The Arms Race

It’s a troublesome and sometimes disturbing world that we live in. Terrorism and the resulting fear and panic that ensue every time we hear news related to terrorism, makes me think back to the 1970s and 80s, while the big Arms Race was underway. The volatile relationship between the U.S. and Russia at that time, referred to as the Cold War, and the ensuing “race” for superiority in the buildup of weaponry, had everyone panicked about the potential annihilation of our country and possibly even the world. The days we live in now are somewhat different, but scary just the same.

As this connection of fear between the Arms Race of old and today’s terrorism threats unfolded in my mind, my youngest daughter came up and gave me a hug. Not because she sensed my internal thoughts processing these two challenging times, but because she needed a hug. You see, we’ve all taught our children that when something is wrong, we’ll give them a hug, hold them close and try to make them feel better. It’s through our human arms, not the metal ones of battle, that we dispel their fears and take away their pain. It’s by means of our “flesh and bone arms” that we can reach out to a dear friend or loved one and embrace them. Our elbows seem to exist for two reasons. One, so we can feed ourselves (just try eating without bending your elbow) and two, to bend around another person and fill them up with something just as important as food, our compassion.

Picture in your mind’s eye, a young child hugging their parent or grandparent, their arms wrapped around them tightly. The adult’s arms in-turn enveloping the child like a warm blanket on a cold day. Safety exists in those arms. Love exists in those arms.

Sadly though, evil does exist in the world, and as we observe Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, it is only right that we honor and thank those men and women who have served their country or community in the past, those serving now, and those preparing to do so in the future. We are so very thankful for these brave and honorable men and women who defend our freedoms.

For those of us that remain, protected by them, we still need to do our part. What could that be? How about our own Arms Race? Not like the Cold War, but instead one that will be known for its ability to spread warmth.

So spread the word, a new Arms race is underway. How many people can you reach out to and wrap your arms around to show you care? It may not directly stop the chaos in the world, but by sheer numbers we can show that there are more of us than there are of them; and maybe they’ll think twice.

And when heroes come home, and put down their arms of battle, pick up your God-given arms to greet them.