Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Dr. Stanley Nelson, my professor of Theology at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary used to say, “As souls we are tension-filled unities: body, mind and spirit.” I still remember those words 23 years later!

Whether you understand it or not, you do not have a soul… you are a soul. As a soul, you are made up of body, mind and spirit. Generally speaking, most people try to take care of their bodies. Countless millions of us watch our diets reasonably and work out moderately so that we will not wear everything we eat and limit our ability to be mobile and enjoy our golden years. And, we are scared to death of losing our minds.

Thus, the popularity of programs like pseudo-marketing guru Kevin Trudeau’s “Mega-Memory” and more recently “Lumosity,” billed to be “…like taking your brain to the gym.” But, what about the spirit? What are we doing to address the spirit and grow spiritually speaking?

Spirituality is important. In fact, I would contend that spirituality contributes significantly to resilience and readiness in life.

Life is no rose garden. To quote Bruce Hornsby, “That’s just the way it is.” There are many humps, bumps and bends in the road. Even as I write this, I am just returning from being the officiant at the celebration of life and memorial service for a young Marine who died. One morning he woke up. Something happened. He was found unconscious and unresponsive by his fellow Marines. Five months later, after a valiant battle, he is dead. Christopher was 22. Now, his mother, father, brother and other family members must go on without him. Thankfully, they are people of faith. Their spiritual foundation has been their source of strength and has helped them be resilient and ready, no matter what the outcome.

Friend, seasons come, and seasons go. In life there will be good seasons and, yes, there will be challenging (some may even say “bad”) seasons. All of us at some time or another will face undesirable circumstances and situations in this earthly life: personal distress or health issues, the loss or illness of a loved one, job insecurity, financial distress… it is inevitable!

In these moments, I have found Scripture, prayer and the spiritual disciplines to be very helpful and reassuring. In Philippians 4:6 - 8, the Apostle Paul challenged all who believe saying, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” He went on to say, “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Paul taught spiritual resilience and readiness, even though he did not call it that. Notice the five components: (1.) awareness and preparation for whatever may come; (2.) stress reduction and elimination of negativity through exercising faith over fear; (3.) a purposeful and positive approach to life including prayer and thanksgiving to God; (4.) guarding and protecting the affections of the heart and the thoughts and attitudes of the mind; and (5.) getting our inner spirit in touch and aligned with the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit – through meditating and focusing on that which is righteous and pleasing to the Lord. These five practices along with the study of the Bible and seeking the fellowship and support of other people of faith and fortitude will help you to grow spiritually, to develop resilience and to be ready for life.

So, remember, as the old song says, “Along with the sunshine. There’s gotta be a little rain sometimes.” Trials and tribulations are going to come our way. Therefore, we must strive to grow spiritually so that we will be resilient and ready when the storms appear on the horizon.

I will close by reminding you that your unit or base chaplain is an invaluable source of encouragement, wisdom and pastoral care and counseling. An added benefit is that whatever you share is absolutely confidential, 100 percent.

For more information about matters of religion, spiritual growth and resilience, or to schedule an appointment for pastoral care and counseling, call your unit chaplain. If you do not know how to get in touch with your unit chaplain, you may call 703-284-2581/-2131/-2849/-5124. One of our religious program specialists (RP) or civilian attendants will help you get in touch with your chaplain or a base chaplain.

Grace, Peace and Semper Fi!