Our youngest daughter Emily is our free spirit. Fun could be her middle name. She has turned acting silly into an art form. One day she was in full-on silly mode. My wife Lori asked her “Emily, what am I going to do with you?” Emily responded matter-of-factly, “I don’t know. It’s not my problem.”
Emily had a point, and at the same time, she illuminated another.
LOVE IS A CHOICE.
When someone makes the decision to come alongside another and walk with them through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the silly, that is love.
This past Monday, I was given the privilege of virtually sitting in with a group of amazing and unique people. These people know sacrifice in marriage. They understand struggling through issues they didn’t create. They have chosen to come alongside some of the most traumatized volunteers in our country. These unsung heroes are THE SPOUSES of military members and first responders.
Every marriage has challenges. Some of the difficulties these spouses experience are no different than the ones in homes all across America. They are constantly on the go, balancing checkbooks, being a free-Uber to their children, carving out more one-on-one time with the love of their life. The difference lies in the intensity introduced into their marriage by the broken souls of our society and world.
Service members aren’t able to punch a clock and leave the trauma they experience at the office. Who walks with them in their nightmares, their memories, and their search for peace? Their spouse.
Who comes alongside the spouse?
The group I met with is one of TACK-F’s “Empowered Spouse” virtual groups that meet weekly. The high impact in the time these spouses spend together is meant to match the high value of love each of them has for their service member.
In a time our country is looking for ways to heal and grow, one ESSENTIAL ANSWER to that journey is in the strength and support of those married to our military members and first responders.
What can you do? First, remember them. They are all around you and giving strength to those who serve you. Second, partner with us at TACK-F. We will extend your reach to stand behind and strengthen these invaluable people.