Stability. Stability is not a word we use much in the military. We move. Our spouses deploy. We make new friends quickly because you don’t know how long we’ll be in one place. New schools. New doctors. New hair stylists. So where do I find grounding? Not in my address. Not in my surroundings. My faith. It’s the faith I have in the never-changing, ever-present Lord that has gotten me through every uncertainty, every struggle and every challenge that goes along with being in a military family.
Several years ago my husband went on a year-long deployment to Iraq. When he first told me he was leaving, I was angry. Angry at him for volunteering because the first two soldiers in line to go had medical issues and it would have been too much of a hardship. Angry at the Army for taking him away. Angry. Just angry. After I got over the anger, the separation became an amazing time to grow in our faith in the Lord and our love for each other. When I was weak, He was strong.
After a long year, my two young sons and I got in the car and drove from Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Stewart, GA to meet him with signs, gifts and hugs and kisses. As we were celebrating our reunion, my mother called me and told me my father had suffered a severe stroke. Two months later he passed away. Such great joy, such great sadness, all in one day. In all things I still give God the glory. Well this was a day to practice what I preached. This was a day to live in word and in deed. This was a day to put my own faith to the test. The Lord was there as always, giving me the grace and mercy I needed each day to get through whatever challenges, joys, successes or failures came my way.
I am so thankful for all The Lord has done for me. He has blessed me with so much. A loving husband, two great boys, supportive friends and family, and a voice in song. When I sing, I sing to bring Glory to God. Music is a universal language that all can understand. I hope that when I sing, those that hear my voice are blessed with the never-changing, ever-present love of God. I hope that my faith in the God that has been there every step of the way shines through every note.
The Lord has been really good to our military family and my testimony in life is that I have to give ALL my praises to Him. I have to trust in Him with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding and acknowledge Him in all my ways and He is directing my paths.
This gospel classic is a signature song in my heart.
MY TRIBUTE
by Andrae Crouch
How can I say thanks
for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved,
yet You gave to prove Your love for me;
the voices of a million angels
could not express my gratitude.
All that I am and ever hope to be,
I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the glory,
for the things He has done.
