Three Things We Can Do When Our Loved Ones Struggle
How can we be there for a loved one when they have been through so much? This article looks at three things that we can do to walk alongside of our loved ones who struggle after traumatic events.
Where Was God?
In all of the bad, how can we see God in it all? Where was God when so much evil was happening in a combat zone? Why doesn’t he just take the pain away? This article explores some of these challenges while also looking at specific examples of where God has shown up in Matt’s experience. God doesn’t always take you out of the storm, but he walks you through it.
An Easter Egg
What do you do when, as a first responder, the tragedy hits so close to home? What do you do when you can’t fix it for the people that you love the most? Beth reflects on Easter weekend and working through these struggles that are so fresh and raw.
Spring Break 2004
When it comes to trauma, anniversary dates can be especially difficult. For Matt, that most difficult anniversary is from the first week of April in 2004 when he spent time in Fallujah, Iraq.
If you have those anniversary dates, know that you do not need to struggle alone. Though these days are hard, there is hope.
One Word: Hope
In our suffering, we can feel hopeless, alone, and so broken that we can’t be put back together. Here, we share a story about a veteran who has been there and how God met him where he was at.
Dear Pastor…
Dear Pastors and church leaders,
As the shepherd that God has ordained you to be, you are on the front lines in this fight against PTSD, moral injuries, and suicide. That’s why we are here to help! This article offers insights into caring for combat veterans in your congregation and community.
You Show Up for Everyone—Who’s Showing Up for You?
The shift ends, but the weight doesn’t always stay at work. If you’ve been carrying more than you admit, this is for you.
The Walking Wounded
Maybe you just need someone to share with who has walked in your shoes or has faced impossible circumstances themselves. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, we would love to get you started in our peer support program.
God, I’m Not Okay
PTSD doesn’t just hurt—it lies, telling us we’re alone and too far gone. Faith doesn’t erase what happened, but it can anchor us when everything feels unstable. If you’re carrying this in silence, don’t—reach out.
Dear Warrior, You Are Loved
Nothing really prepares you for combat, and to anyone who has never experienced it, you can’t really begin to know what it is like. For all of the training, nothing prepares that young adult who sees his brother shot, or hears his brother scream after being hit by a sniper, just to later see the blood soaked arm of the Marine who applied first aid. Nothing prepares the machine gunner who is following orders, but takes out a bus full of people because he thought it was a vehicle borne IED. Nothing prepares you for the blank look on your face and the emotional numbness that you feel when you have another human in your sites, you pull the trigger, and they never get back up again. Nothing prepares you to see oil fields on fire, the fall of a city, or the sight and smell of death. Nothing prepares you for this, and more that is seen and done in combat.
Veterans and the Church
Church leaders, we are calling on you to support our veterans. First, take time to try to see us. I mean really see us. You probably can’t relate. That’s okay, let’s have a conversation. Secondly, be active with our veterans. Offer pastoral counseling, group counseling, assistance, case management, job training, or donate to veteran causes. Think locally, connect with other churches and organizations. Let our veterans know that they are not forgotten and show them the love of Christ. And please, stop assuming, and stop labeling everything you don’t fully understand.