A Letter from Your Children

This is a letter that our pastor shared last week to illustrate a sermon. Names have been removed to protect the young person's and his/her family's anonymity. What he/she has written is so very true. If you are a parent, especially, please read this!

Dear Pastor _______,

A few years ago, I read your books. I found them to be extremely encouraging and instructive. These books showed me that not only do you have a real heart for young people, but you also understand us well. I am writing to ask you to consider writing a book to our parents and youth workers. Let me explain. 

I am a junior at a well-known Christian college. I grew up in highly respected fundamental independent Baptist churches, and went to excellent Christian schools. My father has been a Christian worker since before I was born. 

One would think that my testimony would go something like this: I was saved when I was about 5 and I had dedicated my life to God and I have been growing a lot and serving Him and now I am studying to serve Him full time. But that isn't my story. Actually, though I did make a profession of faith when I was very young, I didn't get saved until I was 17. Since I was 12 and now on into college I have struggled with some serious issues. And I found out when I went to college that I am not the only good kid who is or has struggled with or is still struggling with serious stuff. We struggle with issues like eating disorders, depression and suicide, cutting, pornography, gender identity, homosexuality, drugs, drinking, immorality, and the list could go on. We listen to wild music, we idolize pop culture's heroes, and we watch dirty sitcoms. We have no discrimination in our entertainment, dress, or any aspect of our lifestyle. Obviously, I'm generalizing our problems you would not find that every Christian young person from a conservative background struggles with all of these issues; and praise God, some of us do not struggle with any of these issues. 

My point is not simply that they don't know what we struggle with or how to deal with it. I think there is a pretty simple reason why good kids struggle with such serious stuff. And that there is a solution. At the risk of being blunt, I am going to be blunt. 

Our parents did not spend time teaching us to love God. Our parents put us in Sunday Schools since K4. Our parents took us to church every time the doors opened, and sent us to every youth activity. They made sure we went to good Christian colleges. They had us sing in the choir, help in the nursery, be ushers, go soul winning. We did teen devotionals, and prayed over every meal. We did everything right. And they made sure that we did. 

But they forgot about our hearts. They forgot that the Bible never commanded the church to teach children about God and His ways. That responsibility was laid at the feet of our fathers. Unfortunately, our fathers don't have time for us. They put us where we are surrounded by the Bible. But they didn't take time to show us that God was important enough to them to tell us personally about Him. So to us, Christianity has become a religion of externals. Do all the right stuff, and you're a good Christian. So, some of us walk away from church. Some of us stay in church and fill a pew. Many of us struggle with stuff that our parents have no idea about because they hardly know us. 

I think these problems stem from first, our detachment from our parents, and second from our misunderstandings about the essence of Christianity, a relationship, not a list of rules. I worry that many young people like me are not even saved because of their misunderstandings about Christianity. 

I know that this has not been a well-articulated treatise, but it comes from my heart. If you are able to help us and our families, we would be so grateful. I realized that probably, there is no way to fix the fact that kids my age are detached from our parents or to straighten out the crazy stuff that we struggle with. The alienation is fixed, the scars are permanent. I know our situation is not hopeless. God is at work in my life and my generation, among those of us who have struggled and are struggling. But maybe our younger siblings can have some help that we never had. Maybe you can write a book for our parents that will grab their attention and help them see that this is serious issue that their kids need them, desperately. 

I guess I've run out of things to say. I must say I am a little hesitant to share my name with you because that attaches me with my parents, who are, by the way, good people. Thanks for everything you have already done to help Christian teens and their families. I am eager to see what else God will do through you. 

Sincerely, 

_______

Voices Without A Vote

Sighs. Aspirations. Breath

I long for the glistening, august mountains of the frigid northern lands;
For the white, shimmering innocence of the fresh, unspoiled snow;
For the crisp, celestial glimpse of the pristine midnight sky;
For the clear, glassy splendor of the flowing crystal ice,
Its delicate strength transparently captivating.

I ache for the wonderful rush of wonder, joy, fear, as I fly
Down the soft, slippery slopes with practiced ease and deliberate movements
And watch as the magnificent landscape flees before me
With soft and quiescent swiftness.

I yearn for the richly splendid radiance and the vibrant, resonant eminence;
I thirst for the cold, majestic beauty and the divine, serene glory
That heaven deemed christen Winter.

                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                      July 4, 2012

Father's Eyes

Passion for Poetry: Father's Eyes

Father's Eyes

I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl

And my face may not grace the mind of every one in the world

But that's alright as long as I can have one wish, I pray

When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Eyes that find the good in things when good is not around

Eyes that find the source of help when help just can't be found

Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain

Knowing what you're going through and feeling it the same

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Just like her Father's eyes

On that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done

Good and bad, they all be had to see by every one

And when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me

More than anything I know, I want your words to be

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes

Eyes that find the good in things when good is not around

Eyes that find the source of help when help just can't be found

Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain

Knowing what you're going through and feeling it the same

Just like my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes

Just like my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes, my Father's eyes

Just like my Father's eyes

                                     --sung by The von Trapp Children

Happy Father's Day everyone!

