This soldier’s wife told her story:
Our neighbors were always nice to me. I do not believe they had any idea how hard it was keeping things going alone. The struggle was beyond what I thought I could bear. I did not know how to keep going. Occasionally someone would offer to help. At first I didn’t feel comfortable accepting the help, but as the months passed by it became easier, especially from those who had gone through a similar situation. The help offered was inconsistent and although it was a nice gesture, it was brief, and rarely enough to feel like I had a real break.
It is important to initiate contact and reach out to families separated by deployment. They need time, and help with daily tasks, and often their responsibilities leave no time to call and ask for help. The contact can be as simple as a phone call, a loaf of pumpkin bread in the mailbox, a card on the door, ribbon on the house, mowing the grass without being asked, food on the doorstep. Anything that reminds spouses at home that they are not alone is support. If they have children, plan to entertain the kids, or get a gift certificate to a spa and watch the kids while they get pampered.
Many people ask how they can help? I tell them whatever you do for your family do for them. If you wash your car or your spouse’s car then go and wash their car. If you cut the grass go and do that. If you cook then prepare a meal. Don’t ask, just do. They will not tell you what they need.
One man from the church stated:
It got to the point that I couldn’t tell her I was going to cut the grass, because she would drop what she was doing and cut the grass before I arrived. I would wait until I turned on their street and then call.
Our churches also should support these families in the same way as it does when a member is undergoing severe trial. It’s much the same as somebody who has a family member who is dying with cancer. Recognizing the trial and praying openly for them is very comforting and empowering.
During the observance of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s very important to emphasize the service and sacrifice of these families. They give a unique gift to our country and need to be recognized. The recognition is not for their benefit alone, it is also helpful to guide the focus of the fellowship and stimulate the support that is so needed by these families.
Dear God, please use me in my church to help raise awareness, support, and practical assistance for the families of soldiers serving overseas.
“David replied, ‘No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.’ David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.’” (1 Samuel 30:23–25)