The Military Family

Cru Military loves the military family!  We recognize the well-equipped military family, as a unit, must respond to every challenge which comes their way. And Cru Military resources provide this vital unit with a comprehensive set of studies and seminars which speak to their specific needs for unit-y.

The military family works best when they operate with unity in the following six areas:

1. The military family works as a “location” unit:

   Questions such as “Where do we move next?” “Do we buy or rent?” are normal and expected. And whether they are at an assignment for an extended period of time or moving from place to place frequently as duty demands—they cling to each other!

2. The military family works as a “logistics” unit:

   How much furniture do we put in storage? Which car do we ship overseas? Are wills, powers-of-attorney, and insurance papers all up-to-date—with computer passwords shared? Do we have a list of emergency phone numbers available?

3. The military family works as a “consistency” unit:

   Who is available to keep and explain medical records to each “new” doctor or medical facility at each move, or at each visit?  Who in the family is responsible for what chore? Are we consistent in letting each other know what is happening, offering help, meeting needs . . . so that trust is built into our family?

4. The military family works as an “attitude” unit:

   Is each new challenge viewed as a crisis, or an opportunity to see God at work? Does the family walk by faith . . . or fear? Do we build each other up, or tear each other down? Is perspective put into each situation—that certain trials and troubles are for a season? Is the attitude of gratitude “built into” each day?

5. The military family works as a “traditions” unit:

   Have we built into our family certain holiday traditions that provide security when everything else might be different? Is there a favorite movie, a favorite game, a favorite vacation spot . . . that holds memories which can be re-visited and provide enjoyment? Do we have daily devotional time, or prayer time together, that happens regardless of where we live?

6. Ultimately, the military family works as a “loving” unit:

   Are mistakes met with blame or forgiveness? Do we listen to each other’s frustrations, and dreams? Are we quick to criticize or quick to cheer-lead? Is gratitude expressed daily—for every breath and for every blessing? Colossians 3:12-14 summarizes God’s calling to the military family:

   “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

---

What resources from Cru Military and FamilyLife are available to help a military family maintain their unit-y?

We have Bible studies designed to encourage and equip your military family to serve with the same commitment you serve your country.

• Defending the Military Marriage

  A four week study with sessions on communication, finances, and temptations.

• Defending the Military Family

  A five week study with practical topics such as facing moves, dealing with deployments, and building a spiritual atmosphere in your home.

• Making Your Marriage Deployment Ready

  A six week study focusing on preparation steps before deployment, tips for maintaining oneness during deployment, and what to expect with reintegration.

• Loving Your Military Man

  A 12 week small group study for military wives based on Philippians 4:7,8.

• Art of Marriage OPS

  Would you like the privilege of facilitating one of FamilyLife’s great resources, The Art of Marriage, for a group with some military members attending?  Stepping Up for men is included in this free offer, too. Go to TheArtOfMarriageOPS.com to request your free kit!

• The Combat Trauma Healing Manual and When War Comes Home are two resources that provide Christ-centered solutions to dealing with the traumas of war.

These are only a few of the many resources available. And stay tuned for new Cru Military Stepfamily materials. For more ideas and information, go to “Community” on this website and search through all of the options you have to make your military family a unit of hope for the many demands of military service.

---

This article was used by permission from ExcellentorPraiseworthy.org, a devotional blog for military couples experiencing deployment.  Posted Monday and Thursday evenings, these articles offer hope and help to those serving–either at home or away–while geographically separated.