The Silent Page

Today is the first day I have felt somewhat normal in weeks. Many. Weeks. Since I returned from Austria at the beginning of this year, I have been plagued with near debilitating medical issues. I even thought I might not be able to go to Bulembu. Thankfully, a diagnosis was made and medicine was prescribed. But it wasn’t the right solution, and I have since become a guinea pig to doctor’s trying to find the right cocktail that will do the trick. In the meantime, there are days when I can barely get out of bed. Today is the first day I haven’t had a moderately painful headache or full-blown migraine in more than a month. Remnants of PTSD crept back into my life creating anxiety that made me fearful to even leave my home.

And work? Ha. Forget work. If there was enough energy to make it downstairs, I’d consider that a good day. There have been a few projects here and there, for which I am thankful. But my blog…

I consider this blog to be the window to my soul. I know God has called me to write, and I don’t mind opening the shades so people can get a glimpse inside. But I’m the type of writer who believes that writing just for writing’s sake is ineffective and pointless. I’m reminded of the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. When he heard that Jesus was coming, he tried to position himself close enough but the crowd was too much. So, he yelled, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd told him to be quiet but Bartimaeus only yelled louder. When Jesus heard his cry, he called him over and asked him what he wanted. He replied, “My rabbi, I want to see.” Instantly, Bartimaeus was healed, and he followed Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Bartimaeus spoke when he needed to and when it mattered most. And when everything was on the line, he didn’t give up. I liken myself to Bartimaeus when it comes to writing. I write only when I feel there’s something important to say. I can’t blog just to blog. I must make a difference. What I write must matter to the reader. Otherwise, why bother? Bartimaeus believed Jesus would heal him if he just yelled loud enough.

This is where the similarities between me and Bart end. I feel like I have been screaming at the top of my lungs, but Jesus hasn’t been listening. Yes, I know in my head that God always hears us. Moving that knowledge about 12 inches lower to my heart is a different story. When depression takes over, you stop believing in everything and everyone, including yourself.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened up my blog in the last three weeks, wanting desperately to write something that matters. Instead, I would just wait; not for inspiration but for death to wash over me because I don’t have the courage to do it myself. So, another day would pass and another page would remain silent.

Until today when there is a glimmer of hope. But I’ve seen this movie before. And I know how it ends. I wonder how long the page will remain silent this time.

Military Suicides

Here’s another fantastic post by guest blogger, J. Doug Settle.

Brigadier General Stephen J. Townsend, senior commander for the 101^st Airborne at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, recently communicated with his troops about the problem of suicide. He encouraged those who may be struggling with mental or emotional or spiritual issues to seek medical attention. It seems that the suicide rate at Fort Campbell is the highest in the Army. A recent article reported that there have been 11 suicides since the beginning of this year.

The General is reported as saying, “…remember this—suicidal behavior in the 101^st on Fort Campbell is bad…It’s bad for soldiers, it’s bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our army and our country, and it’s got to stop now…” Gee. You think so?

It seems that Fort Campbell is not the only military installation to be experiencing the problem. Some studies suggest that, “Sixty-four potential active-duty suicides” have occurred in the Army ranks this year.

I can only imagine the frustration and concern General Townsend must be feeling. He is right to try and address the problem. It would be wonderful if his talk alone would produce the desired effect. But we know that it won’t.

The problems associated with contemplating suicide require answers that go very deep; including the realms of the mind, soul, and spirit. Though the military recognizes the seriousness of the problem, I don’t see them as always recognizing the kind of support needed to provide a lasting remedy.

Part of the problem is that the military chaplaincy has been hindered from performing a legitimate role as the ministers and shepherds of God’s Word. Their hands have been tied spiritually. They are forced to operate within very limited parameters. Our warriors are being shortchanged, all in the name of political correctness. It should be about the truths and teachings necessary that could bring about change and stability in the lives of the troops!

