Posted on 09/28/2004 5:43:07 PM PDT by valleygal
Sharon gave me permission to post this with her name.
Hello to all. Sorry I haven’t written in the last couple of days. Much going on here. I would, however, like to share something with you today.
I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most. It can be in the form of a nod from someone passing you on the street, someone smiling at you when you are down, or in the written word from a page in a book, a message on a billboard, or the spoken word. The messages can be anything that catches your attention.
Everyday life here in Iraq has worn on me this week. At first I didn’t notice it and then all of a sudden it seemed to consume me. Many things added to the weariness I was feeling. I can’t put my finger on any one thing in particular that was the major contributor. It could have been the fact that the oppressive heat has returned this past week after enjoying mild temperatures in the high 90’s to low 100’s. (I smile at this because there is a saying here that says you know you are in Iraq too long when the temperature is 90 in the evenings and you turn your air conditioner off at night.) Or that the flies have returned with a vengeance. Another reason could be that even though I moved to a much safer trailer (one with cement barriers around it) I now have to go outside to a community shower and bathroom. Or that the shower only spurts water for about three minutes then turns off for four then back on for another three.
But, these things I have been getting used to so why was I so tired. Perhaps it was because we went back to full battle gear. We have received specific threats against our camp. It gets very tiring flinging 22 pounds up over your shoulder to get your arms in the armholes every time you need to go outside. It becomes a nuisance when there is nowhere to store your flak jacket and helmet when you sit down to eat in the dining facility or when you go to church. It becomes crowded very quickly. Your head begins to ache from wearing the helmet everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, these things are necessary and I appreciate that we have them but when you start to wear down, it just makes the burden that much heavier.
I definitely know that the kidnappings and beheadings have taken their toll. I’ve told you how I feel about the propaganda. It seems to be multiplying and feels like it is coming at us like an out of control freight train. The anxiety felt this week is definitely adding to the weariness. Because of the increased anxiety and armed with the knowledge that these evil people are getting more cunning, daring and desperate to create utter chaos and put fear into the fearless, I have done something I never thought I would have to do. I purchased a military knife for my own safety. Yes, I carry a pistol with me (another item that becomes heavy on the shoulders and neck as the day wears on) but I don’t take the pistol to the showers. Walking to the showers at night is dangerous. You can’t see who is around you. No one takes any chances here and you are warned not to. The fact that I am walking around knowing that I will use the knife or pistol if need be, wears on me.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. For my own balance in my life I try not to let myself get too tired, too hungry or too lonely. If I’m too hungry I can get grouchy. If I’m too lonely I can become withdrawn and let my imagination get the best of me. If I’m too tired I can lose concentration. As my week was coming to a close, I sat in my trailer late last night and started to wonder why I was really here. I know the reason I came over here to begin with; for the future of all the kids I know. But as I see more and more of the big picture I realize there has to be more. But with the weariness, anger was creeping into my very being and I didn’t like the feeling. I know I want to be here but I started doubting if it was making a difference.
Just as I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most, I believe that we have to be ready and willing to receive them or it will pass on by, unnoticed. My message came to me today in the form of the First Reading at Mass. Amos 6:1, 4-7 says, “Thus says the Lord the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.”
This reading says there is no security in wealth. Those who seek only pleasure will not find peace and happiness. After pondering this and listening to the sermon I have come to realize that I am not here because of President Bush, or because I am a Marine. I am not here just for the future of our kids. I am here because of God. God wants us here. I took myself back in time to the hospital that I visited in Balad. I remembered observing the operating room and seeing our American doctors frantically trying to piece back together the broken bodies of both the coalition forces AND local Iraqis. Bodies that were torn apart by evil. God was working through those talented hands to help heal those broken bodies. I have to believe that we can not sit idly by and let this evil continue to permeate throughout this land. Knowing what we now do about Saddam, about Zarqawi, about Muqtada and about the rest of the evil that is here, how can we say we are Christians if we turn our backs on the Iraqis. If we did that, it would be just like in the reading, the people were enjoying their pleasures but ignoring the collapse of Joseph.
Whether I have to make a monumental decision tomorrow or just lend a hand to a newly arrived Marine or simply smile at someone who is having a “weary” day, I am here because it is the right thing to do. I have heard the message that God sent to me today. And, I no longer feel the weariness. I am here to help free his people.
Sending love to you all,
Sharon
LtCol Sharon Jacko is currently in Iraq.
I'd like to send her the thread to encourage her.
Prayer request!
God bless you Sharon.
May God Bless you, one and all, who serve!
Back atcha, babe, tenfold! You are the best of the best. Be safe and God bless.
Sharon, you are a very honorable woman and I am but one of many Americans who are proud to see that people like you are out in Iraq risking your life for the safety of this blessed country. May God protect you through this difficult time.
What a revelation. There becase of God.
Praying.
PING!!!
I believe it.... backing you up in prayer!
PING!!!
Dear Sharon, it is wonderful for us back here in the States to hear from you. I want you to know how we pray for you all and how our love goes with you, whether we have a name or not. Our gratitude cannot be put into words. God bless you and keep you and all of our brave young men and women.
Tearfull ping...
For Sharon and our military, David walks with you.
Psalm 55
Prayer for the Destruction of the Treacherous.
A Maskil of David.
8
"I would hasten to my place of refuge
From the stormy wind and tempest."
9
Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues,
For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10
Day and night they go around her upon her walls,
And iniquity and mischief are in her midst.
11
Destruction is in her midst;
Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets.
12
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me,
Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me,
Then I could hide myself from him.
13
But it is you, a man my equal,
My companion and my familiar friend;
14
We who had sweet fellowship together
Walked in the house of God in the throng.
15
Let death come deceitfully upon them;
Let them go down alive to Sheol,
For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.
Thanks for pinging TEX. I remembered her ping to me yesterday (after I left to start dinner) and was just coming back to ping her!
Thanks for pinging TEX. I remembered her ping to me yesterday (after I left to start dinner) and was just coming back to ping her!
Absolutely, this woman definitely needs to have her spirit raised. We can accomplish that, I think.
God bless you Sharon and all the men and women who are with you. Our prayers and thanks go to you for the work you are doing.
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