Posted on Apr 11, 2017
What's Your Motivation for helping Veterans?
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Victory for Veterans/Veteran March on America do it for soldiers/veterans like SGT Michael Thorin, one of our very own RallyPoint Members and a very close friend of mine! He means the world to me and others here at VFV/VMOA! Send out a Big Prayer Request for Michael in his upcoming Lung Transplant! The Power of Prayer is Strong! It's Strongest here on RallyPoint!
I work hard for veterans in memory of my father-in-law who committed suicide on December 8, 2015 and men like Sgt Michael Thorin that are fighting the good fight to stay alive!
Here is his story!
"It is comforting to know that the VA and UAB are working together to build a better me. I thought the most I would be worth in this life was linked to my SGLI. However, between the oxygen, power chair, lifts, stair lifts, braces, medicines, concentrators, testing equipment, canes, crutches BIPAPs, CPAP's, nebulizers, hearing aids, glasses, and other assorted equipment and supplies, I feel that I have far outgrown the SGLI payout.
I've got no complaints. I have 6 wheels to get around on now. My corrected vision is now better than over 3/4 of the population of the United States (I made this statistic up, so just let me have this moment), with my hearing aids I can hear more than most, I have more oxygen which is purer than any other person I know, and I can answer my phone through my hearing aids. The VA is essentially turning me into Steve Austin from the 6 Million Dollar Man! Why complain, at the very least I feel like I am worth a million dollars now, even if my health doesn't concur with my assessment." SGT Michael Thorin
I joined the Army at 17, did a split op program, we to Basic Training in the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Graduated, spent 4 on active duty, then got out and into the Alabama Army National Guard in 1995, and began my fire service career.
After 9/11, like many others, we started getting deployed regularly. I participated in many deployments, both Title 32 and Title 10. My Title 10 deployments were to Fort Stewart in 2003, Afghanistan 2003, Anniston Army Depot in 2004, and Iraq in 2005 - 2006.
While I was actually stationed at CSC Navstar, Kuwait (Iraqi and Kuwaiti border), our mission was convoy security and route reconnaissance. Route recon roughly covered the area of Safwan to Kuwait. Convoy security took us as far south as Basra, and as far north at Mosul. We made many trips to Fallujah, al Taqaddum, Balad, Tallil, Taji, Scania, FOB Orion, Tikrit, Mosul, Basra, and BIAP.
During this time, we operated in M1114 up armored HMMWV's. Of course, they were better than the "hillbilly armor" that was so prevalent prior to the M1114's, so in that respect we were very fortunate.
During this year and a half deployment, we would spend most of our time on the road. Making trips to all of these FOB's and COP's kept us hopping, and we were running op's sometimes as long as 17 hours at a time. During my time in country, our HMMWV would be hit 3 separate times by IED's. Of these times, none led to any immediate injuries, other than a staved up back and a terrible desire to light something up. We endured, however, and there is no doubt in my mind that God had His hand of protection over us.
While in Iraq, I developed a chronic cough, hypertension and severe nausea. I went to the TMC once and was put on bed rest for 3 days and issued out some Ranger Candy. Of course, it fixed absolutely nothing, so I just did what I knew best and avoided the TMC from that day on and sucked it up and moved on. Life is hard, you can own it or you can let it on you; the choice is ALWAYS as simple as that.
After returning home, I went back to work in the fire service. During this entire time, I was battling the cough, hypertension, back pain, chronic nausea, severe joint pain, muscle pains, pain in my long bones (femur and humerus), and of course, PTSD. I reported these symptoms to my regular doctor, and he said I was too young to be having these problems, so he labeled it "exercise induced asthma" and gave me an albuterol inhaler. Needless to say, that was not the cure.
Presently, after several tests, I have been diagnosed with a myriad of medical problems. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, Constrictive Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Cardiac asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, fibromyalgia, and congestive heart failure. There is no good prognosis for any of these, and a lung transplant is the best option. After consulting with the doctors, they told me my heart may not be strong enough to stand the procedure, so now we are being evaluated for a heart transplant too.
We have lost our house, cars, and as for me, a bit of my dignity and self-respect because "I am man, listen to me Our lives are only temporary, and I refuse to sit around my house idly and
Having said that, I have no regrets.
My life has taken me down many winding roads. My two goals in life were to be a firefighter and a soldier. I nailed them, and if there is one thing in this life that I proud of, it's my lineage.
Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed to find a group of people; on here at RallyPoint and Victory for Veterans. Thanks
CPL Roger CopelandSPC Amy Harris]Joni Kelley(Join to see)
I work hard for veterans in memory of my father-in-law who committed suicide on December 8, 2015 and men like Sgt Michael Thorin that are fighting the good fight to stay alive!
Here is his story!
"It is comforting to know that the VA and UAB are working together to build a better me. I thought the most I would be worth in this life was linked to my SGLI. However, between the oxygen, power chair, lifts, stair lifts, braces, medicines, concentrators, testing equipment, canes, crutches BIPAPs, CPAP's, nebulizers, hearing aids, glasses, and other assorted equipment and supplies, I feel that I have far outgrown the SGLI payout.
I've got no complaints. I have 6 wheels to get around on now. My corrected vision is now better than over 3/4 of the population of the United States (I made this statistic up, so just let me have this moment), with my hearing aids I can hear more than most, I have more oxygen which is purer than any other person I know, and I can answer my phone through my hearing aids. The VA is essentially turning me into Steve Austin from the 6 Million Dollar Man! Why complain, at the very least I feel like I am worth a million dollars now, even if my health doesn't concur with my assessment." SGT Michael Thorin
I joined the Army at 17, did a split op program, we to Basic Training in the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Graduated, spent 4 on active duty, then got out and into the Alabama Army National Guard in 1995, and began my fire service career.
After 9/11, like many others, we started getting deployed regularly. I participated in many deployments, both Title 32 and Title 10. My Title 10 deployments were to Fort Stewart in 2003, Afghanistan 2003, Anniston Army Depot in 2004, and Iraq in 2005 - 2006.
While I was actually stationed at CSC Navstar, Kuwait (Iraqi and Kuwaiti border), our mission was convoy security and route reconnaissance. Route recon roughly covered the area of Safwan to Kuwait. Convoy security took us as far south as Basra, and as far north at Mosul. We made many trips to Fallujah, al Taqaddum, Balad, Tallil, Taji, Scania, FOB Orion, Tikrit, Mosul, Basra, and BIAP.
During this time, we operated in M1114 up armored HMMWV's. Of course, they were better than the "hillbilly armor" that was so prevalent prior to the M1114's, so in that respect we were very fortunate.
During this year and a half deployment, we would spend most of our time on the road. Making trips to all of these FOB's and COP's kept us hopping, and we were running op's sometimes as long as 17 hours at a time. During my time in country, our HMMWV would be hit 3 separate times by IED's. Of these times, none led to any immediate injuries, other than a staved up back and a terrible desire to light something up. We endured, however, and there is no doubt in my mind that God had His hand of protection over us.
While in Iraq, I developed a chronic cough, hypertension and severe nausea. I went to the TMC once and was put on bed rest for 3 days and issued out some Ranger Candy. Of course, it fixed absolutely nothing, so I just did what I knew best and avoided the TMC from that day on and sucked it up and moved on. Life is hard, you can own it or you can let it on you; the choice is ALWAYS as simple as that.
After returning home, I went back to work in the fire service. During this entire time, I was battling the cough, hypertension, back pain, chronic nausea, severe joint pain, muscle pains, pain in my long bones (femur and humerus), and of course, PTSD. I reported these symptoms to my regular doctor, and he said I was too young to be having these problems, so he labeled it "exercise induced asthma" and gave me an albuterol inhaler. Needless to say, that was not the cure.
Presently, after several tests, I have been diagnosed with a myriad of medical problems. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, Constrictive Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Cardiac asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, fibromyalgia, and congestive heart failure. There is no good prognosis for any of these, and a lung transplant is the best option. After consulting with the doctors, they told me my heart may not be strong enough to stand the procedure, so now we are being evaluated for a heart transplant too.
We have lost our house, cars, and as for me, a bit of my dignity and self-respect because "I am man, listen to me Our lives are only temporary, and I refuse to sit around my house idly and
Having said that, I have no regrets.
My life has taken me down many winding roads. My two goals in life were to be a firefighter and a soldier. I nailed them, and if there is one thing in this life that I proud of, it's my lineage.
Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed to find a group of people; on here at RallyPoint and Victory for Veterans. Thanks
CPL Roger CopelandSPC Amy Harris]Joni Kelley(Join to see)
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Edited >1 y ago
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I just received some very helpful information from the Nurse that drew my blood. I did not know that they extended the list of contaminants for everyone that drink the water at Camp Lejeune. And they also extended the Time period
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SFC William H.
