By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor

As I Wish

I was raised to love the George Bush family and nothing will ever change that. I will support my president to the end, regardless of whether or not I think he is right. And when we enter war, I will support that as well, along with my Christian brothers and sisters involved in the fighting.

But we haven’t entered war yet. Call me na‹ve, but I’m still praying that this can come to a peaceful end.

Saddam Hussein must be removed from power in order for us to live in a safer world. This I know. As it seems right now, war, as the only way to secure his removal, is inevitable. I know this too, and I recognize the legitimacy of that.

However, I can’t help but think of the faces and souls of a nation of people who live in fear and scrape by from day to day. Sanctioned by the United Nations and living under a powerful tyrant, the thought of war alone could crush an already fragile nation-a nation that has yet to feel the love of their Creator and Father. Paul rejoiced in his sufferings because they brought him closer to Christ. If Iraq did that, imagine what a joyful, Christ-like nation they would be, surpassing American-ized Christianity with their mustard seed of faith.

But now their souls match their bodies-starving, withered and dying. How can we pronounce the sentence of eternity on them merely to attend to our own agenda, no matter how noble the intentions?

While the end of war may produce a healthier environment, it never fails to leave ransacked, desolate countries, seats empty around dinner tables and souls that will never again have the chance to hear the name of Christ.

Our troops are already there. Soldiers, journalists and others counted among the innocent have died, and the war hasn’t even been made official.

I can’t figure out a way to call a cease-fire for the war. All my genius and intelligence can only come up with one response: “I know it’s illegal, but can’t we just sniper Saddam?” Or, in keeping with the “don’t kill dying souls” theme, just capture him in one of those cages they use for large dangerous beasts.

Lucky for us, we serve a God who has unimaginable power. He has the power to stop war, and he has the power to heal the wounds caused by war. I don’t know how he could accomplish peace, but I know that he will accomplish it in the end, for we call his son the Prince of Peace.

The United States, or the U.N. for that matter, can’t sit around and wait on God to make everything ok. Decisions must be made, and at the time my leaders deem appropriate, action will be taken. And when that action is taken, Bush and his cabinet will have my full support. We have already seen the Lord use our president in mighty ways as he leads a country that deals with what seems like an endless stream of tragedy.

But until the day arrives when war is declared, and even more fervently afterwards, I will continue to pray for peace and that the souls of the dying may be saved.