the softer side of the military

it's sunday so it's church day (believe it or not, emily) so we thought we would try the church one base. it's actually really funny, because the sign clearly reads: protestant worship 9:00 a.m. sunday mass 11:00 a.m. and it is exactly that! church lasted one hour and ten minutes, and then we had to clear out to the fellowship area so that the catholic worshippers could get ready for first communion. the church is really basic on the outside because a) it's an army base and they don't paint anything that has been painted in the last 50 years and b) it's not a gun range or artillery area so it's not on the top of the most important list. but the inside is very nice. very old with big wooden pews and really high arched ceilings. there are also huge stained glass windows down every side. and there are gorgeous chandeliers that look very antique that hang 3 or 4 to each side. it's all very nice.
But, the cool part is the preacher is a major. the music guy is a drill sergeant. the associate pastor is a captain. the youth guy is a sergeant. and so on. it's really interesting to see the softer side to the military. all of the deacons are retirees that still dutifully serve the church. they were all so impressed with rob when they asked him what he was out here for, but i know in the military world they wouldn't bat an eye if they saw him walking around base. it was so weird to hear the music man sing 'i can only imagine' and 'sanctuary' and laugh and joke when i know tomorrow he'll put on his uniform and go to work yelling commands at the newbies and barking orders all week. but it was really neat to see this part. it was like i was in a secret meeting. they were so passionate about worship and praise, just like they are passionate about their jobs and their country. it makes me crazy when the media dishes out story after story about how marines have lost their minds and are randomly killing people, and obviously are soldiers are reckless and irresponsible, but there is never coverage of the good and honest love for brother and love for country that these men and women share. when the preacher prayed for the men and women at war this morning it was really moving, because i know those aren't just words to him. he's probably been there. he probably knows a lot of people there now. and even if he doesn't know their names, those are his brothers and his friends and his heart is truly with them.
God bless our troops.