I was a light weapons combat infantryman who actively served in the Republic of South Vietnam from July 1970  through July 1971. Since returning from my tour-of-duty, having also been plagued with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, I determined to do as much research as possible until I discovered legitimate answers for dealing with the malady, including answers for managing suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Forced to deal with stressors from the past and present, I have sought ways to handle the inner turmoil and pain. It has been a real struggle. I must add that for me, the practical answers, extracted from God’s written revelation, provided the promises, principles and provisions I needed to continue in life. The answers discovered in God’s Word can best help alleviate the pain, suffering and inner turmoil in the lives of our nation’s warriors.

Consider closely what Jesus Christ had to say: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10b).

When lives are rightly aligned with God’s Word and Will, God provides the practical wisdom needed, regardless of the difficulties one may be facing.

Some of my brothers have not survived their personal struggle with daily and delayed stress; deciding instead to take matters into their own hands. They have taken a giant leap into the dark. All they knew was that they were experiencing excruciating pain and suffering. They simply wanted the pain to stop and there seemed no way out of their stress predicament. What they did not know is that there was a better way, a sure way, a way which would allow them to work through the inner stressors. The abundant life that Jesus Christ promised could have overcome and overridden their problems in living. Leaping into the darkness, taking one’s own life, is never a viable option.

General Townsend exhorted the warriors to seek help if they were having problems. The warrior, at best, is hesitant to go forward due to the labeling and additional problems that could occur. The warrior could be construed as being weak, cowardly, unstable, unfit for service, a threat to the unit’s safety, etc. Seriously, who would want to go forward? It could prove to be a career ending decision. Future promotions could be negatively affected. The warrior understands only too well the pitfalls and feels compelled to try hanging in there the best way he knows how–gut it out!

The warrior, in some cases, will not be able to handle the severity of his problems on his own. Yes, he does need help, but little lasting help is assured. General Townsend also wanted others, who see a warrior struggling with suicidal symptoms, to turn those individuals in. Though a sincere proposal, the negative side effects of such action could develop into another shooting incident, such as was witnessed recently at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

When I finally removed from the battlefield in Vietnam, I became a counselor at “Project Help” in the Americal Division HQ. The Project was a program the warrior could contact with complete anonymity if choosing. No one could interfere with the process nor could negative repercussions ensue. Of course there were certain limitations to insure the safety of others. Under current circumstances, that project might be one General Townsend and the Army might want to consider implementing again.

I stand wholeheartedly by God’s answers. Why? Because I have been there! I am one who has personally struggled with PTSD. I have learned to manage suicidal tendencies. I understand the inner dynamics at play and the help that God has made available. I was fortunate to discover God’s answers; the same answers that He promises others. I would hope that the ministers, chaplains, those who desire to stand on the Judeo-Christian foundation this country was founded on, would be allowed to share the wisdom and direction from God’s Word with struggling soldiers who would desire that kind of direction. It is time to provide some real help to our wounded warriors.

J. Doug Settle
Author of From Stress to Faith Rest
www.jdougsettle.com

Guest Post – Stress Center Shooting

Once again, my good friend, J. Doug Settle, is sharing his thoughts with us. Today, the author of “From Stress to Faith Rest”, give us his insight into the recent shooting where one soldier gunned down five fellow soldiers at a stress center in Baghdad, Iraq. We lift up the men and women who bravely serve to protect our freedoms in prayer. And we pray for the families of those soldiers affected. A special thanks to Doug. Visit his web site to learn more: www.jdougsettle.com.

The details concerning the shooting at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq are still being processed. We can be certain that when all is said and done, when all has been researched and debated, when the professional and media opinions have been amply voiced, the real reasons behind the shooting will remain unexpressed. Granted, the stressors of combat most likely will have had a part to play in what caused the shooter to snap, yet there is a more disturbing reason behind the carnage; a reason that those who determine policy are unwilling to consider let alone accept and do something about.

