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Joshua 1:9

Anyone who knows me has heard me brag about Timothy, our grandson who has been training as a Marine in Hawaii and California. Immensely proud of him, I was grateful that he was not in harm’s way while in training. As a little boy, Timothy was a gentle spirit, with a loving heart and a quick smile. Yet on his 18th birthday he became a Marine. A huge family contingent traveled to his graduation and saw a dedicated, disciplined and bright force of young people. Our country is indeed in marvelous hands! Before he was sent to Afghanistan Timothy came home. I asked him about his pending duties. What will you actually do?” I queried. He responded calmly, "Oh, I will be the one who walks in front of everyone else and look for IEDs. I will sweep the roads for them." Immediately my heart froze. "You will doing WHAT??? And what happens if you find one?" I asked. He looked at me as if I were a complete idiot and replied, “We will dig it out of course.” I had WAY too much information! I panicked. I went through an emotional roller coaster. I argued, wept, cajoled. Trusting Timothy to God’s care or the USMC was not on my radar screen. I was openly terrified. Later, Timothy and his Dad had a meal with us. My emotions switched between the joy of being with Timmy, and in a panic about his pending assignment. Timothy’s side was sore from a new “tat” (short for tattoo). He showed it to me. It read: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9" I asked him how he had chosen that verse. While on field maneuvers, he saw a shiny coin in the dirt. On one side was the USMC symbol and on the other was that verse. Through my panic, fear and doubt, I have been provided with an unbelievable example of faith from Timothy himself. I will continue to have moments of fear, yet I need to remember Whose he is. For as He told Timothy – and me; "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." I hope that I will remember that when I am frightened and afraid. As for Timothy, he is in the very best of hands.

Submitted by Mary MacKenzie