Invisible Wounds

I am so burdened for the many veterans suffering with invisible wounds. The pain and horrific images they saw in combat that have forever deeply etched painful scars in the mind. Scenes that repeat over and over again in the reels of the memory. The private pain of watching comrades die and get injured in close proximity. The guilt of wondering why they survived and others died or were wounded and yet the lingering questions of why they were spared to suffer silently trying to readjust in society. 

How can such veterans come back and reintegrate into mainstream society with the emotional trauma they live with moment by moment. To be triggered by a sound, a sudden movement, or a shady situation when their senses are always on high alert. They cannot just turn it off. They were trained to be on alert and combat ready at all times. 

These soldiers may look whole on the outside. If you could see the pain and trauma of the damage done on the inside it might look like a severed limb. The gaping wounds in the mind gush the poison of bad memories that causes insomnia, lack of peace, and the despair of never finding sanity again. 

I recently asked an expert in ministry what programs are offered for those suffering from these invisible wounds in the church and he had nothing to offer. 

I talked to a man after church today and thanked him for his service. I thought I detected a tear in his eyes by my just saying thank you for your service and for the work he does with veterans to this day. He is a true patriot. A forgotten hero. 

I owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. These soldiers suffered and sacrificed so I could live free and preach freely. All I get to enjoy in this once proud and great country can never be forgotten was purchased with a high price. The blood of fellow citizens many who volunteered. They signed up to fight so I could live freely. Saying thank you is not enough. Not nearly enough for those suffering from invisible wounds. 

We as the church need to do more. I am sitting here contemplating what we can do. I know we can offer the hope that only Jesus can give. The healing that only He can bring even to invisible wounds. We can offer His love. His compassion. His listening ear. May the Lord direct us to do more. To help those who suffer silently from invisible wounds.