THE WAR**: WILL IT DISAPPEAR? (Post 178)

November 11, 2025

War will disappear, like the dinosaur, when changes in the world conditions have destroyed its survival value.
- Robert Andrews Millikan

One year following the end of World War I, a new annual holiday - declared by then President Woodrow Wilson - was to be observed to recognize this termination of fighting. Thirty-five years later, on the recommendation of President Dwight Eisenhower, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day to honor those who serve/served in the military. Each year, it is a time for both memories and gratitude.

Particularly, on Veterans Day, I think about the vast number of men and women whose lives were sacrificed in service. I recall reading aloud a classmate’s name on the black granite wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Though barely surviving a directly exploding grenade within his foxhole during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, I remember my late father-in-law. Then too, there are the faded sepia-toned photos of uncles in dough-boy hats and uniforms – two very young men, barely old enough for training but ready to face unknown depths of “the Great War”, World War I.

A pastor’s recent sermon contained quite a listing of memorable events that commonly characterize the last ten or so years. Sadly, wars and international conflicts were mentioned, time after time. Following the Service, an adult class, the format of which is to dig deeper into the sermon message, questioned – and discussed –what then should follow war and serious conflicts? Continuous violence (in thought, word, and deed), recovery and rehabilitation, peace?

Over and over, my thoughts returned to previous GRM Blog Posts that I have written – namely about how addiction, no matter which one, is like a personal war**. Numerous struggles appear and develop into multiple battles. The individual finds him/herself facing the need for more; the cravings interrupt normal living patterns; conflicts grow and develop with loved ones, friends, and associates. The battles become steady – both within the individual and against others.

The flip side of such battles is – ironically – that loved ones (i.e., the others) can become entangled to such a degree that they feel at war, also. Suspicion, disappointment, sleepless nights, fear, anger, exhaustion, and grief can lead to hopelessness. Physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions can grow to serious levels. Suicidal ideation is not just the thought of a person suffering addiction. To turn the corner from such wars, there are real life personal responses plus resources of preparation, support and recovery – for both sides of the battle(s).

** For sure, I recommend recovery treatment and therapy with a specifically trained and certified counsellor: and yes, there are therapists with specialties in gambling and gaming as well as other addictions/disorders.

www.IPGGC.org (International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization)

** Moreover, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Gam-Anon are go-to supports that particularly address the battles of, against, and with addiction. The resources of advice/ support/ understanding of persons who have fought those aforementioned battles – and continue to win them - are incredibly priceless.

www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.gam-anon.org

I close with the following words of wisdom.

We should remember that while modern developments have made war more terrible [we should remember] they have also made the consequences of retreat and surrender more terrible. – John Foster Dulles

Moreover …

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. – George Washington

As well, let’s dive deeper from this second statement:

To be prepared for relapse (thus a repeat of war) is one of the most effective ways in preserving recovery!

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

https://www.grmumc.org

855-926-0761

For more information on the IPGGC Clergy/Lay Minister Certification visit:

www.IPGGC.org