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.
God Bless Sharon and all of our troops.
Lieutenant Colonel Sharon Jacko,
I was in the Army years ago, but never had to bear the burdens you endure now. Reading your letter, and knowing the pressure you are under, was both moving and frustrating.
I have passed my prime, and the military won't take guys my age. But, given the opportunity, I would gladly substitute myself in your place. Better someone like me than you, make such sacrifices.
Believe that you are doing a good thing. Know that we think about you, support your efforts, and appreciate - more than you will ever know - the devotion you have shown for the people of your country.
Your family is proud. Your fellow Americans salute you. And we pray that God will be with you.
The people of Free Republic would welcome a letter a day!
Thanks to all of you for your beautiful words, thoughts, prayers and pictures. I've sent the thread to Sharon.
Sharon, please show this to everybody. Our hearts are with you.
God bless you Sharon. You are awesome. You are in my prayers daily. God bless all of you at Camp.
Another really big (((HUG))), vg
Her letters are wonderful! Thanks you for YOUR wonderful words.
And VG - please keep us up to date!
Will do.
Dear Sharon,
I have prayed for a layer of protection from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for you and the rest of the troops and the Iraqi people. I pray that the Lord will cover you with His mighty hand and deliver you from evil. Take care of yourself.
Know that we love you and respect what you are doing for that country and for America. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice it will not be in vain.
May God guide all of you in His path and may he give you the wisdom to see his will for your lives.
God bless you.
Hello Sharon.
I find this Bible passage inspirational and I dearly hope this encourages you, too.
May God bless you, keep you safe.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Cindy
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Philippians 4: 1 - 23 - Study This Chapter
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, F14 whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, F15 and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
FOOTNOTES:
F14: honest: or, venerable
F15: I have all: or, I have received all
Ma'am,
Please know that we back here in the States know why you are there and how much you are sacrificing everyday. May God bless you and all who are in harms way at this crucial time.
Dear Sharon,
You are my sister in Christ, and I will pray that God's almighty grace and power will shield you in your effort to crush the head of the serpent overseas. Evil is evil wherever it is. We must fear our Lord, and *not* those who want to bring fear and evil into the world. You will rise to the cause knowing it is just, and have the power of our prayers to help you.
I wish I had strength to write more to you tonight. My husband is also a Lt Col USMC holding command in the states at the moment.
God bless you. Your e-mail hit the nail on the head. Vg, thanks for the ping :)
I'm glad you made it, dear sister!
Thank God for this hero and her loved ones!
Alamo-Girl,
could we add Sharon to the list of family and friends on the prayer thread?
Thanks for the ping. What a nice picture.
Ping! This is the friend who mentioned http://www.soldiertomovies.org to me.
GMO, how do I do a ping list? I know how to contact lots of people at once, but how do I keep a list I don't have to keep re-doing?
I wanted to share the following site. It is so awesome. It will bring tears to your eyes.
http://www.clermontyellowribbons.com/index.htm
Click on Multimedia. There are three flash presentations And be sure to turn up the volume.
Sure thing, valleygal! TexOkie and amom, would y'all please add Sharon to the prayer list of loved ones in Iraq?
Bad link....please check and repost! Thanks.
OK, I'll take a look.
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