There is a rising number of new casualties —not physical, but spiritual. Actually, the spiritual deficit results in physical tragedies, This dire situation creates the necessity for school, civilian and military chaplains to resurrect the neglected foundation. The spiritual problem demands a spiritual solution.

Is mankind fully flourishing? Too often, there is a failure to thrive. A deep void is painfully recognized --yet unsatisfied. Extreme sports are not extreme enough. Medications are helpful, yet illicit drug addiction is increasing. Mental health care is great, but addressing the mind and body without addressing the spirit is incomplete —resulting in loneliness.

The article will be of interest to school administrators, teachers, parents, foster parents, school, civilian and military chaplains, students, family support groups, mental health providers, legislators and faith groups. Foundations looking to support academic success, faith and safety will discover a call to action.

Depression, domestic violence and suicide are the top examples of the war that rages across all socioeconomic spectrums. Who better to bring the previously missing spiritual support, than the battle-trained clergy who have either experienced or witnessed what its like and lived to tell the story. People who are living on the edge find it easier to trust and confide in those whom they sense have a real understanding of their pain and know the missing piece to the puzzle.

Chaplains are available in state, federal, military and civilian settings, yet they are severely lacking in the schools. Chaplain care for the schools deserves equal opportunity.

Clearly, children are faced with many challenges. Failed resilience during the developmental growth stages can have permanent ill-effects. Without spiritual support, it’s difficult to focus and grow academically. Well-being has been replaced by confusion and fear. Due to school shootings and increased violence, many children are afraid to go to school.

Schools can bolster courage, faith and safety through chaplain care.

The military initiative is a great example. Recently, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth has empowered the military chaplains to actually provide spiritual care.

A retired Major General Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Army, Tom Soljhem said; '…like the nation, the Army wasn’t simply facing a mental health crisis —it was facing an historically unparalleled spiritual crisis. What is often misdiagnosed as a mental health crisis is in fact: “a deep crisis of the spirit and soul.” '

You can read more about the shared insight of Soljhem; as the Chief of Chaplains for the National School Chaplains Association, and the mission of School Chaplaincy that is led by founder and CEO, Rocky Malloy.

In discussing the article, author, Dorothy Kozar, Editorial Contributor at National School Chaplain Association said: “An unprecedented number of people have lost the value of life and have become disrespectful, destructive, violent and homicidal. Tragically, too many are taking their own lives. It’s a failure to find peace. Unless spiritual help is resurrected, mankind will not fully flourish and society will further de-stabilize."

NSCA welcomes comments and questions relating to the article. They invite a fresh look at all sides of the issue; simply because dialog dispels misconceptions. Important things can be accomplished, that would otherwise, be lost. This is an opportunity to become better together!

The newly released, FULL ARTICLE is available at w w w dot NSCA dot global. You can FIND IT on the editorial page, under the News and Media Tab Unveiling The Spiritual Crisis in Schools, Civilian Life and The Military National School Chaplain Association City: Norman Address: PO Box 720746 Website: https://www.campuschaplains.org