Occasion | Dave Mazzettia

A Rose in the Desert


In April of 2003 I was confronted one day by a cheerful man holding the hand of what seemed to be his daughter, in the currently chaotic city of Bagdad, Iraq. My squad of Infantry soldiers was given the assignment to guard a certain building, in order to allow the transfer of a large amount of enemy munitions and explosives to be taken away and destroyed. The man was older, probably in his early fifties, yet the small, charming girl accompanying him could not have been older than seven. Immediately upon our meeting, we exchanged greetings and the young girl offered a rose as a greeting present. How courteous that in the midst of a continuous battle, as random scrimmages throughout the city were commonplace, this sweet young girl would offer a gift to a member of the invading force.
On March 19, 2003 the first U.S. Army Bradley (a half-tank troop carrying vehicle) entered Iraq with intentions of war, along with a host of other militaries gathered from around the world, since the last well known war with Iraq. Embedded inside this Bradley along with my fellow soldiers, I sat in disbelief and hushed excitement as the initial shots of combat were heard outside of the protection of the heavily armored vehicle we controlled. I am often asked by friends and family “were you not at all afraid?” It seems as though the greatest fear known to man is fear of the un known. How much then is the worth of knowledge?
I often ponder the process of obtaining knowledge. One thing that must be said is that wisdom is a worthy and necessary accompaniment to knowledge. Often, religion purports that faith is also of great importance. How can these two entities of prominence both exist, when faith is certainly no sure knowledge – rather merely a belief. Yet it is also obvious that fear is the enemy of faith, because at that time in my life and still ever presently, I am nearly overwhelmed with the immensity of existence and by my efforts to maximize the quality of my life and of those around me. Thus I have come to the conclusion that there are many similarities in these teachings. It is also no secret that these teachings have been taught in the Bible. Each individual must read, ponder, and study these “truths” to assure the knowledge for themselves. It used to be that the Bible was the motto book of America, along with the Constitution of the United States. They were frequently read in nearly every home in America. They were loved and cherished by millions; many would memorize passages or the book(s) as a whole. How did that change so quickly? I speculate what would now be considered the motto book(s) of America? We often memorize lines to movies, or read the newest best sellers. I think I have spent hours listening to and memorizing Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby – good old boys! For others it’s the current most popular musicians.
That would be inspiring to observe the citizens of Iraq write a “Constitution” for themselves. The look in the face of that charming, young girl to me showed enormous potential and a bright future – it showed hope. In less than twenty years from now this girl may be in a position to make great changes, and I hope she and others will have the wisdom and courage to make the right ones. I am confidant that the freedom loving citizens of every country will eventually triumph over others whose desire it is to control and manipulate to their own advantage as is unfortunately too often seen in world leadership. History has proven both facts; as bold citizens and groups of people such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, William Shakespeare, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill and their supporters reawakened the eternal philosophies of freedom we may be privileged to enjoy; Hitler, Stalin, Saddaam Hussein, and Herod Antipas are intense modern and ancient examples of corrupt leadership. I am sure that there are other such great individuals as the aforementioned on the earth today, for they are certainly needed, and if there weren’t we would undoubtedly rise to the unpronounced challenge to become such. If only there were more people like Johann Goethe, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Einstein, Plato, and Gandhi. It may be wise to study the lives and teachings of these great people of the past, and then I will be better prepared to stand amidst a host of enemy soldiers and unfailingly command my troops, or perchance one day and in a position of authority perhaps make the decision to side with peace. One thing is certain; we all make decisions, and in determining which ever choices we are creating a path for our lives and influencing the lives of countless others. Our wisdom, faith in solid principles, and knowledge will greatly assist us in the process.