That is a powerful place to be. While hope is the expectation of something good, faith is the "assurance of things hoped for" and the "conviction of things not seen" Together, they act as an anchor for the soul during difficult seasons Strength through God's grace is viewed as a divine empowerment that allows individuals to endure challenges beyond their own natural capabilities. Hope as Fuel: Hope provides the "earnest anticipation" that something better is coming. It’s t

Monday April 13, 2009: It's already mid-month April, this time next year I should be home celebrating the Easter Season with my family. This will mark 25 years in the Army. I've been a lot of places, seen a lot of things, I have been truly blessed for the countless opportunities to share the Faith with people. I'll probably ride out 1 more year before I hang up the boots for the last time. That year I plan on using to get myself integrated back in civilian life. Maybe I cou

It was a hot dry morning in July at Joint Security Station Sadr City Iraq. I had spent the morning ensuring that Sick Call ran smoothly and all our contemporary missions were being maintained. I made the decision to run by the gym to do some "military press" lifting about 180 pounds 25 times over my head. As I arrived into the workout area there was another Soldier from A Company who was already doing some bench work. I struck up a conversation with him talking about wor

On May 7, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, aimed at restoring, or at least easing, severe tensions between the White House and the Holy See following critical comments from President Donald Trump regarding the Pope's stance on the war in Iran. Mission: Rubio, a Catholic, was sent to mend the rift after President Trump called the Pope "weak on crime" and a "terrible" leader. The two discussed the war in the Middle East, Iran, huma