Defend Us in Battle

For my eldest grandchild’s 12^th birthday, I purchased a weekly subscription to a junior news magazine in hopes that it would introduce him to a broader understanding of the world around him. The magazine includes articles on sports, science, and nature, as well as current events, which will hopefully act as a catalyst to inspire daily conversations and help him learn how to form his own opinions and point of view. The contents, according to his father, have been primarily unbiased and objective. On Friday evening, we headed up to Orange County to watch our grandson’s flag football game, and I was pleased when he initiated a conversation about the current conflict in Iran. While his understanding is fairly basic, it was definitely a great start for what I hope will be many more discussions on global topics.

In our middle school and some elementary grade Social Studies classes, teachers include current events in their daily lessons, so I know our students have a rudimentary understanding about what is going on in the world. But since most conflicts do not happen on U.S. soil, these discussions are likely not especially relevant or meaningful. Unless a situation impacts us personally, we cannot fully appreciate its significance and we quickly forget its gravity.

Like several of our staff members and school parents, I am affected a bit more personally by the situation that has unfolded in the Middle East. My husband deployed twice -- to Kuwait and Iraq -- during the Global War on Terror in 2003 and 2004. As all military spouses are accustomed, I temporarily became a single parent, responsible for keeping everything operating on the home front: taking care of the house (the cars, the bills, the upkeep); the kids (homework, sports, trips to the doctor); all while trying to keep a positive attitude knowing the potential danger that could unfold.

This past weekend, news agencies reported that three California-based warships carrying 2,500 Sailors and Marines from San Diego are en route to supplement efforts in the Persian Gulf. We have been informed that five St. Michael’s School dads are part of this mission. While we believe the conflict is resolving, we, as a school community, will continue to lift them up in prayer until they return home safely. We also hold in prayer the moms and children of those deployed as they navigate alone, always brave and always proud. May God richly bless and watch over all of our military families for the sacrifice they make every day so we can enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Each morning, SMS students pray the Prayer of St. Michael, who is the Patron Saint for our Military. I hope you will make this a daily offering as well.

Deo Gratias, Kathy