We are living in a planetary war zone beyond the battlefields of gun and cannon. Harsh reality. Lust, gluttony, greed, envy, pride all create harm and potential devastation to others. Selfishness is the weapon of choice. News, movies, and social media of all kinds reflect the power plays from politics to the individual.

The harm done is as harsh, but not as visible as the battlefield. Cruelty is alive and well on this planet. We see the walking dead and maimed. We see people crippled by self treatment of drugs and alcohol, drop outs, derelicts with psychiatrists and care centers flooded by the injured. There are also all those who hide in plain sight, survivors, wounded but struggling on. Who among us hasn’t suffered trauma that impacts our lives?

There are warriors who fight against the trauma and pain in life. Wounded warriors are those who were injured themselves and fought to overcome it and work to help others overcome. There are agencies and care facilities who work against the tide of injuries. There are churches who recognize the power of God to heal the broken hearted.

Christ established God’s healing ministry on earth while He walked in the flesh and continues it through the work of the Holy Spirit today. All of us need this healing and need to be a part of this healing for others. We can choose to help or harm. Compassion is a choice. Love is a decision. Compassion and love are hard because they require a person to sacrifice themselves. The good is worth it for the individual and the world around them. The warriors are the people that make the world a good place to live.

I am grateful beyond my ability to express it for the many people who have been the agents of healing in my life. They are the heroes on the battlefield and in life. Give thanks to our military for protecting our freedoms. Give thanks to the life warriors who work to free minds and hearts. Give thanks that God opened heaven’s doors that we might find continuous help and encouragement beyond anything man can do alone.