'Spiritual fitness can help lighten your load'

By Chrystal Smith (IMCOM)September 23, 2014

'Spiritual fitness can help lighten your load'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - Instead of hitting the road, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Soldiers hit their knees (so to speak) to work out another aspect of fitness Sept. 12.

During a time usually designated as physical training, Soldiers gathered to hear inspirational words and song at a quarterly Prayer Breakfast assembly in the Community Activity Center to bolster spiritual fitness.

"Spiritual fitness can help lighten your load," said Lt. Col. Joseph Hissim, director of Emergency Services, quoting the former chief of chaplains retired Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, who, in an article published Dec. 15, 2010, spoke about the many stressors in military life such as combat, health and accomplishing the mission. "He said, 'Soldiers tend to carry such things in their rucksacks and spiritual practice can lighten the load.'"

While much focus is generally on the Soldier's physical shape, Hissim reminded those in attendance of the relevance of keeping spiritually fit.

"Spiritual resiliency is more important than most pillars," said Hissim, as he further explained that according to research, people who subscribe to religious practice tend to be less prone to such things as violence, suicide and depression.

Capt. Danielle Pappas, USAG Wiesbaden's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander, said the purpose of the garrison gathering was to build team spirit, motivate, build camaraderie and to encourage the force.

After everyone got a chance to enjoy a traditional American breakfast, Maj. James Foster, deputy garrison chaplain, shared a message focused on personal ethics to uplift and embolden the group.

He reminded them, "We are carrying the trust of our nation with us wherever we go."

He tethered the characteristics of Soldiers to those of people of faith, highlighting that both "walk according to our expectations in faith, and sometimes we struggle with our faith," he said, explaining that ethical decisions become difficult when coupled with worldly cares such as peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

Foster shared a couple of accounts where Soldiers acting out of ethical instinct made the choice to do the "gut" thing instead of what training and standard operational procedure dictated to effect vital outcomes.

"I generally advise people to operate according to the golden rule," he said, challenging those in attendance to do a little introspection. "In a split second, how do you respond? Do you hold true to who you are?"

The breakfast meeting also included a Bible scripture reading (Psalm 93:1) and the "Lord's Prayer" performed by Sharron Powell.

According to officials, the garrison chaplaincy's effort is aimed at offering a prayer breakfast quarterly to bolster Soldier spiritual fitness and hopes to offer the next event in December. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Faustin Desir for more information at mil 548-5174.

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