Day 5: A Favorite Quote

BIBLE QUOTE

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:16, 20

Notice, Joshua told the people to "Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city." They hadn't yet taken the city. Faith, trust. Joshua had faith in God, and trusted Him to do as He had said he would. It didn't make sense - since when did anyone win a battle by walking around the city for a week? But God had said He would deliver the city into their hands, and Joshua trusted Him enough to not only do as He had said, but when it was time to shout, to tell the people to shout because God had already given them the city!

OTHER QUOTES

Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do--then do it with all your strength.

George Washington

Never give in. Never back down. Never lose faith.

Facing the Giants

American Trucker for a Week

a company's driveway; on our way out after picking up a load of sand in Rhode Island

So my dad has been a printer all his life -- since he was 15 years old, when he helped a friend out in his shop. But back August, after over 20 years in the printing business, he got laid off, and was having trouble finding another job. Printing, after all, isn't exactly on the rise. However, trucking is. So he managed to get the necessary training and now has a job with TMC. After working with them for about three months, he's now able to bring each of us (three of my four sisters and I, as the youngest is one year too young according to the company's rules) with him, one at a time. Because of his schedule, each turn will be about a week long, sometimes two. I, being the oldest, got the first turn the last week of March. It was an easy week, so it was actually more like three days, but I still had a great time. Because of the schedule, I'm sure all of us will eventually have half-weeks and two weeks and everything inbetween -- we just never know!

Anyway, I posted a few Facebook statuses that I think summed up my trip pretty well, so I'll copy them (rather than trying to describe my trip all over again, especially since I'm not exactly very good at it). Of course, the picture wasn't part of any of them, but it looks good in the blogger post. =) My dad took both the photos in this post.

So just found I'm gonna go with Dad in the semi THIS WEEK. TODAY. IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS. Epicly awesome! Needless to say, I'm excited. ;) Now I gotta go get packed...



Love trucking! =D Okay, minus tarping that load, ugh... like three guys in a row finished before we did. One guy pulled up, strapped & tarped his load in 10 MINUTES. It took us 2 HOURS. Our load was kinda odd-shaped, but still. -_- Other than that... AWESOME!!! We didn't actually go into Canada, but we did eat at Pizzaria Uno about a half hour from Quebec. Mmmmmmm. A couple older French guys sat at the table next to us. We walked around Long Island City in NYC for like an hour Thursday night looking for somewhere to eat. It wasn't even 6 yet, but everything was closing, and we ended up having to eat at an Irish bar & pub. -_- It wasn't too bad though, there weren't many people there and the food was pretty good. They had a soccer game on and we watched about the last half hour. Don't tell mom... pretty much all I drank all week was Mountain Dew, and I mostly had pie & Dorritos & Starbursts -- if anything -- for breakfast & lunch. ;) Trucking was awesome, I can't wait for my next turn. =D

sunrise from a little street in Long Island City, NYC, where we spent the night in the truck

Monday - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut
Tuesday - Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York
Wednesday - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Thursday - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
Friday - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Yes, of course we love New Yuck traffic -- that's why we went there every day. lol



Has anyone ever noticed that Peterbilt is missing the "u" in "built"? I just noticed that this week lol

Day 4: A Favorite Television Program

Okay, don't freak out, but the answer for this one is probably The Dukes of Hazzard. Now, I am NOT talking about the many, many movies that have been made. There are two movies that the original actors are in which, though I haven't seen them, look just as good as the episodes. Besides the fact that the women could use a few more clothes (and a "mild" word every now and then), it's basically an innocent, funny, awesome show. I love watching the chases.

Resurrection Sunday: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Passion for Poetry: Resurrection Sunday: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

As much as Resurrection Sunday is the designated day to especially celebrate Jesus's resurrection, it is also a specific day to especially remember His crucifixion. After all, He couldn't have resurrected for us if He hadn't died for us in the first place! So this Resurrection Sunday, I'm posting the story of the Crucifixion. (Of course, the fact that some of my favorite "Bible stories" are actually part of the Crucifixion account had something to do with it, too. For example, the story of the second thief on the cross, or of the centurion who believed.)

In order to get as much of the entire story as possible in one "reading" or "telling", I've taken the different parts of the story from each of the four Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and compiled them all into one.

(References can be found at the end of this post, in the order in which they are written in the compilation.)

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and plaited a crown of throns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the [thieves], one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief preists of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, [They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.] These things therefore the soldiers did.