I remember going through basic training and advanced individual infantry training, coming out of Fort Polk, LA, with a readiness and willingness to kill. We were well trained to do our job and do it efficiently. I was sent to Vietnam where I had an opportunity to express and fine tune my newly learned combat skills. I returned well suited for the job, yet my job duties were no longer required. I returned to the shores of the USA, having laid down my weapons of war, with the encouragement from everyone, “forget your experience and get on with life.” Wishful thinking on their part, but that was never going to happen!

You see, in all the training to kill, not once did anyone teach me how to live. I was never taught the first thing about maintaining one’s morals while successively engaging the enemy on the battlefield. They had not once taught me about the God who is there and who cares about everyone’s life. They had never taught me how to be a good soldier and still maintain one’s faith in God regardless of the circumstances. They had not said one thing about the Sovereignty and Providential care of God when one’s life or a buddy’s life was on the line. They had never once shared about how to apply by faith the spiritual promises, principles and provisions of God’s Word to practical everyday living while engaging the enemy in a hot LZ.

In all the professional training we warriors were provided, the spiritual side, that which we desperately needed to properly harness and utilize the combat skills ethically, remained untaught! Upon returning home, I was like a tank racing down a super highway with a blind man at the controls. As far as I know, the Chaplaincy had to abdicate their shepherding roles, seeking a compromise, to maintain a more general view due to diversity. It was either do that or suffer the consequences. The real answers spiritually were never communicated. The proper Biblical view of man, operating from the inside out, was never mentioned.  The spiritual side must come first for the physical expression to be appropriately demonstrated. Getting the cart before the horse does not work.

It can be argued by some that the moral and spiritual side is never to be the military’s responsibility and that those issues are to be learned at home, during one’s youth. Yes, that should have been the case, but preparing one for combat goes well beyond the benchmark for living life in America!  War includes grown up decisions that need to be made at very critical times while engaging the throes of combat. Training should provide the moral basics so the men going into harms way will have the moral clarity and divine wisdom concerning the job they are being asked to do!

OK, so what do I propose? What could have made a difference at the counseling clinic in Baghdad?

First, how about dropping the political correctness arguments like a hot potato and accept and reestablish the sure footed foundational faith structure that operated in this country at its inception? Contrary to the opinion of some, we were a Christian nation that maintained a Judeo-Christian ethic. It had as its basis the supporting structure of the Ten Commandments; which are recognized by many religions and peoples around the globe as applicable and vital to the life and integrity of any free society. One does not have to be a Christian for these principles to operate.

Second, how about no longer allowing those in opposition to proven moral principles and structures to call the shots? Why must the American people be forced to stand by and watch as the foundation crumbles under their feet? Why allow those without a moral driver’s license to take over at the wheel, thereby determining the direction this country is headed?

Third, how about a return to allowing and requiring men of faith and integrity to truly serve as spiritual shepherds by expressing the foundational spiritual truths to the men they counsel and minister with? Does it really make sense, due to political correctness, to leave the name God out when communicating spiritual truths? Must God continually be referred to as a “higher power” to placate those who do not believe in the one, true God? The minority, through their lawsuits, are forcing the majority to redefine their terms. Someone will be offended, so why not stick with the foundational structure that has made this nation great and let the detractors learn to simply live with it?

Fourth, providing stress centers is a good thing, but refusing to allow books, resource materials and ministers to communicate with those being counseled due to diversity and political correctness arguments, is like telling the patient who has strep throat that he needs antibiotics but being unwilling to provide them.

Doing and providing for the above suggestions would head off many problems down the line.  The impact of PTSD would be tremendously lessened. God stands behind every one of His promises. Failure to heed His rule of life will always cost something; perhaps, just as we have recently witnessed, the lives of six innocent warriors! Are we willing to continue watching our best winning the battles in combat, while being defeated among the many battlefields of life? Back to the basics!

Guest Post – J. Doug Settle

Jesus said,“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…”
(Matthew 11:28 NASB)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has presented real problems in living for many.  This is especially true in the lives of those combat veterans who returned and are returning from past and present wars. The problems have called for genuine solutions, but those currently in place seem to fall short of reaching a healthy and manageable goal. The question becomes: Are there really any legitimate answers for effectively dealing with or managing PTSD?

