Recently researchers have discovered that the roots of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were not altogether what we had previously thought.  Of course seeing violent deaths and the unnerving pressure of living 24/7 in a war zone definitely have an impact on the psyche.  Injuries and loss of limbs also take their toll on the human personality.  However we’re finding out that what often leads to suicidal depression among returning war vets is that they are no longer in a community of men and women who would die for one another; instead they come home to communities where citizens live isolated and often self-centered lives.  Our level of disconnection is astounding and wearisome.  Perhaps PTSD is a lot about the contrast of leaving a tribe that salutes and dies for each other to being stuck in a loose collection of humans that can barely be civil to one another.

     So on this Memorial Day, I certainly celebrate the courage of men & women to face death so I can be free. It’s an extraordinary thing. I also honor these brave souls for living through the traumatic hell, which is war.  But I also want us to pause and revere these heroes who show us what it looks like to love one another.  I honor American soldiers because, intentionally or not they have modeled brotherly affection and authentic community.  I bow to our men & women in uniform because they have shown us the type of connections that everyone of us crave but rarely experience; they have shown us the power of a “band of brothers.”

     I watch the way most westerners bounce in  and out of commitments, relationships, marriages and churches; it makes my heart ache.  Wedding vows and church membership covenants are more wishful thinking than anything else.  So thank you soldiers for at least showing us the power and potential that exist when people are so committed they are willing to die for others and for one another.  

     Consider the heart of Jesus on this matter. John 15:12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”