Tag Archive for: Inspiring

I’ve often wondered how military families do it.

How do they live with the constant distance between them and the fear that any day they may receive bad news?

I don’t know if I would be strong enough to do it…it was bad enough having friends serving in war zones, let alone a member of your family.

So when I heard today’s story it touched my heart in a way I can’t possibly describe.

10 year old Ben Macnaughton’s dad, a Squadron Leader in the RAF has visited a war zone every year of Ben’s life and is currently serving as the Brigade Air Liaison Officer, with 12 Mechanised Brigade, Bulford, Wiltshire.

Since 2003 Ben has lived in the shadow of war and has spent approximately 50% of his life separated from his father due to his father’s military commitment. Sqn Ldr Macnaughton throughout Ben’s life has deployed continuously to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other war zones

So how has Ben dealt with this?

Unbeknownst to his parents, he wrote a song in his music lessons with 80s music producer, Anthony Clark called Messed Up World asking the world to give peace a chance.

Believe me when I say it’s a song that pulls on the old heartstrings…

When asked why he wrote the lyrics to the song, he said. “I want the fighting to stop so that children don’t need to be away from their parents anymore. I don’t think children should be away from their parents.”

“Did you write it because daddy goes away so much?”

“Yes.” He said.

Ben has never been to stage school so it’s very homemade and he is keeping it real. However, he has lived his whole life in the shadow of war so he wanted to raise money for other children in the same position as him.  So the song has been released in aid of SSAFA

SSAFA provides lifelong support for our forces and their families. It is a charity that does whatever it takes to get things done. They provide practical support and assistance to servicemen and women, veterans, and the families of both, every single day of the year.

You just need to read the lyrics to understand why this 10 year old wants peace:
“It’s a messed up world
But I won’t let it get me down
As long as I can hold my ground
I will be safe and sound

Fighting everywhere
There is no more peace in the air
Bodies lying everywhere
I am really scared
Everything is grey and black
Smoke is coming out of my hat
A glimpse of light comes from the sky
And everything is once again fine
People are alive and singing

The world can be so lovely yes it can
We should all be happy and never sad
If we could stop the fighting and end the war
We could all be happy for ever more
Forever more”

So if you would like to support Ben on his mission to spread the word of peace and support the SSAFA in the process then you can purchase the song here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/messed-up-world-single/id766580199

I hope his message spreads far and wide this Christmas…

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As you know, I would love to acknowledge, honour and celebrate the women and men who have inspired you as well.

So if there is someone that you believe should feature as a Fabulous Friday Female (or Fellow!), then send me an email (claire@feminine1st.com) with 3 simple details:

• Who is your Fabulous Friday Female / Fellow? (Her / his name and location in the world)
• Why is she / he a Fabulous Friday Female / Fellow to YOU? (How do you know her / him? What does she / he do? In what way is she / he inspiring?)
• A photo or link to a picture of her / him online (if there is a reason that you would prefer not to include a photo, just let me know)

So help me to share with all of our lovely ladies the real women and men who inspire YOU.

…and remember, as always, to Stay Fabulous too!

Claire x