Why Am I Not Rejoicing?

Here is the post I linked to May 2nd by www.thearmywifedude.blogspot.com

bin Laden is dead, why am I not rejoicing? 
Nearly all of America and the world should know by know one of the most
elusive and despicable of all tyrants has been killed. I am very glad to
know "we got our man". There is a job well done to be said to the troops who
took him out. I am extremely happy that those effected by 9/11 can begin to
have some closure. Justice has been served for all those who
directly/indirectly have been effected by the terrorist activities Osama bin
Laden has plagued our world with over the last two decades.

The men and women who have been fighting for a better world who have given
it all, and in some cases only gave some as they have gone through wounds of
the heart, mind and body yet still came out alive did not give in vain. Not
just our American soldiers either, but all those who have partnered with us.


For me 9/11 was the single most impactful day of my life. People say "never
forget" regarding that day but it too often was not on the forefront of the
average person's mind. I was reminded on an extremely regular basis to never
forget. ANY TIME I looked at the clock and it said the time was 9:11 I was
brought back to that place a decade earlier. It seemed as if it was a common
occurrence to find myself seeing those digits displayed. Even when I would
see a police car I would see the phone number and remember the events of
that tragic day. 

As news spread regarding bin Laden's death I found myself in an unusual spot
in comparison to the majority of Americans. As I watched celebrations and
people rejoicing in the death of this tyrant I became agitated. I am of
course glad this chapter in this war is over, but this book is not finished
and I believe that is what scares me the most. 

My wife is right now in a remote spot somewhere in Afghanistan and I can
only wonder what kind of repercussions will come from us accomplishing what
we set out to do nearly 10 years ago. As I see people becoming elated I
can't help but to think how this may stir the pot of the Taliban fighters
who now more than ever will want vengeance. People exclaiming pure joy at
the death of a leader regardless of how disgusting he was will only
infuriate the insurgents more. I would compare it to the likings of crushing
a hornets nest. I am led to believe that there will be a very strong
retaliation coming and there are still men and women, including my wife, who
are in harms way even though bin Laden's reign has ended. 

Someone said to me in one of my facebook updates as I was saying this same
thing, "sometimes you kill one tyrant and 3 more pop up". 

I do believe this is a monumental day for not only America, but for the
entire world. I would assume with the death of bin Laden many of his
followers will lay down their arms feeling a sense of relief to be free from
the bondage he kept them in. Yet many will continue to plot against our men
and women who are serving as well as against our nation. 

I can not rejoice in this moment. I am thankful for the end of tyranny led
by this man, but this war is not over. Now more than we have in recent years
we need to be prayerful for our service members as well as our nation in
general. 

So why am I not rejoicing in this moment? My wife is still there. My friends
spouse's are still there. My friends are still there. My friends children
are still there. My fellow countrymen are still there. Still there preparing
for the next days activities. Still there under fire from a really pissed
off enemy.

Shortly before news broke that the President would be addressing the nation
I was walking on my treadmill. During that time God spoke into my heart
something I do not dare repeat. But I do believe the words He spoke prepared
me to not be filled with jubilation and joy for the death of this wickedly
cruel man. 

America I understand you feelings of victory but I beg of you to remember a
man who has many followers has been killed. We must be humble in our
victory. We have to understand for every action there is a reaction. This
may come quickly and be minimal, or it can be slow, methodical, calculated
and of great magnitude. 

We need to be thoughtful of our actions and more importantly prayerful for
our service members and their families. I am sensing from my facebook status
updates that the people who are most thoughtful regarding how this could be,
as bad as it is good, are those of us directly effected by what can happen
next. 

I ask you to keep in mind these scripture verses for those of you who call
yourself Christian:

It's as much for me as someone else: "Do you think that I like to see wicked
people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not!" (Ezekiel 18:23)

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad
when he stumbles." (Proverbs 24:17)

With all of that said, this is one of the proudest moments in my life as an
American. My prayers go out to all those who have given all or some over the
years this war has dragged on. I am eternally indebted to anyone who has
worn the uniform in the last decade and the family members who stood by
them. 

On this day, May 1, 2011 I am without a doubt proud to be an American. I can
only hope this will mean my wife may come home a little bit sooner. 


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