Nice day in our neck of the woods, sunshine and mild weather.  The large gust of wind early this morning almost stripped all the leaves off one of the neighbor’s tree, one moment it was cloaked in yellow and the next almost bare.  Yet, I look across the valley to cherry orchards and the leaves are still green.

I learned of a term this weekend, from my daughter-in-law who is a Minister, in training to become a Chaplain.

The term:  Moral Injury.

Basic definition, according to the Syracuse University’s Moral Injury Project:  “Moral injury in 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 of codes of conduct.”

Several years ago I had a conversation with a man who used to be an Army Sniper.  He couldn’t understand why police officers had such a difficult time after they had killed a suspect.

I explained to him the similarity of law enforcement and military objectives but there is a large difference, that being that the military’s role is to seek and destroy the enemy, while the law enforcement’s role is to protect and preserve life.

He nodded his head and said that it made sense.

In the heart of most officers lies a desire to protect another person, and while they mentally understand that in doing so they may have to take the life of another, they often do not realize the magnitude of that decision; not only how it affects society but how it may very well tear and their own soul.

For several decades we have known about the need, for most officers, to have counseling after being involved in a fatal shooting.  While it makes some difference that the shooting was necessary, it still preys on the minds of officers.

Thus, the condition:  Moral Injury.  Not all officers will suffer from it, but, many do, and it needs to be addressed.

When I first went into law enforcement if an officer was involved in a shooting he got pats on the back.  It didn’t matter what happened inside his head, he had shot a bad guy who was trying to harm someone else.  He did a good thing and should be ‘proud’ of his actions.

But as the years and professional realization came along we started to understand that just because a bad guy was shot, doesn’t mean that the officer doing the shooting ‘felt good’ about it.  There was an impact on most officers, who covered it up and wouldn’t admit they were having problems because of they were concerned that others wouldn’t think they were ‘macho’ enough to do the job – just one example.

I have no idea what the statistics are now, but when I was working in the profession most officers involved in a shooting got out of the profession within a few short years.

The most effective way for an officer to work through the trauma of taking a person’s life was deemed to be meeting with other officers who had also taken a life and discussing – sometimes several sessions – with them about how it was and what was happening to them, mentally and emotionally.  These conferences have helped these officers immensely.

The officer may also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but there is a difference; and should be treated differently, even if at the same time.

The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been accepted by society for some time, even if not fully understood.  The National Institute of Mental Health describes PTSD as:  “PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” 

PTSD deals more with what has happened externally to the person, whatever that may be – Moral Injury is what has happened internally in the person’s own conscience (and very soul) and how the person reacts to having done something that is against their core values.

As with PTSD in the military personnel and others, it may take a while before the symptoms reveal themselves, but it is just as debilitating a few years down the road, as it is the next day.

Moral Injury needs to be addressed and understood by the leaders in professions that lend themselves to professionals that might have to make a decision that is counter to their heart felt values.

Military, Police Officers, Medical personnel, Firefighters are just a few of the professions that come to mind.

Professions where decisions must be made within mili-seconds are the ones most vulnerable, sometimes that decision involves saving one life while another is lost.  Where they can’t save both people, but having to make that decision haunts them to the point it is difficult to continue functioning as a normal adult.

There are, of course, other examples, but I will leave it with what I have written.

Because Moral Injury is a soul wrenching situation, it must be dealt with by someone who understands that fact.  The methods of helping these people to deal with their actions and help them overcome the tremendous guilt that occurs are different than that of PTSD, and realizing that can make all the difference in successfully helping that professional.

I know that the meeting with other officers that went through it have helped, those departments that have Chaplains available to them have the added benefit of someone who understands that the act can also tear a person up within because they have violated their values – and may feel they can never recover.

While some Psychologists and Psychiatrists don’t “buy into” Moral Injury, to an almost three decade long law enforcement officer and Christian, it makes perfect sense.

It isn’t just Christians that this can happen to, it can happen to anyone who has to go against their core values and have a result that goes contrary to what they ‘know’ should be done.

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Proverbs 19:20-21  KJV  “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

²¹ There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

This was my meditation verse today, it fit in perfectly with my thoughts on Moral Injury.

Later, Art (-:

We have had some pretty days in our neck of the woods, bit of rain, but nothing to ‘dampen’ our spirits.  Right now I am looking at a nice blue sky, a slight breeze, comfortable temperatures and the hummingbirds feeding at the feeders.

Little Gold Finches are chirping away as they attack the sunflowers, Carla leaves up, for their food.  Quail chicks are all grown up and walking around in the garden with their parents and on the back hill side, feeding and getting ready for winter.  Other birds are letting us know that they too are thankful for the blessings of these fall days.

Took a quick trip to Gresham, yesterday, lots of rain, sometimes buckets coming down all at once on the car.  But, managed to dodge the real deluges when we were going to the store from the parking lot, sky just closed up for a few minutes.  She has been getting ornaments for the kids, their spouses and grandkids from Hallmark for well over 35 years now.

We used to get them at Neva’s here in The Dalles, but the store closed several years ago, so we go to Gresham for her annual trek.  She matches them as best she can to the personality or the ‘likes’ of each person, and really enjoys doing it.

Me, I went along for the ride, picked up a couple of items from another store, and enjoyed an hour long chat with my brother-in-law as I waited for Carla’s arrival.  One of the few good things about modern technology is the cell-phone; sometimes.

Speaking of technology, my internet was down for quite a while, then e-mail was hit and miss, seems it is okay now.  So, here is another one of my thoughts of the day, from my readings and meditations.

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Ephesians 6:11-14  KJV  “ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

Most Christians understand this message, very well.

American Christians have been seeing the battle going on throughout the world for centuries and now, more than ever, we are experiencing it within the borders of our own country.

While we have not reached the high persecution, prosecution and terrorism of many of our brethren, if things do not change we will see and experience it soon enough here; indeed some already are.

Satan has stirred up deep seated anger and feelings of helplessness in all walks of people.  The so-called leaders are feeding the fuel of hatred and desire to destroy anyone that disagrees with them, more and more.

It is almost impossible to tell if anyone truly wants to try and reach out to the other side to find common ground.

Satan wants people to see this as a physical, not a spiritual battle.  He wants people to focus on what they see and not try to understand what he is doing with the spiritual souls of all involved.

As Christians, we must start focusing on those spiritual issues, we need to pray for those that are suffering, yes, but we also need to stand fast against satan’s minions that are stirring up the people against God and His Word.

Too many of us, and I put myself at the top of the list, are arguing about the results, not the causes of the events occurring in our country. 

We are not treating them as they should be treated, a spiritual war that needs spiritual weapons to fight it.

Prayer, is one of those weapons: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,”

But so is watchfulness, seeing what is happening and taking action so our Christian brethren and other victims of satan’s wiles can be protected:  “and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

But there is that subject of prayer, what should we be praying for, besides strength and guidance for ourselves and other Christians?

Do we pray for America to go back the way it used to be?

I would say, no.  While we had/have many wonderful things going for us in this country, we also have had many things we should be ashamed of, particularly as Christians.

Slavery, of course is an issue, but once that was addressed, the majority of people, Christians included, still treated (and many still do) the Black People and other ethnic groups as second class citizens.

We have treated the Indians as second class citizens from day one.  The poisoning of over 750 citizens in the City of The Dalles is pointed out as the first bio-terrorism in the United States.  In the modern era that is correct, and those citizens weren’t the only ones who suffered, they were just the only ones that went for medical assistance, we have no idea how many chose to weather it through at home, successfully.

However, it really isn’t the first act of biological terrorism in the United States.  Our own government sent soldiers into Indian villages with clothes and bedding contaminated with small pox and other diseases fatal to the Indians and caused many deaths, not just illness.

Then, of course, greed, not only corporate but personal greed has cause millions of people to be deprived of the ability to make an honest living or live a life free from fear.  We have become a country where ‘must have’ has taken over the needs and the supposed need has become having the finest television, car, clothes and other items conditioning us to forget that these are ‘wants’ not needs.

And these are just a few of the many things that have and are being done to people in our country. 

Things that take our minds, hearth and spirit off of God.

I really don’t think that the VAST majority of our fellow countrymen wish to go back to any of these ‘past lives.’

One of the things we have to be very careful about, as Christians, is the anger we allow to stir up in our hearts as we see the destruction of the things of God that we hold very dear.  The destruction of the historical things that made this country great AS WELL as things we need to remember occurred and use that knowledge to improve our nation.

We need to pray.

Mathew 5:44  KJV  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

I was reminded, again, this week that during my time trying to hold the Rajneesh accountable to Oregon law, I never once, NOT ONE TIME prayed for them.

Not once.

That is not a comfortable thing, for me, as a follower of Christ, as a man who wants to believe he is living the best he can for Christ, to admit. 

Not once.

These people used our system, attacked our citizens, poisoned people, almost killing some; planned to kill some, planned to manipulate the ballot box, tried to disrupt and eventually control Wasco County government – they were by definition enemies, people that hated us, who despitefully used us and persecuted us.

And Jesus said, pray for them. 

FOR, not against. 

The way I read that verse is to pray for them.  Pray for their souls.  Pray they understand who Jesus the Christ is and what He has and is doing for them as individuals.

Pray that they come to their senses and accept the only One true God; accept the gift of eternal life that He gives to all who come to Him through His Son.

Yes, pray that God will take control of the situation and protect us, but remembering that these are people being manipulated by other people who are being manipulated by the antithesis of God, satan himself.

They have turned their minds and their souls over to satan and allowed him to use them for his purposes; and while it may also appear to be to their own benefit, the end result is always destruction of the soul.

Not once did I pray for them.

Everyone that reads this believes they have a person that fits the description:  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

So, when was the last time you prayed FOR your ‘enemies’ whomever, perceived or real, and where ever they are?

I didn’t say it would be easy.  Being a follower of Christ, to the best of our ability, never has been.

But, He didn’t say, IF you feel like it, IF you want to, only IF you are over it, He said ‘PRAY FOR THEM.’  Period.

Later, Art (-:

The first of October, really, that late in the year?  Where in the world has time gone?

There is no doubt about the date in our neck of the woods, Fall is making itself known.  But love the smell, the freshness of the air, the vibrancy of the animals as they prepare for the winter to come.

Fall is a time of thanksgiving, harvesting the fruits we have so diligently worked for through the year.  It is a time of reflection; a time of resting from that work.

A time of preparation for the winter to come, preparing for the cold, the snow and the work of a different kind.  Shoveling the snow, working to keep warm and safe – spent many years helping people get up a hill, or off the side of an icy road; investigating accidents in below freezing weather, with icy winds bringing the wind chill factor to even lower temperatures and fighting the snow and ice to get through to assist someone.

I have left that to others, and I wish them well!

Winter will be its own master, demanding our energies in a different way, but we will also plan for Spring; Carla will start planting seeds, placing them in the front window to get some sun; to be transplanted at least twice in preparation for the warming winds and warming soil so she can once again share her seedlings, and plant and play in her garden.

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2 Peter 1:2-10   KJV  “ Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

³ According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

⁴ Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

⁵ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

⁶ And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

⁷ And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

⁸ For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁹ But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

¹⁰ Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

I was watching an ad for a television program that was talking about how we are trying to make contact with aliens.

We have massive instruments set in high areas sending out messages of mathematical and scientific information in the hopes that intelligent life ‘out there’ will respond and contact us via the equally massive receptors awaiting it.

Millions, probably more like billions of dollars have and are being spent to find life on other planets.

Why does the world wish to connect with extraterrestrials when we can’t even connect with the God that created it all?

Why does the world deny HIS existence, but is sure there is intelligent life “out there, somewhere?”

Why do we wish to connect with extraterrestrials when we can’t even connect with the people here on earth?

The world today is amassed with all kinds of communication tools, yet we can’t sit down and have a quiet conversation with each other.

It is easier to text, or use some social media to broadcast our displeasures and hatred, but we don’t want to listen to nor read what the other person has to say in their defense.

How do we think we can get along with an ‘alien’ from outer space, when not only do we not speak the language of our given country very well, let alone be able to speak to those that we hate.  What language are we going to use, why, if they exist at all, would they want to communicate with THIS world?

We need to concentrate on what God has given to us; HE has been trying to communicate with man from the very beginning of time.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

He created a perfect world with a perfect environment for man to live in.  He gave us air to breath, and what we breathe in plants breath out and vice versa. 

He gave us water to quench our thirst and to provide nourishment to plants that can give us food to eat.

He gave us soil to plant those plants, knowledge to grow and harvest them; He gave us animals to both help us and to provide nourishment.

He gave us so many things to make this life on earth comfortable for us.

But the most important thing He gave us was His Son.

Through Him we have the ability to:  “⁴ Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

⁵ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

⁶ And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

⁷ And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

⁸ For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is there for us, not for the asking, but, for the receiving.

We don’t have to use energy or time, it is already prepared for us – yet we squabble and fight like a bunch of spoiled children.

Not accepting or realizing all we need for a strong spiritual life, a righteous life, a perfect life is within us through Jesus.

“⁸ For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁹ But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

How often I have allowed myself to forget these truths.

How often I have been blinded by my own frustrations, my own desires, my own fears, my own anger, my own business.

How often I have forgotten that the Holy Spirit within me is all I need to live a life of purity for Him.

So often, I cannot count and I am ashamed.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

Lord, how often I have failed you.  How often I have forgotten to renew my vow to you, to live my life for you.

To learn, to watch, to listen, to pray, to share Your grace and goodness with others both in word and in deed.

I need your help to lift me out of the mire and help me stand on the firm ground you have already provided me so that my service to you will be meaningful and productive.

AND through that service people will find the real you.  Not some fantasized figure, but the Creator, God, Savior and forgiveness.

Later, Art (-: