August Chaplain's Reflections
MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, South Carolina -- During the months of June and July parts of South Carolina received record amounts of rainfall. While water is essential for the growth of trees, so are times of drought. How can this be you ask? When there's a lack of rain, it's been proven that the roots of trees go deeper into the soil to find new sources of water to survive periods of drought. So why does this matter to you?
It matters because when you experience times of personal drought in life, in friendships, marriage, even your faith, you can actually grow from digging deeper to find new sources of strength for the journey.
In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the prophet illustrates this principle by comparing a person who trusts in the Lord with a tree planted that has roots in a nearby stream. The results for the tree as follows: "It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
The results for the person who places their trust and confidence in the Lord would be as follows: They are not overcome by fear in times of uncertainty; they continually bloom wherever they are planted; they have a reservoir of strength to endure hardships; and they will find hope in times of hopelessness.
If you are facing a period of drought, I encourage you to look around for a stream to sink your roots into. You may be surprised how close you are to a new source of strength.
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As a reminder, Strong Bonds is the program used by the Air National Guard to help us build better relationships. Whether it's helping single Airman pick a good spouse or find out if their significant other is a good match. Or strengthening the commitment of married Airman. Or helping an Airman and their family come closer together, there's a Strong Bonds program that's right for your situation.
Below are the dates for upcoming Strong Bonds Retreats. For more information or to register for an event, please contact Terry DeLille at 803-647-8089 or email her at: Carolyn.DeLille@ang.af.mil
Singles Retreat on August 23-25 in Myrtle Beach
Family Retreat on August 23-25 in Myrtle Beach
Couples Retreat on September 20-22 in Hilton Head