May 2024
"Above all, Washington never forgot what was at stake and he never gave up.”
David McCullough wrote these words as he reflected on the horrific struggle George Washington experienced in learning to lead his “rabble in arms” against the superior forces of Great Britain in 1776. Washington learned from his mistakes, which had cost American lives, and, though he was often dejected and depressed over the troops who chose to leave the army when their time was up, he kept a brave face.
Amid scathing criticism, he wrote, “Many of my difficulties and distresses were of so peculiar a cast that in order to conceal them from the enemy, I was obliged to conceal them from my friends, indeed from my own army, thereby subjecting my conduct to interpretations unfavorable to my character.”
Through a harsh and brutal winter, forced retreats, dwindling equipment and supplies, he truly believed the cause of freedom was worth the sacrifice. The stories of the battles of that first year of his leadership are beyond remarkable and contain clear interventions from God, giving Washington and his troops reasons to praise Him.
Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, wrote of those hard times, “Affliction is the good man’s shining time.”
Pastor, take heart during trying circumstances; lead the best you know how, learn from your mistakes, never forget what is at stake and never give up!
Dr. Lynn Hardaway
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