WARRIORS: Who Are People of Faith Must Be a Refuge In The Midst of Fear

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Lt Col) Daryl Hamaker
  • 117th Air Refueling Wing Chaplain

I would like to share some words to encourage you today. The passage of scripture above speaks to sustaining the weary, and many have become weary in these what seems like uncertain times. The news media pounds us with all the sickness, death, school cancelations and basic supplies running short. As Airmen and warriors we are facing the enemy of mortal fear; an enemy so rarely encountered in modern society, it stalks our streets.

As Warriors, American Airmen, men and women of faith, we are to be a refuge in the midst of fear. When each day brings new uncertainties and worries about how bad things will get, we must trust that God will give us enough grace for the day. In times of fear, what our neighbors and fellow Airmen need are men and women of faith whose God is their rock, not those who shrink before physical danger. When death seems near, the promise of eternal life must draw nearer. When sickness lurks around every corner the healing hands of the Almighty are the most needed.

Truth is we are not helping our fellow airmen or our neighbors if we expose them to lethal germs through our negligence. So as people of faith we face a two sided duty; to comfort those who are afflicted, but not infect the vulnerable. Bottom line we should we should do whatever we can to take suitable, recommended precautions in order to protect others.

To many this virus is very real especially those who have family members and loved ones infected. And to theirs who have not had their community or those they might know affected it seems like a very distant thing. With that said I want to say that it is a very serious issue.

The leadership of our Wing has taken the right steps to make sure we are ready to support our state mission or defend the nation. To maintain that readiness it is a must that we remain disciplined to protect the force and fellow Americans and that takes team work. We must remain connected while maintaining our social distance and it is possible today through technology and proper spacing.

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me each morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed. Isaiah 50:4