Last week, I had several people ask me how I was doing and feeling after the threat to my kids. (See previous post for the exact quote.) And I had to immediately think of one of my favorite historical figures of all time.
Stonewall Jackson was a brilliant tactician during the civil war. His childhood as an orphan and the events of his life lead him to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the first battles of the Civil War was the battle of Bull Run. There as the Union began to over run the Confederate line, Jackson was seen at the front of the battle line inspite of the heavy fire all around him. His name “Stonewall” comes from this moment. During this battle, Jackson’s horse was wounded he had several bullet hole through his clothing and a bullet had broken the finger of his hand.
Someone asked him how he could be so vulnerable in the face of such danger. Jackson replied:
Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in the field of battle as in bed. He has fixed the hour of my death. I do not concern myself about that but to be always ready no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, then all would be equally brave.”
That is the way we should all live. That is the way I am walking this through with my children. Their destinies were not complete on Sunday. Our destinies are not complete today. In this spiritual battle, God has appointed my hour of death. Until that moment comes, I am as safe in my own home as I am anywhere in the world.
Courage and Confidence
4 responses so far ↓
Tana // June 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
Well that’s thought provoking and and anencouragement to all of us with teenage drivers on the road!
Tana // June 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
Well that’s thought provoking and and an encouragement to all of us with teenage drivers on the road!
Steve Collins // June 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm |
Years ago, a made-for-TV movie called “Gods and Generals” graphically portrayed the deep Christian faith of Stonewall Jackson and other generals on both sides. I highly recommend it.
midnightcry // June 29, 2009 at 3:40 am |
Hey Steve,
I know about the movie, but what was more amazing was the book it was based off. Shaara is one of my favorite authors of all time and his civil war books are the best!
The fun story with this one was that I read Gods and Generals on a vacation in the hills seven years ago. Just could not put the book down, so one night I kept reading after everyone else was asleep. The end of the book is the death of Stonewall Jackson, and I was crying my way through the last chapter and woke STeve up. Needless to say, he found the death of a Confederate general 130 years earlier to be a ridiculous thing to cry about.