13 Marines dead in Afghanistan. Dozens of civilian's bodies lay in the street. Wounded being carted away in wheelbarrows. These are the images burned into our minds and hearts.
Yesterday, I was driving and learned of the attacks on our brave military who have been desperately working to bring Americans home. I felt crushed at the news and believed our leaders would see this as an act of war. As I waited to hear anger, determination, and retaliation for the lives lost, I didn't get what I wanted. I hoped there would be words that we would rain down justice, but my hope was left wanting. I now fear for the safety of others who will face certain death and many more will be left wounded as an impossible mission continues unchanged to .
One definition of Moral injury is, "The damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress their own moral and ethical values or codes of conduct." Anger, frustration, guilt, shame, regret, result when veterans give their life to serve others, and then feel their life's work has been for nothing. I feel for them. So many questions are left unanswered. Family and friends left abandoned. When we trust two terrorist groups who agree on a common enemy, America, we are at their mercy. When we close our eyes to what is happening and live in denial, we leave ourselves in a position of weakness. We may not be able to influence our leaders, but we can be strong. We can find others who are hurting and find consolation in their comfort. We can hug those who need a shoulder to cry on. We can hold the hands of those who need encouragement. We can kneel next to those who collapse in overwhelming grief. And we can pray.