Women In Combat

In late January of 2013, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced he was lifting the military's ban on women in combat.  Consider just a few of the enormous ramifications of this for our troops:  Personal hygiene and sexuality issues; the overwhelming need for upper body strength against the enemy; unthinkable POW scenarios.  And the overarching fact that this one statement takes a sledgehammer to the very foundation upon which we've attempted to raise our sons, namely:  "Guys, always shield and protect your gal....it's not the other way around."  No, Mr. Secretary, this is far too serious of a social experiment to run at the risk of our nation's security.

Come to think of it, some of the best women in combat I've ever seen are not necessarily doing so in an Afghan desert. No, they're in my school parking lot, at the check-out line of the grocery store, and seated next to me at church. They're soldiers of a different sort, battling it out in the trenches of life.

One wrestles to save a dying relationship with a porn-addicted husband.  Another arrives home every night bloody and bruised from ugly court battles for custody of a young child; Yet another slugs it out in the rehab unit on behalf of a wayward son or daughter.  There are even those in the triage ward right now fighting to hang on to a high-risk pregnancy after multiple miscarriages.  These are true women in combat.  And for you brave warriors, I offer these words today:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Now ladies, let's put our camouflage on and get back into the war for our families.  I believe we can win this one.