Friends, I Need Your Prayers - and Your Opinions

(((((((((Annie)))))))) You and I don't agree on much, and neither of us are above throwing a few "choice" words at each other. But we have also enjoyed a laugh or two, advice, and even a friendly word when it's warranted. This is time for the friendly word. Find a few friends who you are close to, preferably someone who has a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq also. Just a few though. Make an agreement with them that while you talk, any and all venting is allowed. Then hold your venting to those friends. Too often we left our worries define us. We become burdons to everyone we know because we feel that if we don't tell everyone exactly how we feel we're being phoney. Take it from a guy who lived it for too long, just because people ask, doesn't mean they care, or are entitled to the whole truth. With a few friends you totally open up to, you have a way to let off the steam. Since you all have agreed to vent only to each other, your conscience has an excuse to not have to tell everyone everything. My other advice is, don't hang on every report about the war. All that does is make you miserable and brings on more gray hair. Spending all your time freaking out about this report or that one doesn't help your loved ones at all, and costs you dearly. Send your loved ones care packages. Fill them with things that you know they like or can use. That gives you opportunities to think of them in positive ways instead of just the worrying. When you are putting the packages together, try to picture how excited they'll be to get them. When you are shopping, keep an eye out for things they would like (that doesnt mean you have to buy everything you see. They are going to be on your mind anyway, this give you positive ways to deal with it instead of dwelling on negatives. Whether you agree with the war or not, be proud of your loved ones. They aren't there for Bush, or any other politician. They are there to live up to the commitments they made. They are there because the only thing worse than what they are going through would be having to live with themselves if they didn't answer when called. You (and all family members of our troops, as well as the troops themselves) are in my prayers daily. As well as a prayer for the missions to be completed and the troops can come home.

I'll definitely keep your family in my prayers AP. I feel somewhat ashamed as I never got involved in politics until Iraq via the economy started affecting my work and job and my personal life. You are probably right, if people like me had been more informed and mobilized earlier, perhaps we wouldn't be stuck in the quicksand as we somewhat now are in. Hopefully this will be a lesson to all of us new voters as I know I need to be more active in the future so things like this never happen again.

I have no advice for you nor do I have any soft words of encouragement. Our young people have been fighting and risking their lives for our country, our citizens, our freedoms and the freedom of others since our country began. Your family members are joining the honored ranks of the others that have served courageously before them. They are what makes this country the greatest country in the history of the world. They should be honored among us. Though I don't know them, I am extremely proud of them and their service. And of course the sacrifice of their families. You are no less heroic than they are. In fact, the role of those loved ones that stay behind is often times more difficult than the ones serving. I am proud of you as well. May God bless you and give you peace in heart and mind. May he also keep your loved ones safe. If you correspond with them please let them know that they are in our prayers every night. When I pray with my boys at night, we ALWAYS pray that God would keep our soldiers safe and to help them get their job done and come home soon. Thank those young men for me for their service and thank you and your family for your sacrifice.

I don't believe in God, don't support the war, don't support bush but I do hope the best for you and your family. Maybe if so many didn't support the war and support bush's need to go to war, then you wouldn't be in this situation. if you believe in god then your family is going because god made it happen for a reason. the bible stated "yet ALL is of god" and "EVERYTHING is according to his will" and the it was all "before ordained". It even states the "god OPERATES all in all". To operate means to Control the Function. Maybe we should look at it from a learning perspective and maybe next time we will not be so willing to send our brave young men and women to die and kill other people unless there is a valid and good reason. If your bible is true, then it is all according to God's will and he stated "his will be done". So no matter what happens to any soldier, it apparently is god's will. that is right from scripture and no my words. peace and love to you and your family and i hope all goes as you desire

I know its not a matter of opinion. i dont believe in the war; however i will be praying for them!

My prayers are with you Annie, it is very hard having to see them go to war. We know its a good cause but that doesn't make it any easier. I hope you find some sort of peace and know that other people do care. Have a nice week.

I will of course keep them in my Thought Sweet I know what you are going through believe me

I'm not a praying man, but I do hope your family will be safe.

I definitely feel for you Annie. I hope and pray that this war will end soon and that they will all return home safely. All I know to tell you right now, is to hold them deep inside your heart and keep praying for them. I pray they will return home to you soon.

I am so sorry to hear this. I know that it is honorable to want to fight for your country, but that does not make it any easier for the people who love them. I will be praying that all three of them come home safely real soon. The only way I know that you will be able to get through this is pray, remain strong and keep yourself busy. God bless you.

I'm sorry I'm only now just seeing this annie, but of course you have my prayers for your nephews safety as they go to Iraq. I have to admit I'm confused though. I thought long time ago the military prohibited family members to be serving at the same time ever since I believe it was during World War II when three brothers were in the Navy I think and serving together...all three were killed on board their ship, after that the govt sanctioned that family members could not go or be sent together during wartime to prevent something like this happening again

Mmm... Understood fully Annie. You don't have to worry about people on here (mylot), or at least this person. You know you can ask for support at anytime. You've got it. I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts along with others and their loved ones. Let your nephew and great nephew be safe and home soon as possible.

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. War effects everyone in many different ways, none of them good. Your neice is lucky to have a person like you for an aunt. I read alot of discussions and responses from you and I could tell from day one that you were a strong, compassionate woman. You will be great support for your neice. However, dont forget about you! Its alot to take on. First by being a support system for your neice and sister and law. Secondly by taking care of you. Actually that should be first. You have to take care of number one. You'll be no good to anyone if you dont take care of your feelings, needs, etc. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Also, I have put in a prayer request with a friend of mine that is going to Italy to see the Pope. We are all rooting for you and yours. Best Wishes DL

Now I understand your passion! I hope that they all stay safe and come home really soon! Whether or not we agree with the war or the reason, often not enough thought is given to the fact that real people are over there fighting for us! My thoughts are with you and yours my friend!

I would say that she is going to need lots of family support. They will bein my thoughts and prayers and hopefully they will be home quickly.

Annie I will certainly add these 3 young men to my prayer list - I pray regularly for several specific service men and women as well as all serving our country. It does hit close to home when you have a family member or close friend serving our country during these times. Personally I have a son who has now served 10 years and been 'sent over' more times than I can count. As for advice for getting through this - pray pray pray. I think the hardest part for me has always been the times of not knowing, the '30 second phone call' (here's the number to call if there's and emergancy, can't tell you where I'm going, I love you Mom)

Definately my prayers goes to you and your family. Dear Lord, I bring Annie's family to your hands, give them strenght and togetherness, give them courage as they wait for their loved one who are in Afghanstan. Protect those who are keeping peace and saving the wounded and give them strength, remove anxiety from the hearts of their loved ones. Give their family members and assurance that they will come back home safely. We pray and trust you oh God. Amen. Annie may God grant you strength to carry on as you wait for your loved one's safe return from the war. It is soo painful to have uncertain hope for your loved ones, I have a brother in the army and I pray for him every night though he is not deployed in any war zone! It is like having a husband or sibling who is a pilot, gosh when you hear about a plane crash your intestines just curl up and you feel like you are going to fall down. I have felt that way once when I heard news that a policeman had be gunned down by a gang of thieves.......I can't explain how mum felt! Annie, be strong and pray hard for your nephews and great nephew. God has a plan for everyone and you never know who touched them volunteer or be chosen to go to pakistan. Everything happens together for good for those who love the Lord.

Hi my friend, my prayers and support is with you. If were in your position, i would do this post too. I understand what you feel though we are not in the same country. The only thing we could do is to pray for your family's safety. Prayer can move mountain, God is so good he will hear our requests...

i pray to god that everything goes fine.friend ,have faith in god,he will surely b kind to u.

Don't Worry my friend.You have already seen our prayers.It will come true.There is nothing to worry.Be proud that three of your family members are serving your nation.You must be a proud man and all wishes to you and your family.