Hope is the foundation of everything. It keeps us firm in our faith and brings some type of understanding to our journey in life.
Military families have thrived off hope for centuries as our service members repeatedly shipped off to war. A hope that they make it home alive and if they did, they were not ravaged with mental scars.
The war in the Middle East has been going on for a lifetime in the minds of those who have served. Labeled as a warrior, and defender of the greatest nation, yet the sacrifices that have been made are rarely spoken. Our greatest of humanitarians have provided hope for those who were helpless against an evil tyrant rule.
Hope emulated across the military as they began to see the changes that they were making. Soon the eyes and smiles of women that have been covered for decades began to appear. Schools started to fill up with children and all those who were oppressed began to live again! This hope came back with our service members as their tours ended. A hope that the blood, sweat, and tears would not be in vain. That the sacrifices of their brothers and sisters would continue to shine through the people of another land. A hope that the allies they made would be able to raise their families in a world that somewhat mirrored the reality of their own. One that embodies the freedom that they stand, and fight for. It was a war that changed the lives of millions.
This same hope is what gets them through reliving the pain of loss and sacrifice. But now silence and a distant stare solidify a new battle in the minds of those we fear, maybe forgotten.
That beacon of hope is now overcome by darkness.
Darkness that promotes an ultimate and untimely terror that has once again spread across a nation. Shattering that mirrored reality of living free. The mind comprehending what is to come is now completely unrealistic. Scabbed-over wounds start to open, and tears overwhelm every thought.
But it was NOT in vain! The sacrifices and loss were NOT in vain! Over the last two decades, something much bigger was created. If you are looking beyond the devastation, you see it. The Afghan people trusting their beacon of hope! Holding their children up to get them over the walls to the only people they trust! Our service members saved them and helped them feel freedom. But overall gained a trust that no one will ever be able to destroy! A trust that is so deep, mothers are giving over their babies because they know they will be free. Although the world around them is collapsing they will always remember who it was that brought them hope. The ones who have answered the calling to serve, who are trained to be warriors, but have a heart that bleeds deep love for their fellow human beings – The American Military!
