Congratulations to our summer essay contest winners, Lauren Dunn and Jessica Pritchett! In their essays, they discuss why it’s important to remember America’s history and what we can learn from our founding fathers. Lauren and Jessica each won The Battle of Bunker Hill dvd and poster. Check out their essays below!
MAY WE REMEMBER
By Lauren Dunn, age 20
As the two forces drew their lines to face each other, the world watched with only slight interest. After all, this was the greatest fighting force in the world easily squashing a small rebellion; the colonial amateurs didn’t have a chance against the megalithic British army. To the watching world, this was a shut-out.
What the watching world didn’t take into account was the activity of the Sovereign of the universe. “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength” (Psalm 33:16).
“These are the times that try men’s souls,” penned Thomas Paine during the tattered colonial soldiers’ endeavor for liberty. And such were the times. Defeat after defeat, loss after loss, the fledgling force continued to fight for freedom. Their situation looked hopeless, their survival unlikely, and their success impossible. The Battle of Quebec – defeated. The Battle of Brandywine Creek – defeated, with heavy losses. It appeared to all that the Americans’ revolutionary ideals were doomed with their army. They were desperate.
But God works in desperate circumstances. Daniel wasn’t saved until he was in the lions’ den, and David had to face the undefeated giant before gaining victory. So it was with the exhausted American soldiers. God wouldn’t save them from the fight, but through it.
Slowly but surely, the tired, tattered forces gained ground. The Battle of King’s Mountain – victorious! The Battle of Cowpens – victorious.
Finally, General Cornwallis surrendered his forces to General Washington. Tradition has it that, as the armies marched by each other, the British played the tune “When the World Turned Upside Down.” The world probably seemed upside down that day, as the greatest army in the world surrendered to a disorganized bunch of farmers. Certainly no one expected the Americans to last for over six years of fighting – and to eventually come out on top.
“The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:10-11).
Benjamin Franklin testified to Congress in 1787, saying, “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth–that God Governs the affairs of men.”
As we observe Independence Day 2011, may we who have received the benefit of these heroes’ sacrifice remember that God does indeed govern the affairs of men. The testimony of our nation’s founders teaches us the vitally important lesson that nothing is ever impossible with God. No matter how hopeless our situation may seem, God is all-powerful and always at work. Our country’s heritage illustrates this truth. A handful of farmers overturned the megalithic British army. Well, actually, God overturned the megalithic British army. The farmers were just there to obey – and have a front row seat to a miracle. May we remember that the same God still rules over all our impossibilities today.
WHERE WE CAME FROM
By Jessica Pritchett, age 17
“Ignorance is bliss.” – Proverb
“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your children’s children.” – Deuteronomy 4: 9
Two sayings. One of man and one of God. Which is correct? Is ignorance indeed bliss? Are we to forget all that came before us? Or are we to remember them? To learn from the mistakes and rejoice at God’s providence all through history? Or to sweep them under the rug? Which is the better way?
Although there are many people who would certainly argue otherwise, I firmly believe that God’s command, to remember what our eyes have seen and to teach them to our children, is the better way. We must apply to it, remembering every part of our history and heritage. We must remember and teach our children about all parts of God’s plan for his people and the world. But, we must especially remember our Nation’s proud Christian history.
Why is it important to know our nation’s history? Isn’t it recent history? Some people would tell you that you only need to remember the old history. If we settle for that and allow ourselves to forget, that’s where we lose the battle of defending our Nation and its history.
Today I was reading my American Government and History book and it hit me. Having a knowledge of who you are and where your family comes from is bliss. The world around us would claim that the strong, wonderful Christian men who built our country were deists and land hungry rebel rousers. But, to be able to stand up and say no to that. To be able to fight with words against such lies. To be able to defend the Constitution and the Flag that stands for our rights as a free country, is bliss.
Knowledge is bliss. It is important to know where we came from so that we understand why the Puritans came here. So that we understand why thousands of men gave their lives for our country. So that we know why Patrick Henry said, “Give me Liberty or give me death!”. So that we know why we put our hand over our heart when we say the Pledge of Allegiance. So that we know why they gave their today for our tomorrow. So that we know why we are one Nation under God.
(photos courtesy of Light A Candle Films)
Generation Impact thanks The Battle of Bunker Hill producer/director Tony Malanowski for awarding each of our winners with The Battle of Bunker Hill dvd and poster. Get your own today!