I’ve never had to spend even one night away from my husband. When his broken leg landed him in the hospital for four days, I was right there in the cot next to his hospital bed. When our little girl was born, he was right there in the recliner beside us. Even when he has to bale hay for most of the night, he is just on the other side of the “walkie-talkie,” and he’s always there for breakfast. I am so spoiled.
But not all wives have such luxury.
This Valentine’s morning, my thoughts turned to our own Ashleigh, and the countless military wives just like her: their husbands are halfway around the world today, February 14.
Let’s spend today, and this weekend, praying for these women. They are no stronger than you or me just because they are married to a soldier: they must find their strength somewhere, or be crushed under the weight of loneliness. They are new brides, mothers of little children, mothers of teenagers, mothers of soldier boys, women with empty arms, women whose husbands have just received orders, women who are newly widowed, women who are facing countless more lonely days.
Let’s pray that they will rest in the strength of He Who is Father and Husband to the lonely.
We all know at least one woman, one family in this situation. Maybe you can leave a comment with their first name so others can be praying for them by name. Maybe you can give them a call to say “I’m praying for you.” Maybe you can take them out to coffee. Maybe this will just serve as a reminder to pray for them continually this Valentine’s Day.
And pray for their soldiers, wherever they are today. That they will be granted strength in whatever battles they are facing today. And that each will stay true to the love of the girl he left behind him…
Thank you for your post, Gretchen. Please pray for Leah – mother of 4 – her husband was called on duty 2 weeks after their newest little one was born.
Gretchen –
I’ve sooo appreciated your posts today. Very sweet – & it’s nice to have good encouragement. I’m one of those “waiting” but life is sweet with Jesus – and I’m learning to value so many of the wonderful gifts He gives each day – family, friends, and opportunities to work & serve Him! Thanks for the reminder of the women who are without their husbands – and for the pictures of your beautiful little Ruth Ann -she looks most like you in the top right & middle pictures…such a cutie! Tabitha
Thank you, sweet Gret… I received flowers today from my Marine, so I’m not feeling quite so lonely. Today my prayers are also with the “women whose husbands have just received orders…”
Dear Gretchen,
I look forward to your posts so much! You and Merritt’s love story is really one that could be a movie! I love this post, (I’m a soldier’s wife) but wanted to make sure when people pray – don’t forget the serviceWOMEN who are over here serving – missing their husbands and children at home – or like me, serving in the same theater as their husband – worrying about him being so close – but so far away at the same time. Blessings to you!
Thank you.
Bethan, Kate, Natalie (another one!).
Charlotte and Madi, both engaged to naval officers. Charlotte is also a navy doctor; both are wrestling with finding wedding dates when the guys are home on leave, and wrestling too with deferred hopes.
Thanks for praying.
Please pray for Lindsey, a young mother of two little children.
~E.A.H.
As always, a beautiful and thought provoking article, Gretchen!