LCpl Cody Collins - If your blood work comes back with contaminants from Camp LeJune, see a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) and file a claim for benefits. They will know the presumptives (what qualifies)......
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SGT Michael Thorin
Collins, if you have any trouble getting started, post the question on here and give us an opportunity to help you with it before you beat your head against a few walls. A vast majority of those on here have experience navigating the system, don't be afraid to utilize the RP community for help.
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Greetings Sir,
For some reason, I enjoy being around veterans. I can't write I enjoy listening to the 1stSgt's Alaska duty story for the tenth time. But, that comes with the Territory.
In the past, I have listened to my fellow veterans tell me about the cost of their medical imaging bills when having to visit the hospital where I work. So, one of the reasons I built my company was to help my fellow veterans in the veterans choice program. I was denied. TRIWEST does not support ultrasound imaging within the veterans choice program.
So, I applied to TRICARE and won Independent Diagnostic Imaging Lab (out of network). A company must reach out of network first before requesting In-Network provider-ship.
My request for In-Network with TRICARE is being processed. I hope my LLC is granted approval.
This is not volunteering as we understand the term. For any future TRICARE patients I might have, they would only be out co-pays. Not hundreds of dollars when visiting an imaging center, or Hospital out-patient service.
The hospital I work at charges $800.00 for a bi-lat carotid ultrasound exam. How are my future fellow veterans going to afford such high prices? That's right. That is civilian world BS and folks like me are the ones getting an hourly wage to perform such an exam. I can perform that exam in 30 mins.
Facilities cry about overhead. But, they are just after big bucks. Not doing what is the more honorable thing to do for our military personnel. (Not all facilities are the same).
I feel, this will bring Honor to myself and my family name. TRICARE reimburses along Medicare global rates. That is good coin for a poor deplorable like me if my productivity is up. My team mates perform ARDMS certified cardiac exams.
Kind Regards,
Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS (AB-OB), RVT
ARDMS #42771
For some reason, I enjoy being around veterans. I can't write I enjoy listening to the 1stSgt's Alaska duty story for the tenth time. But, that comes with the Territory.
In the past, I have listened to my fellow veterans tell me about the cost of their medical imaging bills when having to visit the hospital where I work. So, one of the reasons I built my company was to help my fellow veterans in the veterans choice program. I was denied. TRIWEST does not support ultrasound imaging within the veterans choice program.
So, I applied to TRICARE and won Independent Diagnostic Imaging Lab (out of network). A company must reach out of network first before requesting In-Network provider-ship.
My request for In-Network with TRICARE is being processed. I hope my LLC is granted approval.
This is not volunteering as we understand the term. For any future TRICARE patients I might have, they would only be out co-pays. Not hundreds of dollars when visiting an imaging center, or Hospital out-patient service.
The hospital I work at charges $800.00 for a bi-lat carotid ultrasound exam. How are my future fellow veterans going to afford such high prices? That's right. That is civilian world BS and folks like me are the ones getting an hourly wage to perform such an exam. I can perform that exam in 30 mins.
Facilities cry about overhead. But, they are just after big bucks. Not doing what is the more honorable thing to do for our military personnel. (Not all facilities are the same).
I feel, this will bring Honor to myself and my family name. TRICARE reimburses along Medicare global rates. That is good coin for a poor deplorable like me if my productivity is up. My team mates perform ARDMS certified cardiac exams.
Kind Regards,
Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS (AB-OB), RVT
ARDMS #42771
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SGT Michael Thorin
Here is an example for you.
This is my wife's bill for an MRI. As you can see, the billed amount WITHOUT insurance is $24,394.82. Read a couple of fields over and you will see the allowable amount negotiated by the insurance company is $1,390.22. That is a $23,004.60 difference!
I understand the cost of an MRI machine is anywhere from $1 million to $10 million, I get that.
But if an insurance company has determined that it is simply worth only $1390.22, then why can they not simply charge that. Most people with no insurance hove no insurance because they have very little to no money; so why charge them this unrealistic amount.
I may be missing something, but the logic here appears to be flawed.
This is my wife's bill for an MRI. As you can see, the billed amount WITHOUT insurance is $24,394.82. Read a couple of fields over and you will see the allowable amount negotiated by the insurance company is $1,390.22. That is a $23,004.60 difference!
I understand the cost of an MRI machine is anywhere from $1 million to $10 million, I get that.
