak for the legions who are better because of your lives.

Rare and Remarkable Women

I watched as he lovingly gazed at her in their living room today,  

At her sweet face, earnest smile, and her hair's soft curls with their touch of gray.

He stared as though it were the first time that he had admired.

 Of this view, I realized, the powerful and honorable man never grew tired.

I knew of all the years she had devoted her life and love,

To the man of steel, who watched as though she were an angel from above.

It came to me that behind the men of his caliber that I am privileged to know,

Often from such a woman rare and remarkable love flows.

As she earnestly spoke of the topic of the moment, her hands moved with their usual grace.

His delight in this endearing quality was visible on his face.

All those gestures, which in more than forty years of devotion, had often been observed,

Still called to him to cling to her words, making sure each was heard.

In every endeavor he always sought council from those he knew to be wise and informed,

But he knew hers came, without exception, from a heart which to nothing but good would ever conform.

It had not been just to him she had given so much, she reached out to all, not just their own,

The legacy of her life would be that of great love when the Lord finally called her home.

Together they shared stories of the children who had been nurtured between them.

Many times his duties had taken him far from home, and she had soldiered on without him.

As they spoke with pride of each child and their accomplishments,

His demeanor spoke of where he knew so much of the credit earnestly went.

Often I have observed the same quiet tribute of love and admiration,

In the faces of the brave and self-less men who courageously give so much to this nation.

I knew why he lovingly gazed at her in their living room today,

At her sweet face, earnest smile, and her hair's soft curls with their touch of gray.

To all of the women reading this poem who recognize themselves, thank you for your service.  To all the men who know themselves to have the beautiful gift of such a woman in your lives, make sure she always knows her value.  The Bible says, "it is far above rubies..."