I love Google search engine...well I guess any search engine, but I typed in "Women in the Military" and this photo showed up on Wikipedia. These 4 Bad A-- fighters are walking across the tarmac to their awaiting F15 jets. I smiled with pride.
Wikipedia said, "Four F-15 Eagle pilots from the 3rd Wing walk to their respective jets at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 5, for the final flight of Maj. Andrea Misener (far left). To her right are Capt. Jammie Jamieson, Maj. Carey Jones and Capt. Samantha Weeks."
I love working with military women. They are "a cut above" in all they endeavor to do. Most of them have experienced horrendous trauma, as little girls, as wives, and as enlisted. If you look closely at these women, you see they are smiling at each other. I can only guess why they are laughing, maybe the fact that they are being photographed because of their uniqueness. The commarodery is abundantly clear and I'm sure they will be friends even after they leave military service.
What makes someone put themselves in harms way? Do they possess something others don't possess? Is courage a personality trait that some possess and others only yearn for? I don't think so. I think women in the military who can still smile even in the aftermath of incredible challenges have learned to look beyond their circumstances. They do not let their past define them or claim their identity. They chose a life and daily those choices are reflective of their effort to continue to learn, to grow, and to overcome adversity.
The Bible says,
When times are good, be happy.
When times are bad consider:
God has made the one as well as the other."
Ecclesiastes 7:14
The New Living Translation says it this way: "Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life."
If you notice, it says to be happy when things are good, but it doesn't say to be SAD when things are bad. Why? Because to contemplate or "consider" takes it out of the emotional realm and puts the situation into a cognitive realm where solutions can be found. Sadness only makes you stay stuck.
SIRI defines "consider" as, "Think carefully about (something). Typically before making a decision." and "Think about and be drawn toward (a course of action).
So, rejoice for the good things, and consider how to change the things that are not good. It's sure to make your decisions pretty BAD A--.