Dispatches from Home – Battles.

When the word, battle, is spoken, what comes to mind? Perhaps famous conflicts like the Battles of Yorktown and Gettysburg, the Battle of Verdun, the Normandy Invasion of WWII, or the Tet Offensive? But other battles are often fought alone, battles of the mind: depression and fear, panic, loneliness, and anger. However, the famous battles listed above were not fought alone.

Bands of brothers fought alongside each other in these bloody conflicts, and their commanders planned strategies to win them. Battles of the mind are the same; they are never won by fighting them alone. The enemies of happiness, peace, and security seek to push apart friends and family. They attempt to isolate individuals, wearing them down with the unrelenting torture of lies, doubt, and self-pity.

Reaching out to a friend, a loved one, or a professional for help creates a unique bond between individuals. Instead of pushing the two apart, as enemies of the mind desire, it pulls those individuals together; together, they win the battle. Who do you need to help fight a battle this week?