And so it has come to this. We are at war.

For all the pre-event sniping and debate, one thing must be paramount in this war of our generation: we must stand together.

Our brothers, sisters and friends are on the ground, and some won’t come home.

The protests should stop, the bickering should cease and the anger should melt away to prayer and support for the men and women willing to die for the safety of millions back home.

Whether in support of the war or against it, all can agree that the safe return of our troops is a main concern now.

The objective must be completed, and it must be completed quickly.

War is ugly. It kills, it maims, it scars irreparably.

No sane human being should revel in the fact that it is here.

Nonetheless, here it is. And in these days of conflict, as we pray for our brothers and sisters in arms, we look forward to the days when war will end:

“Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult….

“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire!

“Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” -Psalm 46:2, 3, 9-11.