THE UNITED STATES ARMY
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OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

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Devotional Thoughts

  Devotional Thoughts
   The Spiritual Side of Our Website

This part of the site features monthly devotional thoughts by the Association's Chaplain, with the goal of encouraging Signal Corps OCS Graduates to be exceptional in their lives and to live life at a higher level.  Our current Chaplain is of the Christian faith, so naturally, his devotionals are fashioned around his Christian beliefs. Your comments and suggestions are welcome and can be offered directly to the Chaplain by eMail at: MaxHolt@ArmySignalOCS.com


by LTC (R) Max Holt, Class 02-67

November 2011

BROKEN PIECES

LTC (R) Max Holt - TodayLTC (R) Max Holt

For years my wife was an elementary school nurse at one of the six elementary schools in our area. Many of the children who came to see her shared the details of their home life. A large percentage of them came from single parent homes, mostly due to divorce, and some of them lived under conditions that would sadden all of us.

One day, a small child came into the clinic with a stomach ache, a common complaint of school children. When attempting to make contact with the father listed in the records the child stated, “Don’t call him, he’s not my dad anymore, he moved out.” The sad truth is, many fathers, and mothers, believe they can just walk away from the responsibilities of marriage, parenting and sometimes even the responsibilities of life. This child and many like him, suffer from the uncertainties and fears created by the decisions of their parents. 

In today’s society the media and even some friends often encourage us to watch out for number 1. They say, “If it feels good, do it.” But all actions and decisions have resulting consequences that sometimes last a lifetime. I often counsel with single parents whose children are still suffering even after ten years following a divorce. I realize that in many cases there was nothing that could have prevented a divorce. However, many others give up too soon in trying to resolve conflicts in their marriage or they wait too long to address issues that became major ones because they were allowed to build too large. Be ready to advise your children or grandchildren that when they enter into a marriage contract with someone and they have children from a previous marriage, they have an increased responsibility that God expects them to honor; to take care of helpless children.  When divorce is chosen by members of your family the children must be made to feel as safe and secure as possible. Advise their parents that they must NEVER use them as pawns or message bearers between parents. Jesus said in Matthew 18:5 and 6, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (KJV.) 

Common Sense Application

1.  Advise family members who have gone through a divorce, regardless of how long ago, to find a Divorce Recovery program at a local church and attend. You’ll be surprised how it will help them!

2. If they have children from a previous marriage, research the Internet and local bookstores for information about single parenting.

3.  For those who are considering remarriage, remind them that the children will always be more affected than they think.  Advise them NOT to get married until they and their intended have attended premarital counseling and have fully addressed the blended family issues they will face.

 


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Prior Month Devotionals
May '11 Jun '11 Jul '11 Aug '11 Sep '11 Oct '11 Nov '11 Dec '11 Jan '12 Feb '12 Mar '12 Apr '12
May '12 Jun '12 Jul '12 Aug '12 Sep '12 Oct '12 Nov '11 Dec '11 Jan '13 Feb '13 Mar '13 Apr '13
  

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