Tim O'Brien, Vietnam veteran, writes...
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Tim O'Brien, Vietnam veteran, writes about the "burden of being alive" in his collection of short stories, titled The Things They Carried. With the skill of an engraver, he crafts his stories about the horrors and the humilities of the Vietnam War that have left so many in pain. Because Tim O'Brien was there, fellow veterans read his work with deep appreciation. They experience a healing catharsis in the uncompromising portrait he draws from every soldier's memory. A soldier's duty is to follow orders. The orders from above; they are external commands or expectations. The soldier learns obedience by choosing to do one's duty. Obedience comes from within; it accepts the command whatever the cost. As the Son of God, Jesus had the duty to obey the Father's will. The duty was given him from above. His obedience was an act of will whereby he chose to pass through the suffering, rather than avoid it. He received the duty; he learned obedience by accepting suffering -- even unto death -- as God's plan for salvation. Because of his obedience in the trenches of suffering, we can experience strength and healing from him as we face the sufferings of our sins and death. -- Molldrem
