Going into the Army after graduating from Wyandotte High School (KCK) was one of the best decisions in my life. Much of what I learned was not only applicable to military standards but living in general. The physical training not only strengthened the body but taught endurance. The weapons training focused on setting your sight on a target and aiming with precision to hit your mark. The buddy system trained me to work with a partner to cover each other.
But the training that sticks most with me today is observing and identifying an enemy. Learning this skill has saved my life many times. It’s kept me from being pulled into the rabbit hole of depression. It has taught me not to put all of my trust in people; to, in fact, only share portions of the inner me until a person proves themselves to be trustworthy of the depths of me.
Even more so, it has equipped me to stay alert to the wiles of the devil. To recognize subtle signs of potential traps that he is setting up for me. It is one of the reasons I stopped watching television (news, programs, etc.). For a person like me, keeping my inner man free of bleak or wicked images and ideas helps me avoid being overwhelmed with sorrows. It reminds me that life is a journey, and to practice the following daily:
Never underestimate the schemes of your enemy nor be emotionally hijacked into forgetting the power of the Savior.
Wanda J. Murry
I wrote the below poem in my 30s when it finally dawned on me that I didn’t have to fight my battles alone. I had to train my mind to function from a place of victory instead of defeat, and you can trains yours too.
I hope you enjoy the poem!
I had to stop lying to me
Because it affected what my eyes see
It hindered my forward progress
Keeping me bound in mental regress
All the pain, the fear and doubt stayed
My maturity level was being delayed
And, the hope and love that had started
Was constantly being pushed and retarded
Burdens were adding unnecessary weight
To an already unsteady and unhealthy gait
The mind was in continual commotion
Soiling that part cleaned in daily devotion
God’s Spirit has been a part of my life
Since I married Christ and became his wife
Yet, my old lovers kept pulling me back
Forever pouncing with the newest attack
I grew tired and weary from being battled
At times succumbing, my faith being rattled
Yet, I hate losing the war that’s already won
When at my disposal is the power of the Son
So like a good soldier, I make my retreat to regroup
I check my armor, seal the cracks, and mentally recoup
Then I get up again, and go forth in God’s Spirit to slay
The enemy and his helpers who work to hinder and delay
I will recapture the things which were mine to keep
I will lay claim to victory, again awakened from my sleep
I will reclaim the reward and treasure of the Spirit’s gift
I will cause the balance of the power within to shift
When God gave Christ, His only begotten Son
The spiritual war that rages, is already being won
So fearlessly I raise my sword, the Word from above
And, I go on fighting, empowered by God’s love
