Philippians 4:7

I just got back (0200 on Tuesday morning) from receiving another 6 fallen heroes. Tonight I spent two hours with a family (mom, dad, sister) who came to welcome their son and brother to home soil. They were a delightful catholic family. Sister was in a daze. Dad hoped he would wake up to find that all of this was a cruel joke. Mom just felt that "this" was not real.

Out on the flight line, watching the honor guard carrying their hero to the hearse, Sister was still in a daze. Dad woke up to find it was a nightmare. Mom turned to me through her sobs and said, "It's real now."

I prayed for the little family. I asked for strength and peace that passes understanding. I spoke the truth about God; "The God whose arms were always open to your son now welcomes him into His grace." I asked God to protect their sons comrades in arms; "Oh Lord bring them back safe and soon."

I AM still on active duty. Now I am told that I will be done (retired from the Air Force) on November 30, However I am also told that my retirement date will be waived and I may be here until next Sept 30.

Here is what I have decided: Whatever.

Whatever will be fine. God is still God and we are good with that. I did resign as pastor of the Hollywood church. That was a little painful and a lot relief; Not relief to be done with Hollywood but relief that they can move on after 3 years without a pastor on site; relief that I need not carry the guilt of leaving them in the lurch; and relief from the awful wrenching of attempting to live in both worlds.

If I am not in the Air Force in December I will be looking for another ministry and that will be fine too. No worries. The amazing thing is that Phyllis expressed this "everything will be fine attitude" before I did.

We are at peace and it passes understanding.