This morning I woke up sleepy eyed and went through my normal routine of splashing my face with water, and huddling up the stairs to wake my child for school— then pouring my first strong, hot cup of coffee of the day— longing to be perked up and conquer.
I had a late night the evening before with a group of beautiful military spouses at All American Chapel on Fort Bragg— where we sat in unison on red velvet cushioned pews sipping [more] coffee ☕️ to stay awake for a special movie night sponsored by Fort Bragg PWOC.
The movie was based on the traumatic Army career beginnings of a Fort Bragg Chaplain and his spouse (Darron and Heather Turner) titled “Indivisible.”
We were honored to have Heather present in the chapel to watch the movie with us. How incredible is that!
And brave of her to sit among us all with some of the most difficult and intimate days of her life unfolding on the screen for us all to dissect.
Wow.
The Turners began their career as young, uplifted, Christian parents full of promise, hope and faith. Darron at the start of his career was a recent graduate of seminary with the strongest faith and desire to provide soldiers with hope through the teachings of Christ.
However, his own faith would be tested following his first deployment to Iraq where he experienced the ugliness of war which nearly tore the couple apart.
But through his own teachings to his fellow soldiers and his wife’s support, he was able to conquer his doubt and fear and went on to hold a successful Army career teaching the word of God to soldiers and their families.
The movie was relatable and moving… conjuring up old emotions and memories of mine and my husbands beginnings in this military life.
It can be HARD. SO HARD!
But, the movie solidified that we too are INDIVISIBLE and our FAITH has brought us into a secure and loving life which blankets us after nine years of marriage.
Are we perfect? NO!
Do we argue? YES!
Do we get on each other’s nerves? OH HECK, YES!!!
You might be thinking 🤔 “what’s the big deal? NINE years isn’t that long. Everyone has challenges.”
Well, you are right. And in many ways we have had it so, so, so good.
BUT, I’m here to tell you that nine years can feel like one hundred in Army years.
I thought to myself— following the movie with tears streaming down my cheeks sandwiched between two dear friends while holding hands in prayer— “Whew! We made it! Thank You, GOD!”
Even through the ups and downs, FAITH delivered us from the evils that could have easily torn us down.
FAITH in each other.
FAITH that GOD is ALWAYS with us.
FAITH that our partnership is strong and true.
Without FAITH, we would be DIVISIBLE.
Without people with FAITH in our lives, we would be DIVISIBLE.
Let me say this… I am not a perfect Christian by any means.
And I’m not trying to preach at you.
But, I want you to know that my faith has brought me through some very difficult days.
It has provided me hope and awakenings and new beginnings.
I am a believer in positivity.
I am a believer in do good and receive good.
I am a believer that there is a plan for each of us.
I believe we are NOT alone in this journey.
Do not allow the stresses of life to break you down.
Believe.
And y’all, go watch that movie 🎥 🍿 for a little inspiration (but bring a box of tissues… just in case 😭).
And, have FAITH so that you are INDIVISIBLE.
-Alison Paul Klakowicz BA, MS
Author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
Writer, Blogger, Podcaster, Artisan
http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com
Instagram @alisonklak
Twitter: @KlakowiczAlison
Host of “Hodge Podge Podcast” (Anchor, Appleitunes, Googleplay, Spotify)
Alison Paul Klakowicz is a North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.
Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog 