Guest Post by Author C.A. Simonson
“Mom, they’re sending me to Iraq.”
My son never called during a workday, especially from his military base. The voice of her strong nineteen-year-old held a quiver.
Taken aback, I tried to sound strong. “Will you be home for Christmas before you go?”
“No. We leave tonight.”
It felt like the bottom dropped out. Did I sense a choked-back sob? Desert Storm of the 1990s had only begun. Now these newly-graduated recruits from boot camp were being sent to war?
“Mom, I don’t want to go. I can’t do it.”
“You can, son.” I wasn’t sure I believed it. “You must.”
After saying a quick prayer with my son over the phone, I assured him everything would be fine.
Stationed on the border of Kuwait, we learned our son faced scud missiles and threats of germ warfare. Following newspapers and newscasts daily, we had every reason to fear for his safety. We prayed. We trusted and held on to our faith in God. We reconciled in our hearts that God was in charge, no matter what, and we knew He would take care of him.
“I’m going crazy,” one coworker said. “I don’t know where my kid is or how he’s doing. I’m just waiting for that death call. How can you stay so calm?”
Our son, being in Army Communications, was able to contact us weekly and assure us of his safety even though he couldn’t tell us where he was. That was an unseen blessing from our Father.
“I worry, too,” I told her. “But one thing I know – God will take care of my son. He knows where he is even if I don’t. And He has His hand of protection over him.”
Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your heart. Fear doesn’t have to be in charge. God’s peace can bring you inner quietness (Isaiah 26:3) Embrace the calming words of scripture. Trust in His goodness. If you’re in the center of His will, then that’s the best place to be.
Be anxious for nothing; be prayerful in everything; be thankful for anything…and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds as they rest in him.” (Philippians 4:6, 7)
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
C.A. (Candy) Simonson is a freelance writer and novelist. She began writing nonfiction articles in the 1980s with almost 800 articles published in multiple national or online magazines. Her award-winning stories are in seven anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her debut young adult novel, Love’s Journey Home, published in 2013 was followed by seven Christian YA novels and five nonfiction books. As a former IT computer trainer/teacher, she enjoys assisting other authors with book formatting, self-publishing, cover design, and sharing her technical and writing knowledge with writers’ groups. She serves the Springfield Writers’ Guild Board as the 2024 President and SWG webmaster. See more at CASIMONSON.COM