Joseph F. Ambrose, a WWI vet,
was 86 years old when this photo was
taken in 1982. The flag is from his son,
who was killed in the Korean War.
From Wikipedia.org.
|
Veterans Day is a civic holiday, and churches may or may not observe aspects of it during their services. Whether or not remembrances show up in the worship of the church, there are things that congregations should understand and consider doing as a response to those who serve and have served in the armed forces.
Most importantly, American Christians should understand the term "moral injury." Not all the wounds that a veteran may suffer in conflict are visible. Human beings are not hard-wired to harm others -- it takes training to prepare for war, and even the best mental preparation might not be enough to cover the damage to the psyche that comes from witnessing and participating in violence. Thankfully, our society is more aware of PTSD, including its symptoms and effects. However, the damage that war can cause in the soul can take additional and wider-ranging forms. Healthcare professionals are increasingly using the phrase "moral injury" to talk about what can happen to soldiers.
Here is what Michael Yandell, a veteran, wrote for The Christian Century (quoted in this article in Christianity Today):
Repairing this kind of damage takes time and the care of professionals. While rehabbing someone may require more than a single congregation can provide, local churches have a role to play. Here are a couple (check out this article for more):For me, moral injury describes my disillusionment, the erosion of my sense of place in the world. The spiritual and emotional foundations of the world disappeared and made it impossible for me to sleep the sleep of the just. Even though I was part of a war that was much bigger than me, I still feel personally responsible for its consequences. I have a feeling of intense betrayal, and the betrayer and betrayed are the same person: my very self.
Listen. Military service is tough. Combat is not always a simple "us-versus-them" conflict. Soldiers have to make complicated, quick decisions on the battlefield, often with limited information. Many veterans feel like they made mistakes and carry regret. If you can just listen to their stories, without judgment, that can go a long way toward healing.
Lament. The scriptures are full of verses that describe human disappointment, fear, and longing for healing. Veterans might have sincere questions about what God is doing in the world, or they might question the very nature of a god who allows violence to happen. Jeremiah 4:21 says: "How long must I see the battle flags and hear the trumpets of war?" Psalm 22:2 honestly calls out: "O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest." These laments are helpful in the process of healing, and churches need to provide spaces for these honest feelings to come forth.
The most devastating aspect of moral injury is how it separates its victims from those who love them. Many veterans who question their service (or their God) feel like they cannot open up to others, even to their own families. Churches can provide a gift to veterans by helping them break open that isolation and loneliness.
No comments:
Post a Comment