Candy & Prayers

Good evening,

The last several days have given me ample experiences to write about, but I have been spending more time with my chaplain's and team members than sitting behind the computer keyboard. We've been building stronger bonds now that the most deadly month since the war began is past. Prayers are needed to ensure that we never see another month like July, where nearly 60 service members gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our lives, our liberties and our freedom.

This month started out quiet with roughly 3 full days and not one dignified transfer. Yesterday, however, we brought another hero home. He was a highly decorated soldier with 3 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Stars. His wife, attended the transfer with support from about 5 military members, who were more family than they were friends. I learned that she was expecting a child in a few months, which added much more to an already delicate moment in time. I also observed that one of the military friends, who just happened to be wearing civilian attire, had a prosthetic leg from the knee down. I found out that he lost his leg during a tour in Iraq and was a very close friend to the fallen soldier. He was here to pay his respects to his friend. What a intense, humbling experience to witness.

Through it all, I keep looking for and noticing God's small, subtle reminders that He is present and working all around this sacred place. We are all here to share the gifts that are in us. I have an amazing team of chaplains and support personnel all around me. Each one interdependent on the other for meaningful, uplifting support and guidance in this extremely difficult and psychologically challenging environment. Time here, working with one another, has drawn us together like family. Such that, we are now able to effectively watch out for one another and recognize when someone is having difficulty with things. We're tuned in.

I also have amazing friends & family at my church in Galena, Maryland. I reached out to some members of my church family at Olivet United Methodist Church, and by the grace of God they answered. I mentioned to a friend of mine, that the chaplain team I work with at Dover AFB, needed some extra candy to fill the basket that is the center piece of our office. By that I mean, what a "water cooler" is to a busy corporate office, this candy basket is to our chaplain office. She shared my story with the vacation bible school and within just a few short days, bags of candy were offered to help fill our basket!! Folks from throughout the mortuary will stop by to check out our basket and grab a piece of candy. It acts as a conduit for our impromptu ministry when we are in the office. Each time someone comes to our office for a morsel, we can chat them up and see how they are doing. It always results in a smile, but more often than not, it gets them talking and sharing their experiences with us and that opens a portal for us to help and remind them that we are there for them anytime day/night.

In addition to the candy I kindly asked a church member, who I knew was gifted as a woodworker, to fashion a prayer box for the mortuary, so that prayer requests could be collected and prayed over weekly. I gave the simplest guidelines for a simple box. I didn't want to impose, so any kind of box would be gratefully accepted. Well, today I attended service and met with my friend. He asked me to follow him to his car so I could pick up the box he crafted. When he opened his trunk, I was astonished at the gift before me. It was beautiful and beyond words! It was evident that he poured out his heart and soul into this simple box. But, what was evidently clear to me, was that my idea of simple was not his. He used the gift that God gave him to create a blessing for many. The prayer box is made of wood and is coated with clear polyurethane so the grain stands out in a very elegant way. It has a simple slot in the lid so that prayers can be dropped in and be carefully kept until they can be prayed over. The hinges and hasp are gold and complement the piece very nicely. The bottom, outside edges are finished with a unique moulding that adds character and class. I can't wait to present this to the chaplains for use in helping others submit prayers and concerns. What a blessing!

Many thanks to my church friends & family who serve a purpose greater than they'll ever know. Ministry and the prayers of many are made possible by your servant hood and giving spirits.

Dignified Transfers witnessed (38)