We love you, and we need you! Your families and friends do, too. Why? Because you have given so much of yourself to our country. We have been where you are. We want you to see how God sees you. He made us fearfully and wonderfully and in His image. He wants us to live our lives free from bondage, knowing we are free from our past. Freedom. Real freedom. Yes, we know, it may be hard right now for you to find or see God due to things you may have done, witnessed, and experienced. Maybe you are not into this God thing right now? It’s OK. We understand. God understands. And we have been there, too. Perhaps all you need right now is someone to just listen to you, someone who truly gets what you are going through. We do, and we will! We, as Veterans and First Responders, know what it is like . . .
When you want to isolate yourself from the world.
When you get angry and don’t know why.
When you self-medicate, drink alcohol just so the thoughts in your head will go away.
When your spouse or family doesn’t understand your actions.
When you keep repeating the same bad dreams then wake abruptly up in a cold sweat.
When you have hair-triggers and adrenaline rush in an over-alert state from which you cannot seem to escape.
And yes, we know what it is like when you feel that the world, your family and friends will be better off without you in this world because you can’t seem to get it together. We know. Sadly, the enemy does, too. Which is why he keeps reminding you of your past. However, we are here to remind you of a brighter future. We are here to heal together with you. To walk through what you are going through with you. Shoulder to shoulder!
Your parents need you. Your wife or husband needs you. And your children need you. You may not think so now, but what if you reached out to us and things started to get better? What if that joy, love and peace found their way back into your heart? What if you found your purpose in life and could have such a profound impact on someone else’s life that it really makes life worth living? No, these are not fairy tales. These are actual testimonies from the men and women working for the Birdwell Foundation. Because we can, you can too. Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).
Our future is not defined by our past wounds. Our past experience is a mechanism that should be used to propel us to a brighter future. If you haven’t read or heard the parable of the “Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:11-32), here is a summation. Sometimes we don’t feel as though we are worthy of forgiveness for the things we have done. But we have a forgiving Father God who wants to love, restore and celebrate us. It is up to us to go to Him, give Him our past hurt and failures, and walk in the destiny He intended for us.
Strength & Honor!
The Birdwell Foundation
P.S. – If we are not yet in your area, don’t let it stop you from seeking our assistance. We are here for you! WE’VE GOT YOUR SIX! Send us an email through our Contact page or subscribe to our email list to receive updates and information about groups opening in your area, our network of resources, educational seminars and telephone support. We may already have a Veteran or First Responder near you who’s ready to help face-to-face, and out hotlines are manned 24/7. IN CRISIS NOW? Call (844) IGY6 247 (844) 449-6247
