By Lee Ann Nevius
Veterans Day, a designated federal holiday, commemorates the end of World War I. Just over a hundred years ago, in 1918—at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—a certain amount of peace followed a grizzly conflict. Originally named Armistice Day, it is distinct from other military appreciation holidays. Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service. Armed Forces Day honors those who currently serve, and now Women’s Veterans Day recognizes the women who have served. But Veterans Day recognizes the service of ALL military veterans. And let’s not forget to recognize and pray for the families who serve behind the scenes. Often they themselves embrace hard duty.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
The opening phrases of Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities echoes the experience of many military families. The adventure of seeing and living in new places is soon met with the realization that over the next 20 years, most of your leave will be used to visit family you wished lived a half a mile away and that Nebraska might not measure up to the dream European assignment for which you hoped. The treasure of life-long military friendships meets up with the initial loneliness and awkwardness when arriving at yet another duty station. The sense of great purpose from upholding our nation’s constitution contrasts with bureaucracy and tedious tasks and is fraught with lengthy, often dangerous assignments and ofttimes riddled with pride.
It was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity.
We respond with Acts 16:31, “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’” Pray that military families will believe and call on the name of Jesus. Pray that active duty members will not rely on ethical conduct, a moral code, or a list of core values penned by their military branch but will depend wholly on the redemption through Christ’s Resurrection.
It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness.
Military families face seasons of unique and difficult challenges. Pray that they will be led by the Light of the world. Pray that they will seek Him and trust in His sovereignty.
It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
Military homes are constantly in a state of flux. There are heavy strains on marriages. Children transition from place to place, school to school and sometimes from friends to no friends. Military members face pressures to perform, to advance in rank. Stressors can lead to emotional, mental, and physical fatigue and sometimes illness. Despair can creep in. Let’s pray Psalm 71:14 over our military families as the Psalmist declares, “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
The Alliance currently has 55 federal chaplains serving as licensed, ordained spiritual leaders in the Army, Navy, Air Force, in active duty Reserves and National Guard branches, in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, and with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Another 25 Alliance people are currently in training for federal chaplaincy.
This Veterans Day, in addition to remembering those who have fought valiantly to defend our freedoms, please pray that our military families will anchor themselves in the goodness of God’s praise and rest securely in the shadow of His wings.
Lee Ann Nevius is married to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mark Nevius, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas.