LET GO, LET GOD

TODAY: Write a letter to a soldier. Neighbors International Foundation, a not-for-profit organization in Great Falls, Va., hopes to send 30,000 letters to soldiers overseas, and you can participate by sending your letters via e-mail to letters@nifoundation. org or snail mail to Neighbors Foundation, 1146-D Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.

This year I have felt a special tie to all the military families who have loved ones stationed in harm's way. Having been an Air Force wife for 27 years, with a husband who spent lots of time away, I know how hard it can be. It made me remember my husband's first long deployment and how I felt.

I was young, in my 20s, when my husband, an Air Force pilot, was called to go to the Vietnam War for a year. I had two small children, ages 3 and 1 1.2. I was terrified, to say the least. How would I take care of my babies, and how would I be able to stand the danger my husband would be in?

The answer was simple. I couldn't. I had to give it up to God. I had to let God do the worrying and the safekeeping. I couldn't. I had to release my fears to Him. I had to trust. And, I did.

I survived the year, my husband (thankfully) survived the year, and the children thrived. Through it, I learned a valuable lesson. God is in control, not me. With God's help and comfort we can survive anything. God blessed me greatly and He will bless you too. Whatever our concerns and trials, God will be there to help us and see us through. What an amazing blessing. Thank you, God.

— Bev Kinego

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist