I remember the Sunday worship our unit headquarters company would have during drill. It used to motivate me to hear the sound of all those men singing old hymns. That was amplified in sound and emotion when those hymns were sung in Iraq. They were truly battle hymns.
There was a tent the chaplains used to conduct services at Balad. It was one of the few tents on the airstrip side of the road. Because it was next to the runway it would be pretty noisy and that resulted in louder singing. As we sung worship songs, it was easy to appreciate the very real implications of God’s grace, mercy and protection that filled the pages. I would think of the countless soldiers who have worshiped while deployed and that seemed to tie me to another aspect of the warrior heritage.
The heritage of faith is strong in the military. Contrary to the old adage, there actually are a few agnostics in foxholes, but the realities of war and the proximity of death will cause the most hardened of men and women to consider the frailty of life and their own humanity. It was comforting and inspiring to sing those songs and pray with others who were of the same mind. We came from all over the country and were raised in many different denominations, but worship drew us together.
We bring back many life experiences: traumatic memories, fatigue, and discomfort, but the experience of faith practiced during war solidified my beliefs. The memories of worship and teaching, combined with the deep questions and prayer and the day-to-day encounters with the frailty of life are something that returned with me. My children and family benefit from that part of my experience.
I believe in you, Lord, and completely put my faith and trust in you. Move my heart to worship you again today.
“Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50)