Someone sent me these pictures today by way of email forwarding. Most of the time when I get these emails, I simply delete them because, let's face it, most simply don't make sense. They only serve some one's idea of a form of glorified spam.

This time, I was about to delete this one when I decided to just take a casual look, as I sometimes do. As I did, many thoughts came crashing down on me.

I remembered my son served with some of the guys who now fight in Iraq. I also remembered my own times a child-soldier in the Biafran Army.

There are many families today, here in USA, who grieve daily. Many more will grieve before this war is finally over - hopefully some day.

A few weeks ago we were at Hunter's Park during our neighborhood Mayor's Evening out. We got to spend time with the Mayor. We also met some local Council members. Kids had a great time. It would have been an all-around great day except for one guy, who gave me a business card with the words, "Impeach Dick Cheney". This was a white guy.

I take it he assumed because I am black I would immediately support him and say, "Let's go for it". To his amazement, I asked him if he understood this action sends the wrong message to who ever it is we're at war with.

He did not understand what, in the world, I was talking about.

May it's because I grew up in a country where "free speech" was a dangerous thing. May be, after living here most of my adult life - now - I still do not know how to rail at those God has placed in leadership position over me.

We do not need to agree with the war. We do not need to belong to the same party as the current administration. The one thing we all have in common is this: "We're Still At War".

Some Nigerian-Americans (not quite sure how many) have paid the ultimate price in Iraq. Again, those of us who were (Biafran) child-soldiers know very well that the emotional wounds we sustained, never really healed. Some of us have been blessed to have families of our own. We know many more find it difficult to attach, for either fear of losing someone they care about, or simply because they lost a sense of reality. Back there, no one will help them.

• Pray for our men and women in the war zone.
• Pray for those on their way home. Adjustment will be tough.
• Pray for their families at home.
• Pray for families who have lost loved ones. Some have lost more than one son/daughter. Remember as we go about our daily businesses, many families are paralyzed with grief.
• Pray for God to give our leaders Godly wisdom.
  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2:1-4 (New International Version)]
• Pray for an end of this war.