God truly became the focus of the year 2007 the year Stuart was deployed because the Lord was all we had to cling to. Stuart was completely in his hands, and all I could do was pray (and pray, and pray more). There were some nights that I was too distraught to do anything but read my Bible in search of comfort and peace. Psalm 77 was good for the nights I felt like I was coming apart.
Stuart always said he could feel my prayers, especially during the first days that he arrived overseas. Knowing that Stuart was lifted reassured me immensely. I prayed for him every day, usually many, many times. It was also comforting to know that the God of my mundane suburban existence was the same One who had created the spectacular mountains of Afghanistan, and the barren scrub terrain that became the backdrop for Stuart’s daily life. I remember thinking how the human spirit can adapt rather quickly to sudden life changes and great emotional turmoil.
Stuart would often remind me that “God knew what he was doing” when he brought the two of us together, and that what God brought together, no man would separate. We knew we were being challenged, but we had a great Helper on our side, holding me when I was lonely and afraid and sheltering Stuart in the face of danger. I also came to see God as not just a passive do-gooder who was amiably blessing us from above, but one who at any point could defend my soldier from scores of Taliban, stop an IED from detonating, and could shield him from any “terror that stalks by night.” The children’s rhyme leads us to believe Jesus is “meek and mild,” but the Jesus that I experienced was truly a strong and mighty fortress.
Lord, I praise you for being our shield and protection for body, mind and spirit.
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16)