We Are Only As Sick As Our Secrets

John Moore

by John Moore on March 14, 2013 · 5 comments

Bartle’s is ultimately freed from his burden, in a way.  The Yellow Birds is a worthwhile read for anyone as it is so well written and captivating from start to finish.  It truly made me consider and appreciate the beauty of Reconciliation and Penance and it enables the reader to better understand what our nation’s warriors endure.  There often are no easy choices in combat and to survive many must numb their consciences.  But that does not remove what they must repress.  The taking of any human life, even in self-defense or in the defense of others, wounds oneself.  It is part of the nature God placed within our hearts, minds, and souls.

Extend yourself to your friends who seem down.  They may need to shed a secret and not be able to understand their need for grace.  If you know Soldiers who have returned home, open yourself and listen to their entire story.  Not all combat veterans bear this burden but we are now losing three Soldiers a day to suicide.  Pray for them.  It is likely that they do not know or see what is in their hearts.  It remains a secret, even from them.  You can help others uncover what it hidden and then offer them the wisdom in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance.

 

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John Moore

By John Moore

John Moore is a retired Soldier, a husband and the father of four daughters. He resides in Overland Park, Kansas where he is a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Tagged as: confession, Holy Communion, iraq, Lent, war

  • aw

    excellent reflection

  • MH

    I can’t tell you how many people I’ve been sharing this with. It hit home in so many ways and gave me that extra push I needed to go to Reconciliation last night. Thank you.

  • chaco

    You are a virtual “Dead-Eye” marksman when it comes to hitting the “Bullseye”. This understanding leads to the Divine “Peace which surpasses understanding…” (Phil. 4: 7). Who, but a God who is love itself, could bring about the Spirit of “Felix Culpa” which is latin for ; “Praise God for the sin of Adam” for it has brought me to experience the depth of God’s Love. [ "God makes all things work together for the good of those who place their trust in Him." (Rom. 8: 28)] Thanks Brother, for welcoming us all “Home”.

  • NYCFiredog

    Yes, the line “We are only as sick as our secrets” is a true profound gem. It is often repeated in 12 Step programs which is one of the reasons for “Sharing”, a group confession, or to a sponsor. Once the secret is out, the burden does lift and loses it’s power. But the greatest line is in your piece, in my opinion. “God’s greatest desire is to forgive.” THAT is the key to heal our shame. Jesus repeatedly told St Faustina, “Tell them about my Mercy”. When we know of His Mercy, and His desire to forgive, we can go into that booth, and receive that cleansing Mercy. Especially for soldiers who believe they have done the unpardonable and wear the mark of Cain, it is crucial for them to know God’s Mercy awaits. I lost a man who was like a brother, to PTSD from his combat service in Nam. He took his life. The pain was too great for him.

  • jmm483

    Keep sharing. Thank you for all of your thoughts. John