When all is said and done, we of this Church are people of peace. We are followers of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the Prince of Peace. But even He said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matt. 10:34)
This places us in the position of those who long for peace, who teach peace, who work for peace, but who also are citizens of nations and are subject to the laws of our governments. Furthermore, we are a freedom-loving people, committed to the defense of liberty wherever it is in jeopardy. I believe that God will not hold men and women in uniform responsible as agents of their government in carrying forward that which they are legally obligated to do. It may even be that He will hold us responsible if we try to impede or hedge up the way of those who are involved in a contest with forces of evil and repression.
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
President Hinckley’s quote above echoes the sentiments of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) who are serving in our nation’s military. Like faithful Mormons everywhere else, faithful Mormons in the military strive to live their lives according to their beliefs. They are also honor bound to fulfill the duties of a soldier. I’m sure that other soldiers of different faiths share these sentiments. They have no love of war and of conflict but they will fight to preserve our liberty, our families, and our way of life.
And so they go on, heeding the call to leave their families and loved ones in the cause for which they’ve given an oath.
Military deployment is hard on everyone. Even when it is expected, it is still a difficult adjustment for everyone, soldiers as well as their families. While there is no good way to ease the pain of separation, being prepared can help lessen other concerns and anxieties. You and your family need to prepare emotionally and physically for an extended separation. In short, you need to prepare every needful thing.
Inform Your Family
Let your spouse know as soon as you find out about a possible deployment. Discuss any plans for your family while you are gone. Will they stay where they are? Will they move to be closer to family? It is helpful to have these kinds of questions answered before you talk to the children together. The children will have a lot of questions so be prepared. They need to know that they will be well taken care of while you’re gone. Encourage your children to talk about their feelings concerning the deployment and share yours as well.
Get Your Finances In Order
Discuss all financial matters with your spouse before you deploy. If you normally pay the monthly bills for your household, you need to make sure that your spouse is aware of when bills are due and how much you normally pay. Discuss options in case of an emergency.
Get Your Legal Documents In Order
There may be some legal matters that come up in your absence. Prepare or update power of attorney and wills.
Spend Quality Time Together
Plan special activities for the whole family as well as some one-on-one activities with each family member. Take lots of pictures and help your children make a special photo album of those activities. Don’t forget to spend time with elderly parents. They will also be affected when you deploy so take the time to go visit them as a family.
Talk To Your Church Leaders
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have another wonderful support system in place – their ward (local Church unit). Talk to your Bishop (Church leader for the local unit) and other ward leaders. Let them know how long you’ll be gone and share any other concerns you may have about your family with them. They can be a great resource especially if you don’t have any other family nearby. Ask them for a special blessing not only for you but for your family as well. Members of other faiths have a similar option available to them. Talk to your religious leader and seek their blessing for you and your family. Your church community will also be a great comfort to your family.
If you are preparing to deploy or are already deployed, please know that you are in our prayers. We are grateful for your sacrifice and your service. Please know that we will continue to pray for all of our men and women to return home safely to their loved ones and for this conflict to end.
To our brothers and sisters in harm’s way, we say that we pray for you. We pray that the Lord will watch over you and preserve you from injury and that you may return home and pick up your lives again. We know that you are not in that land of blowing sand and brutal heat because you enjoy the games of war. The strength of your commitment is measured by your willingness to give your very lives for that in which you believe. (President Gordon B. Hinckley).
