The Latin phrase in this title was once found in the relief at the Cultural Center of the Armies in Madrid, Spain. This phrase is a Latin adage translated as “If you want peace, prepare for war.” The phrase started from a statement found in De Re Militari Book 3 of Latin author Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus’s written in the fourth or fifth century. The first time I heard this phrase was in the Marines when I was in the Fleet Marine Force. I was with 2nd Force Re-con Company attached from my other primary company.

When an Infantry unit would yell the phrase. They would barked the phrase to leave from formation after physical training. They yelled the phrase again while they came back from a 25-50-mile force march. Being a Catholic boy, I knew some Latin. I knew somewhat the phrase meaning, but I found out later in the Marvel Movie called “The Punisher.” Frank Castle the main character repeats this phrase when he plans to assault his enemies.

I am no longer working in the military; however, this phrase still is true in today’s society. Now let me clarify why I believe this phrase is important. During birth we fight our way to get that first breath of air. Then we get through infancy to grow up a toddler. We ward-off diseases of flu’s to cutting our first tooth. 

Then we contend for our place in life. When we go to school for the next thirteen years from preschool to High School. From being bullied by other children in school yard to fighting to keep descent grades. We fight for staying above water in College or trade school. Once out of college we fight to land that career. The career will make us a success to feed, cloth, and take of our family.

Nevertheless, I want to make clear another fight that not too many people like to bring to reality. The fight in this instant is the fight for survival, and we may not a physical fight. Not unless someone robs you at gun point. You are fighting to stay above water in the concrete jungle. Maybe, you are wondering if life still matters. And is this all to life, you live and then you die. Only to become ashes or worm food. 

However, there is an unseen fight that we need to realize is happening in the world. There war is a fight that is a spiritual one. In the invisible realm of the spirit world. The warfare written in the Bible “For, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

My pen is now my open dialogue to the world. I give people all over the world a reason to ask question to those that may not think their lives matter. Writing has saved my life, and I will be doing this though-provoking writing that gets others to either re-think about their life, or to just keep fighting in this battle we call life. If you genuinely want peace of mind, body, and soul.

 Then prepare for your biggest war. The war I’m referring to is do that thing that can change your stars and put a smile on your face. Write that first novel or book. Go volunteer at a nursing home, by reading to a lonely person just dying for company. Become a public speaker or a writer of a blog about the topics that interest you.

Like Dorothy learn in the movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” After the Scarecrow ask her what did she learn? She said, “Well…I think that it…wasn’t enough just to want to see Uncle Henry and Auntie Em. And it’s that if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any farther than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” 

Your heart’s desire is worth fighting for in this life. Moreover, your heart’s desire will give you peace. So, find it! Start fighting for it! None the less, just do it! I feel if we have work on cleaning up our world, or if we think we need to make our mark and be heard. It should have started at home. 

The End

ﬣַסוּף