But if an insurance company has determined that it is simply worth only $1390.22, then why can they not simply charge that. Most people with no insurance hove no insurance because they have very little to no money; so why charge them this unrealistic amount.
I may be missing something, but the logic here appears to be flawed.
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Cpl Mark A. Morris
A lot of providers stay out if network. Because, the insurance companies will not reimburse at market levels.
I am sorry to read your bill. That is a lot of money Sgt.
I'm informed, they way things are moving higher deductibles will be the norm. Mine is 2500.
The system is mostly concerned with revenue and productivity. This brings bonus money to board members.
I suspect, this is why I am not allowed on the veteran choice program. But, I will move over to TRICARE and help active duty. All ultrasounds will cost only out of pocket orders. TRICARE will reimburse the remaining amount depending on exam.
I need to work. But, I care about my fellow humans. A lot of companies only care about the money and bonuses.
Mark
I am sorry to read your bill. That is a lot of money Sgt.
I'm informed, they way things are moving higher deductibles will be the norm. Mine is 2500.
The system is mostly concerned with revenue and productivity. This brings bonus money to board members.
I suspect, this is why I am not allowed on the veteran choice program. But, I will move over to TRICARE and help active duty. All ultrasounds will cost only out of pocket orders. TRICARE will reimburse the remaining amount depending on exam.
I need to work. But, I care about my fellow humans. A lot of companies only care about the money and bonuses.
Mark
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there is no reason to think you have lost your dignity and self-respect....from what I have read, you are one super strong person and I have nothing but respect for you....best wishes from one vet to another.....
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SFC William H. well said William and I can tell you that SGT Michael Thorin is one of the most highly motivated individuals that I've had the pleasure of meeting even with all the issues he's faced. He always has a smile on his face and he's upbeat. Awesome individual!
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SGT Michael Thorin
Too kind with your words, but very appreciated COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Thank you for your encouragement as well SFC William H..
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Brother hang in there, we all here are praying for you and our God is a miracle worker and a blessing God! He has throughout your military and civilian career has had you in his palms and still keeping you there by his mercy and grace. I will be prayer vigilant for you even though we have never met in person, this story is compelling, wrought with determination, courage, honor, commitment. God still got you so please try and focus on your current mission, your recuperation, as you said "No regrets", and full speed ahead to your recovery and rehabilitation. The words in your story will help others of us who may think we have the worst of it, but seeing your words makes me feel humbled and want to help in any way possible. Fair winds my friend!
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PO1 Ron Clark
Thanks MSgt Aldi, I havent had that serious an ailment, however there have been times when, I was sick, alone, afraid with no one there at all other than the Almighty! I am living proof that he is a blessing God and I thank you for your kindly words also. The very least we can give is compassion and understanding to our brothers and sisters of the world.
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SGT Michael Thorin
It doesn't take a serious ailment or a near death experience to be a blessing PO1 Ron Clark. MSgt Aldi is 100% correct; compassion and guts, it shows in the writing.
Many people believe that true faith is tested in the trials and fires of life. They believe that, when you come under fire and are at the bottom of your rope, that retaining that faith in an almighty God who desires for us to have that relationship with Him is a true sign of a Spiritual Warrior.
I feel differently. I actually feel the complete opposite. I have lost my job, our house, cars, family members, and my health. All of these physical things are passing, and I could do one of two things; have complete faith and reliance on God, or decide that He didn't care About me and wallow in self-pity.
Ron, those were my two choices. Those were my only two choices. Choosing God allowed me to get past myself and see the blessings we still had.
My idea of the true Spiritual Warrior who doesn't have to have a life altering event to turn him to complete reliance on God.
Had these things not happened, I would never have developed the reliance on God that we should all have.
It would seem that you did not need that "catalyst" that it took for me, and I believe that men like yourself are the type of men that make it easier for men like myself to pull closer to God than to drift apart.
Thank you for the prayers and support Ron. Stay strong my friend.
Many people believe that true faith is tested in the trials and fires of life. They believe that, when you come under fire and are at the bottom of your rope, that retaining that faith in an almighty God who desires for us to have that relationship with Him is a true sign of a Spiritual Warrior.
I feel differently. I actually feel the complete opposite. I have lost my job, our house, cars, family members, and my health. All of these physical things are passing, and I could do one of two things; have complete faith and reliance on God, or decide that He didn't care About me and wallow in self-pity.
