Four words which should not be put together

















We must stop saying "Boots on the Ground".

Boots do not get maimed or disfigured.

Boots do not get dis-membered.

Boots do not live with PTSD

Boots do not leave broken hearted lovers, children, parents, spouses, boy-friends, girl-friends, uncles and aunts, grand-parents, neighbours, church friends, sisters and brothers.

Boots do not leave their villages, their neighbourhoods, their towns and cities to fight in wars which politicians have mandated.

Boots do not know all en-compassing fear and amazing courage.

We send men and women to war, not boots.

Men and women who know the tenderness of love, the faithfulness of family, the delight of their children, the strength of their friendships.

Men and woman who are well trained, and loyal to the orders they have been given.

Men and woman who hoped to grow old, sound in limb and mind, to rejoice  in the lives of their children and grand-children; their lovers; their spouses; their dearest parents and their siblings.

Women and men who know all-encompassing fear, but yet  display extra-ordinary courage.

PLEASE STOP SAYING "BOOTS ON THE GROUND".

PLEASE CARE AND PRAY FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE ENGAGED IN ARMED CONFLICT, AND WHOSE DEAREST ONES WAIT AT HOME IN FEAR AND IN HOPE.

And if you are a Christian, pray also for our enemies and those who wish us harm.
Pray also for those, who in the name of Christ and with tender consciences, refuse to bear arms for any reason, and are willing to serve their clan, tribe, region or nation in non-violent ways.

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