@pdilly The depravity of those teens is just mind blowing. I can't even find the words to describe my shock! Truly, truly sad. I certainly hope society comes down hard on them and they are pariahs wherever they go.

Jim- I read your post many times, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it- I too have been in ministry for the past 45 years, served as a Police Chaplain and Army Chaplain- I have had PTSD since my second combat duty in Viet Nam, however I stayed in police work and the chaplaincy ( full time) and then went to seminary and the Army called me back as a full time Army Chaplain- I served on Active duty many years and in this war- I have seen ( as many have) so much death and dying- that I felt more at peace working with those who needed help, prayers, and to walk with them down the road of Suicide Prevention- sometimes it went well and sometimes not- I always wonder what I didn't say that could of saved a life for His glory-not mine. I became a Christian when I was 12 years old in 1957- There is no better feeling of service than serving Christ. - which is an Honor, which is also very humbling - to say the least. I believe without a doubt - I'm here today because of His saving grace- Like all soldiers ( over 85%) was shot in Viet Nam and Blown's up at least once. I should have died- the doctors in Viet Nam told me after I woke up in the hospital -that I should not be here, That I should have died because I had loss more than enough blood to be able to live. Well, we all know that it was nothing I did " for sure " but Gods Grace. Hearing your story really hit home with me. I too suffer from PTSD, Depression and despair, agent orange Parkinson's- many war wounds that I won't talk about- I don't want to sound at all- as if I'm being " Sensational" Never I pray. I feel broken and lost-but I also know the Lord is holding me up and that He is with me always Hebrews 13:5-8. I will pray for you brother and I thank God for you and being open about- being human- as King David did- But never forsaking our faith. jjames

Jim it's the strength of your belief that pulled you out of your entrapment.What you have achieved requires super human effort and I believe that God Almighty held your hand to draw you out of that un ending tunnel.Your loved ones may have helped you but it was achieved by Almighty's guiding hand.In a way you have experienced Him face to face.May God always keep you in the Palm of His Hand .God Bless you and your family Amen

@johnjames

I'm glad you find my words encouraging. Life has been a challenge at times, and even with the faithfulness of God and a lifelong relationship with him, bad stuff happens.

I can tell that you've been through a lot of things that I haven't. I was #21 in the draft lottery back in '72, but because I was going to a Bible college in the fall, I was given a 4D deferment, and I began ministry right out of college. So I never had the honor of serving our country, except spiritually.

During the years of ministry, I enjoyed my work, mostly. I saw my share of holy wars, and some of them affected me. A little different from Vietnam and Afghanistan, but people still get hurt in them.

If there are other things you want to tell me about, don't worry about being sensational.

Jim

Thanks Jim, But please don't think what you did and the ministry that you were involved with- was and is more important- the battle of spiritual warfare is worse ( God tells us- as I'm speaking to someone who knows ) Jim- we both and all Christians - who really follow the Lord - is going to be in a war that is harder to fight. You are on the front lines and the dark side of this world and the one who looks to destroy all believers- is our enemy- again you know better than I. Sometimes when I look back- fighting in a war against another country ( if you will) is very hard, and scary, the unknown of when you will be shot or killed- is always on your mind- you live in fear, but it's an enemy that you can get away from for a time and re-group and rest before the next battle- but a spiritual battle I feel is " constant and every minute of the day" I don't sleep much and still hear my brothers and sisters crying for help or in pain and seeing the dead- plays in my mind and heart 24-7 ( like any other soldier who has been in combat- it's not something we talk about in church or a dinner with friends- only with other soldiers and chaplains, ( ministers and counselor's) why? why would I want to share such stories with other folks and give them nightmares- ) We need to protect those who innocent - I believe you share some of the same dreams in different ways- but still - makes for a night to want to pass as soon as possible, I hate the nights- yet wish I could sleep- " Make sense? " God Bless you for listening and sharing a very like time in your life- in my prayers jjames.