Ron, those were my two choices. Those were my only two choices. Choosing God allowed me to get past myself and see the blessings we still had.
My idea of the true Spiritual Warrior who doesn't have to have a life altering event to turn him to complete reliance on God.
Had these things not happened, I would never have developed the reliance on God that we should all have.
It would seem that you did not need that "catalyst" that it took for me, and I believe that men like yourself are the type of men that make it easier for men like myself to pull closer to God than to drift apart.
Thank you for the prayers and support Ron. Stay strong my friend.
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PO1 Ron Clark
You are a tough act to follow! Lol!, but again, my faith began early, I am still a hard work in progress! Lol!, but I try daily, it helps that I have an older sister who has since we were five or six years old studied the gospel and tried her best to get me to "Tow the line", I still fall short as I say but it helps to know she is there! There is always someone who can lift your spirits when you need it the most, like that Psalm says "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help! We just have to remember to do these things often. All things you said were true and pertinent, just stay the course and we will keep up the support.
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Tanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs for sharing Michael's story. Could you post the rest of the story as it looks like it got truncated? Thanks again for all you do. Veterans Helping Veterans!
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Because I am one, and I owe the Army, this country, and my teammates everything. COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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SFC William Farrell, there is probably a good bit that I left off in giving this information to COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I often times get sidetracked, and am convinced that something got my attention and I submitted my information prior to completing it. Quite possibly, a squirrel passed my window and demanded the remainder of my attention for that day.
I'll try to complete it from the time of the squirrel:
"Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed..."
I have been blessed, as God has placed many people along my path who have provided inspiration, determination, an unwavering friendship and loyalty, and simply an uplifting voice during times of trials and tribulations.
I consider myself to be a fairly strong and determined individual. I firmly believe that God has chosen people throughout this world to be a shining example in areas which a light is needed. Pastors with these gifts can lead their flocks, and provide them the tools they need to go out into the world and show Christ's love. Evangelists take the word throughout the world, and do their best to carry out the Great Commission. Some Christians are simply called to "be great Christians", to show the world that God can work miracles in our lives.
Myself; I have always been very tolerable of pain and hardships. I am reminded of Paul and James, how they took adversity and were able to glorify God in it.
Today, my mission is to show others that even in pain and physical problems, there can still be joy. There can still be a fruitful life, and you can live it free from the physical pains that we so often let destroy our joy.
Many people will ask how I can be so "happy" when I am hurting so badly. They ask how I can smile when the pain is at its worse and the breathing has me on my knees.
My reply is simple; I'm not happy. "Happiness" is the act of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Another definition is fortunate or convenient.
You see, happiness is situation dependent. It can change as the situation changes. People can fake being happy. As a matter of fact, in one of the biggest plagues affecting our Veteran community, suicide, many people who are interviewed after a vet has committed suicide had said that the veteran "...appeared to have been happier than usual."
"Joy", on the other hand, is the feeling of great pleasure and happiness. You see, Joy is the actual "feeling", where as "happy" is simply an "act" of feeling.
Happiness is, simply put, a bi-product of joy. You can have happiness and no joy, but you cannot have joy and no happiness.
As veterans helping other veterans, we have to focus on the fact that we cannot be fixated on "being happy", we have to be focused on finding joy. Joy drives away depression, it makes the impossible seem possible, it makes a bad day look awesome and an awesome day look better.
Joy mends marriages, drives away anger, stifles hate, heals hearts, and can change the course of a persons life. Joy is the solution.
How do you find joy? I found my joy in realizing that the doctors would do all they could do, and my job was to be a good patient. I found my joy in realizing that these illnesses and diseases would not determine the direction of my life; but that I would let the direction of my life determine how these diseases and injuries would affect me.
In this world we find pain, defeat, torment, anguish, hate, greed, lust, adultery, murder, and all other sins which ultimately cause us to lose our joy. In Christ, we have no condemnation, and therefore can live a joyous life.
What is my mission now? To let everyone, especially my brother and sister veterans, know that if your happiness is dependent on what you have or don't have, you will always only be as happy as what you do or you don't have. However, if you develop and cultivate joy in your life, then your situation will NEVER dictate your happiness; it will simply just "be there."
Most everyone on RP, whether deployed into a combat zone or not, has suffered in our lives. We have all met hardship. Through the military we learned that the United States is a special Nation, and that we have our issues. But we have seen parts of the world where true suffering and anger exist, and these exposures can scar us, and leave a hole in our hearts. It can, quite literally, steal your joy.
