An E-mail from a Former Shipmate

Tanya Wallace (TJ), is a Navy officer. She was a former shipmate onboard the USS Mobile Bay when she was a chief petty officer and then as an officer. She is a sister in Christ.

jojo



All,

I seldom write emails such as this. But here it goes...

I continue to wonder what some people actually think as they act in ways that make no sense to me. The latest issue is related to Berkeley, California. For those not familiar, there have been great protests in Berkeley against the Marine Recruiters opening a new office. This is nothing more than another story in a long line of stories where there are great protests against war.

Odd....As there is often violance and yelling and hate statements that are freely exchanged during these protests. How is it physically possible to be for peace if there is such violent behavior?

I once was confronted with a question as to what I thought of the Iraq War. The man that asked this question was good hearted in many ways but highly against the war and any number of other things in the government. He had a bit of a reputation in being animated in his dislike and would enjoy stirring up "lively discussions" over things that were his passions such as his stance on the war. My response (in part) was:

'It is normal to dislike war...In fact it is healthy to dislike war. All true military professionals (not politicians in uniform, but professionals) dislike war as they see the horrors far more than most. Some see far more than anyone would like...others are spared this ugly prospect, but all of us are subject to be part of this ugly side of our world in defense of our nation...our home.

However, simply complaining about war doesn't end war...being angry and spewing statements of hate doesn't end war.....
Our individual power to end war comes from creating peace within ourselves. There could not possibly be war if every one of us in this world had the courage to cultivate peace within ourselves. In fact, if every one of us could have an active part in ending war if each time we thought of the horror of war (where ever that war might be) we would only follow a simple formula:
-Do something positive for ourselves we would not normally do - even if it is only prayer.
-Do something positive for someone in our familiy we would not normally do - even if it is only prayer.
-Do something positive for someone in our community we would not normally do - even if it is only prayer.
-Do something positive for someone in our nation we would not normally do - even if it is only prayer.
-Do something positive for someone in the area of the war or strife we would not normally do - even if it is only prayer.

If enough of us had the courage and presance of heart and mind to do something just this simple in a very honest and loving way, there would be no war. In this way, I would be happy to no longer have a job in the military as there would be no need.'

The question was posed to me during a break in a Tai Chi seminar. There were several folks attending the seminar. As I finished my reply, I realized there was dead silence. I took a quick look around to find that most all other conversation had stopped and most everyone had focused on this conversation. While I was a bit surprised at the time, I made no indication of my surprise. I also had no further comment from the gentleman that asked the question. We soon returned to our practice. And with great appreciation, I have never had to address this subject again since then with those from the group. There is no tension or worry, I love the group and enjoy practicing with them. These are good hearted people...Yes, even the gentleman that asked the question :)

So what happened? I was led to speak my truth without ego or anger. I had passion, but no anger. This always speaks loudly even when the voice is quiet. This was a good lesson for me.

I am often reminded of a conversation during the Vietnam war where Mother Teresa was invited to march in a rally against the war while she visited the US. She declined. However, she stated that she would gladly accept an invitation to march for peace. I believe Mother Teresa was very wise.

As for me, I will continue to follow the advice in my response above and to serve my country to the best of my ability with prayers of familiy and friends and the grace of God to pave the way.

For those who read this, know that the preyers that you send toward those who serve their country are appreciated for more than you may realize. Know they light up each time you thank them for their service even if they are unsure of how to accept the gratitude. Know they and I greatly appreciate those prayers and tokens of gratitude. May each and every one of you be Blessed in your life!

TJ