While I personally will not discount or endorse the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the many proposed remedies, I do support the solutions as presented in the Word of God for its proposals in dealing with this destructive malady. As the above verse promises, God offers those who are “weary” – tired, exhausted, or worn out – as well as those who are “heavy-laden” – carrying around a heavy burden in life, including dealing with matters stemming from PTSD – to come to Him. Those who do are promised “rest”; the kind of rest that brings peace of mind, inner harmony, a tranquil and refreshed soul.

Why then are many missing out on experiencing God’s rest remedies for their souls? Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God wants us to take His Word seriously! God has provided His many promises, principles and provisions to live by. The wise man will hear and obey what God has provided. The problem occurs when the unbelieving man as well as the believing man will not pay attention to God’s Word and Will. PTSD will never be sufficiently personally dealt with until that aspect of life is finally decided on.

In my newly released book, From Stress to Faith Rest, I share my own combat experiences in the Vietnam War and my continued struggles with PTSD. I also go on to share God’s provisions for dealing with my problems in living. I would like to report that God has taken all the pain and horror away and that full healing has occurred. That would be untrue. What has happened is that God has provided legitimate answers for dealing with and managing the problems in living from the stressors inherent in PTSD. He has also provided His peace and rest, making those available to be expressed in my inner and outer life. In that sense, and that sense only, has healing occurred; at least in my case!

While there are some Biblical counselors who would discount the inner workings of man, my book goes on to express how the inner makeup of man is meant to function in life. There are diagrams included that help one understand the Scriptural dynamics involved and how God’s Word is meant to be applied in the crucible of everyday living.

Ultimate healing will one day occur in the lives of those who have personally trusted in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, but for now, experientially, one must learn to rely on God’s Word and Will for living life. I have tested and tasted God’s word for over thirty five years and have discovered that Jesus’ promise of “rest” is true. After all, it is He who also said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6 NASB). Are we willing to go to Him?

To find out more about my book,, visit my website, “Chapel at China Sea” at http://www.jdougsettle.com.

I’m a Survivor. Are You?

“For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

The underlying causes of posttraumatic stress disorder are still not entirely understood. But many in the mental health arena believe it appears to be both neurobiological and related to the way a person thinks. It has also been suggested that there are two parts of a trauma that contribute to the reaction of a trauma: what actually happened and what the survivor thinks happened.

Not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event goes on to develop PTSD. But there are some risk factors that may make a person more susceptible; risk factors including an especially severe or intense trauma, previous history of trauma, a concurrent mental health condition, concurrent stress life events (such as divorce); lack of support systems or negative familial or community response; and a history of family members with depression or PTSD.

As I have continued to research PTSD for my forthcoming book I have discovered so much about the way a person responds to a traumatic event. In some ways, I’m not entirely proud of the way I responded to the events of 9/11. I was scared. Too scared to do much of anything, including help. But, I have also come to discover that I’m a survivor.

Ben Sherwood is the author of a book called The Survivor’s Club. I haven’t read it yet but am anxious to do so. He was on Glenn Beck’s program yesterday and had this to say about survivors: “The most effective survivors face reality and then develop a plan and they are adaptable in the face of new situations and new challenges.”

Our human response is to want everything to be ok, like I did on 9/11. This phenomenon is called the Normalcy Bias. But in order to survive a disaster, you’ve got to have a plan and take action. I didn’t necessarily have a plan of action before 9/11 because I certainly never imagined in my wildest of dreams that I would come face to face with a terrorist attack. But as things began to unravel around me – personally and professionally – I started putting a plan of action together. It didn’t happen right away because I was still in Normalcy Bias mode.

No one wants to think of worst case scenarios. But we live in a world where we must face the reality of anything is possible. We shouldn’t live in fear but we certainly need to understand – NOW – how we can be survivors.