You have to stay determined. God has, I believe, decided that for a season, He can use me to show others that no matter how bad you are suffering, you can still have joy. No matter how difficult your life is, you can still have joy. No matter how broke you are, and how much you lose, you can still have joy.
I have joy, and God wants me to let everyone reading this know that, no matter what your circumstances, you can find joy too.
Please support Victory for Veterans and Veterans March on America. It is our responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to slow down the rate of suicides and homelessness of our brothers and sisters in arms. Organizations like these are committed to helping Veteran's, and so I would offer up that we should do everything we can to ensure these organizations are able to fulfill their commitments.
Shot Over
Shot Out
Splash Over
Splash Out
Fire for effect!
I'll try to complete it from the time of the squirrel:
"Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed..."
I have been blessed, as God has placed many people along my path who have provided inspiration, determination, an unwavering friendship and loyalty, and simply an uplifting voice during times of trials and tribulations.
I consider myself to be a fairly strong and determined individual. I firmly believe that God has chosen people throughout this world to be a shining example in areas which a light is needed. Pastors with these gifts can lead their flocks, and provide them the tools they need to go out into the world and show Christ's love. Evangelists take the word throughout the world, and do their best to carry out the Great Commission. Some Christians are simply called to "be great Christians", to show the world that God can work miracles in our lives.
Myself; I have always been very tolerable of pain and hardships. I am reminded of Paul and James, how they took adversity and were able to glorify God in it.
Today, my mission is to show others that even in pain and physical problems, there can still be joy. There can still be a fruitful life, and you can live it free from the physical pains that we so often let destroy our joy.
Many people will ask how I can be so "happy" when I am hurting so badly. They ask how I can smile when the pain is at its worse and the breathing has me on my knees.
My reply is simple; I'm not happy. "Happiness" is the act of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Another definition is fortunate or convenient.
You see, happiness is situation dependent. It can change as the situation changes. People can fake being happy. As a matter of fact, in one of the biggest plagues affecting our Veteran community, suicide, many people who are interviewed after a vet has committed suicide had said that the veteran "...appeared to have been happier than usual."
"Joy", on the other hand, is the feeling of great pleasure and happiness. You see, Joy is the actual "feeling", where as "happy" is simply an "act" of feeling.
Happiness is, simply put, a bi-product of joy. You can have happiness and no joy, but you cannot have joy and no happiness.
As veterans helping other veterans, we have to focus on the fact that we cannot be fixated on "being happy", we have to be focused on finding joy. Joy drives away depression, it makes the impossible seem possible, it makes a bad day look awesome and an awesome day look better.
Joy mends marriages, drives away anger, stifles hate, heals hearts, and can change the course of a persons life. Joy is the solution.
How do you find joy? I found my joy in realizing that the doctors would do all they could do, and my job was to be a good patient. I found my joy in realizing that these illnesses and diseases would not determine the direction of my life; but that I would let the direction of my life determine how these diseases and injuries would affect me.
In this world we find pain, defeat, torment, anguish, hate, greed, lust, adultery, murder, and all other sins which ultimately cause us to lose our joy. In Christ, we have no condemnation, and therefore can live a joyous life.
What is my mission now? To let everyone, especially my brother and sister veterans, know that if your happiness is dependent on what you have or don't have, you will always only be as happy as what you do or you don't have. However, if you develop and cultivate joy in your life, then your situation will NEVER dictate your happiness; it will simply just "be there."
Most everyone on RP, whether deployed into a combat zone or not, has suffered in our lives. We have all met hardship. Through the military we learned that the United States is a special Nation, and that we have our issues. But we have seen parts of the world where true suffering and anger exist, and these exposures can scar us, and leave a hole in our hearts. It can, quite literally, steal your joy.
You have to stay determined. God has, I believe, decided that for a season, He can use me to show others that no matter how bad you are suffering, you can still have joy. No matter how difficult your life is, you can still have joy. No matter how broke you are, and how much you lose, you can still have joy.
I have joy, and God wants me to let everyone reading this know that, no matter what your circumstances, you can find joy too.
Please support Victory for Veterans and Veterans March on America. It is our responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to slow down the rate of suicides and homelessness of our brothers and sisters in arms. Organizations like these are committed to helping Veteran's, and so I would offer up that we should do everything we can to ensure these organizations are able to fulfill their commitments.
Shot Over
Shot Out
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Deborah Gregson
Phil. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
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