And they that passed by railed on him wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive to due reward of our deads: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he [cried with a loud voice], It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled. A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Mark 15:16-22; Luke 23:27-34 [Matt 27:38]; Mark 15:28; John 19:19-24 [Matt 27:35]; Mark 15:29-32; John 19:25-27; Luke 23:39-43; Mark 15:33-35; John 19:28; Mark 15:36; John 19:30 [Mark 15:37]; Matt 27:51-53; Mark 15:39; John 19:31-37

Day 3: A Favorite Book

(besides the KJV Bible)

Probably The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I read the unabridged book in October/November 2011 (it took me about 30 1/2 days to read it). It's 1462 pages long, but despite being a classic, it isn't boring (some of you will understand what I mean). There are a few times when he does get a bit descriptive, but not often. It's actually very exciting and fast-paced... and complicated. If you've seen the 2002 movie (which is absolutely amazing), you know that it's far from being a simple movie -- but when compared to the book, it is. Overall, it's an absolutely epicly amazing book -- and it's being a classic makes it even better!

30 Day Challenge

Remember that challenge a bunch of bloggers took last year? Well, I started it, promised I'd finish it eventually... I can't believe it's already been over a year! So I've decided it's probably about time I actually finish it. Sorry it took so long. =( My answers will be more brief, because I'm afraid if I think about it too much, I'll take ANOTHER year to finish it. Not interested. ;)


Here's the list again. I only answered the first two so far, so I'll include the links to those posts. I might add links for the new posts I make as well.

Day 1: A favorite song -- I have a new answer for this, though. Although I still don't have a favorite song, I DO have a favorite CCM band, Tenth Avenue North. I actually discovered them last year when Joshua posted their song, "By Your Side", as a favorite song. (By the way, their new album, "De Struggles", is coming out in August! =D)
Day 2: A favorite movie
Day 3: A favorite book
Day 4: A favorite television program
Day 5: A favorite quote
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 9: A photo you took
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding (or was played)
Day 13: A guilty pleasure
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take
Day 15: A person you admire
Day 16: A song that makes you cry
Day 17: An art piece
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive
Day 19: A talent of yours
Day 20: A hobby of yours
Day 21: Somthing you know you do differently than most people
Day 22: A website
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love
Day 25: A recipe
Day 26: A childhood memory
Day 27: A physical feature you love
Day 28: A scar you have and it's story
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days
Day 30: A motto or philosophy

Changes for Passion for Poetry

Hey everybody, I've made some changes over at Passion for Poetry. Go check it out!

Illustrations of Persecution

A guest pastor at my church preached a message called "Keep On Keeping On" a couple weeks ago, and told us the following two true stories about two martyrs, about the time just after Rome received Paul's letter (Romans). I thought they were really good, especially the last one, and so I asked him to email them to me:

One example of their suffering comes to us from history, just a few years after they received this letter. In 155 AD, the Bishop of the church of Smyrna, a man named Polycarp, who was a disciple of John the Beloved, was martyred for Jesus. This man was arrested at the request of an angry mob that cried, "Away with the Atheists; let Polycarp be sought out!"

The old preacher, he was 86 at the time, was given the opportunity to renounce Jesus. The magistrate, who did not want to see the old man die, said, "What harm is there in saying, Lord Caesar?" But, Polycarp refused! When they entered the stadium, where the executions took place, they tried again, saying, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the Atheists.'" Polycarp fixed his gaze on the crowd, waved his arms at them, and said, "Away with the atheists!" The magistrate again attempted to get Polycarp to renounce his faith and said, "Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ." To that, the old man cried, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"

After a few more attempts to get the old preacher to renounce Jesus, they led him away to the stake to burn him alive. They were about to nail him to the post and Polycarp said, "Leave me as I am; for He that giveth me strength to endure the fire, will also enable me, without your securing me by nails, to remain without moving in
the pile." So, they left him loosely bound and they lit the fire. As the flames rose around him, he was heard to pray and rejoice in Jesus. He died for his faith and in doing so he left an indelible imprint on the fabric of time.



There was a believer who was arrested during these same terrible days of tribulation. They attempted to threaten him to cause him to recant his faith in the Lord Jesus. So they said to him, "If you do not recant your faith, we are going to banish you." And the Christian said, "Do what you will with me because my Jesus said, 'I'll never leave thee nor forsake thee.'" The magistrate then said, "We'll take all of your property and your possessions away from you." That faithful saint said, "No, you can't do that either, my treasures are laid up in heaven where no human hand can touch them." The magistrate then said, "If you do not renounce Jesus, we will put you to death." He said, "You can't do that either. I've been dead with Jesus for 40 years, my life is hid with Christ in God and you can't touch it."

A Father's Prayer

Alot of this could be placed under the title "A Single Girl's Prayer" too:

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee--and that to know himself is the foundation of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."

--Douglas MacArthur

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry
St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia
March 23, 1775

Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to so lace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ouselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have so long contending, if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight out battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable, and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Source: Colonial Williamsburg


History repeats itself. Wake up.