Hi, I don't know if anyone I don't know will read this. I would love that! I am going to hope and pretend that someday someone who needs to be introduced to me will read this, so let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Jordon Hoover. I am a woman with a man's name. I just wanted to make that clear because I know from past experience that people sometimes assume differently. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world (You are allowed to disagree with me on this point because I hope if you are married, you believe your husband is the most wonderful man in the world.) Ryan is currently serving as a flight engineer on CH-47 helicopters in Iraq. I teach at a small Christian school. I love my job, my co-workers, and my students very much. I really believe that education and everything that a school does is good, but without Christ at the center, it is meaningless because it does not last for eternity. You may see this as a tough stance, but I believe it.
The reason I am writing a blog is because I read Angie Smith's blog and was so very inspired. I thought I would love to bless people with my life like she has blessed so many people including me by sharing hers. I thought about this for weeks, and came to another reason to start blogging. My other reason for writing is to keep me humble. I really struggle with pride. I hope that this time of self-reflection and honesty will help me.
The name of the blog comes from Hebrews 6:19a which says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." This hope is a secure hope because God cannot lie, and this hope is in Jesus for salvation. I love the picture of an anchor, under the water, holding the ship of my soul in place as waves and storms come. This year of Ryan being gone has been full of waves.
I just got back from a bike ride. I thought about listening to an audio book, which has been the new thing I really enjoy, but instead I decided to take the time to think and talk to God. Honestly, I started to throw myself a pity party. I do that...often. I will try not to share those here, but I am going to share this one. I share it because I hope it builds compassion and understanding in your heart, not just for me, but for all military families and for all people who have to spend time away from their families.
Money and time are very abstract to me. I need to know how much money will buy before I understand what it is worth. In fact, money has no worth unless it buys something. In the same way, time is hard to measure. Ryan has been gone from home for six months. Maybe you can think back to November like it was yesterday. Measure it differently. Think about how many family gatherings you've been to in the past six months. Think about how many projects you've finished. Think about how many new habits you have. Think about how many new outfits you bought. Think about how many things for your house you bought. Think about how much in your life has really changed in the past six months. Now think about the military members who have given all that up. Think about the military families who have done all of those things with part of their heart missing. Before Ryan left I had very little understanding because I thought very little about what a sacrifice those in the military make.
Hmm...how do I end? I need a catchy way to sign off. I'll think about. For now, this will have to do.
Thank you for reading.
Jordon
