Veterans and the Church
A few weeks ago, I was a candidate to lead the youth and education ministry at a small church in West Michigan. I wasn’t sure if I was going to accept an offer if one was given, but I wanted to see where it led. That is, until I received a text message from one of my friends- who also is one of my former youth leaders and a reference. My friend, whose husband, like me, is a combat veteran, was furious. Someone from the church called to ask her if I had ever had any “PTSD episodes” on students. My response to that church was the next day, as I declined any further interviews and I gave them tips on how to navigate such a conversation in the future.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time something like this has come up. At a previous church, I was launching a program to mentor combat veterans. One of the elders asked me if I should consider having any kind of “protection” with the risks of working with combat veterans.
There is such a misunderstanding of combat veterans in society and in the church. Yes, I see the stereotypes in movies and on TV. I even see some of them in group texts with guys I served with, and I hear the struggle that so many of my brothers and sisters endure each day. But there is so much more to them, there is so much depth to them. Humans are so incredibly complex, and having gone through what some of our heroes have gone through can make that even more complicated. But each one still has value, made in the image of God.
Sadly, it is easier to just slap a label on something you don’t understand: damaged goods. Dangerous. Broken. Many of us feel discarded, as though we defended our country just to be thrown out once we served our purpose. The VA is overwhelmed. Our families expect the same man or woman to come back from a combat tour. So what does society do? Again, we slap a label on veterans, throw some medication at it, and move on. But what if there is more we could be doing? Where is the church in all of this?
Church leaders, I am 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. Even start a non-profit if there is nothing in your area. 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.
