Ephesians 6.17 "And take helmet of salvation, and sword of spirit, which is word of God."

On April 26, 2003, I went to a patriotic event at Memorial Stadium in Waycross, Georgia. There were many veterans present and several active duty personnel..Even Governor Perdue attended. Prayers for our nation were prayed, patriotic and gospel music was played, and speeches were made. I was proud to wear my old Army cap, and proud to be an American. Applause sounded as various veterans were honored---from World War II through Iraqi war.

As I thought of my Army service, my mind went back to day I raised my right hand and pledged to support and defend our nation. The Gideons had given us soldiers a New Testament on that day. That little book had followed me around world but I had lost it. I loaned it out to a friend who had moved to South Carolina.

This is story number nine (out of fifty) from my book, My Walk with Lord, www.selahbooks.com

Psalm 40. 1,2 "I waited patiently for Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

Christmas 1972 was my first Christmas away from home. I was in Army stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I received a package from Mama. As I opened it, I uncovered some fresh Georgia pecans, some homemade fruitcake, a bottle of fresh cane syrup, and a few other items. At bottom of box was a Bible. During that period of my life, I really didn't have much to do with God and his ways.

During following years, I would sometimes pick up that Bible and try to read...I sure didn't understand much of what I was reading. All begats got to me.

The years 1985 and 1986 were trying times for me. I was still in Army and was having a great career when my family life fell apart. My wife walked out and left me with three small children. At first, I tried to put blame on others when deep inside I knew I was to blame. I needed something but didn't know what would ease my pain.