A MESSAGE FOR FATHERS DAY
GEORGE WASHINGTON: FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY
Perhaps there is a certain irony in that the father of our country never had
children of his own. I think Washington never bemoaned this fact because he
came to understand that God had chosen him for a great purpose. Washington
was by all accounts of average ability. His war plans were often over thought and
not always very practical. He was no Robert E Lee. He did not particularly speak
or write well. He did not author a Declaration of Independence and speak of
liberty or death. Washington inspired by his example and his firm and
unwavering devotion to God’s calling to him: to lead this ragtag American force of
farmers and family men against the greatest empire on earth, and secure the
birth of a new nation dedicated to the belief that people could and should rule
themselves; as God intended.
Washington would write later in his life that there exists in God’s unfolding plan
an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; of walking a life path to do
right in the face of overwhelming arguments to take a short cut around it. That
only in the fearless execution of one’s duty can a person hope to find advantage
in their cause. That only acts of mercy and honest action can manifest into
prosperity. Like many of faith in his day, Washington believed Christ to be the
model of the perfect life, and the Almighty present in the actions of the righteous.
I will share with you 3 stories of faith from the life of the “father of our country”
Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776,
Washington’s Continental Army had been battered by superior British forces and
generals. The British commander Howe declared the rebellion to be finished. The
true allegiance of the colonists was to the King and winter would finish off what
was left of Washington’s band of mutineers. He was wrong. Washington
personally led his force of 2400 Continentals across the Delaware in the dark on
Christmas night. Winds were fierce freezing the water on the skin of the men.
Hail, snow and rain mixed to produce a trail of ice covered by snow for the 9 mile
march to Trenton. Washington hoped to attack at dawn when the 3000 Hessian
mercenaries would still be asleep; but it was now after 8 a.m. Drawing his sword,
he led the charge trusting the lads would follow to fight for the 1 thing they had
left to fight for; their freedom. The Americans were ferocious and caught the
Hessians off guard. The result; 900 prisoners, canons, ammunition and supplies
to last the winter. The miracle of Trenton was revealed when not one American
soldier was lost. His army would assume the supreme confidence of its
commander. Truly God is with us, and with our cause. Many of the German
prisoners were taken to the Shenandoah Valley where many of the German
speaking “burg” settlements were. When offered the opportunity to return
home, most stayed to become new citizens in this new republic.
Let us remember that we carry on this duty to preserve the sacred fire of liberty
and the destiny of this American way of life. It is for us, We the People, to secure
the legacy of government with no master, and to be the people God has chosen
us to be.
So the American fight for independence endured for 5 years when the British
packed up and left her former colonies to fight the French in Europe. Now an
equally dangerous set of circumstances had come to pass. Washington wrote
that he found himself puzzled over his predicament as both a new American
citizen and a soldier. Without doubt this experiment in republican government
was ordained by God since nothing before in human history suggested that a free
people would choose to rule themselves. Even the Hebrews begged for a king.
Now his own officers were demanding that Washington take the throne or at
least establish a dictatorship. Reminded of Satan’s temptation of Christ in the
wilderness, Washington thanked God for having led him to detest the folly and
madness of unbounded ambition. Yet rebellion was at hand. The newly
independent states refused the new nation any ability to pay its debts and they
refused to pay off the paper money issued to the army as payment during the
war. Their farms in ruin, their paper continentals worthless, it is easy to
understand the anger boiling in his officers when Washington met with them on
Saturday, March 15. Washington was well versed in Roman history, and knew the
Ides of March was when Caesar met his end. He entered the room. His officers
demanded that he lead them to Philadelphia to take over the government or they
would go alone. Washington had prepared a speech, and he carefully listed the
pragmatic reasons for not doing so. His officers became even more agitated. He
then remembered a letter he received from a member of Congress who was in
sympathy with the officers and pledged to pay them fairly. He pulled the paper
from his pocket, and then something seemed to go wrong. The General, one
officer wrote, seemed confused and lost for words. He stared blankly at the
paper, then a calm of assurance covered his face. He pulled a pair of eyeglasses
from his pocket. We had never seen such things. “Gentlemen, he said, you will
permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but nearly
blind, in the service of my country.”
The honest and simple sincerity of these few words broke the bubble of
discontent and his proud officers openly wept. This single act of selfless virtue
had saved the newborn republic.
Be fearless in your commitment to carry on for a righteous cause; for you may
inspire others to do the same.
It was a cold and bitter December morning, rain mixed with the wind and snow to
exude a penetrating chill. Washington rose early and took off on horseback to
survey his lands and operations. He returned in mid-afternoon, his greatcoat had
soaked him to the skin. Martha had invited guests for the evening, and in spite of
a sore and raspy throat, George stayed and played the good host. He refused
medications and said that it should go as it came. He awoke in the early morning
hours finding it difficult to breathe. Martha tried to get up, but he held her arm;
asking her to wait until daylight and the lighting of the bedroom fire. By
breakfast, doctors from Alexandria had arrived and attached 7 leeches to his neck
and back to draw out the bad blood. His blood was thick and dark red. By early
afternoon, Washington called for his affairs to be finalized; Martha was to be
cared for, and all of the slaves were to be freed, given plots of land and tools to
farm with. His work done, he closed his eyes to, spoke 2 words, Tis well and
passed on. I would think at that moment, the heavens opened up, and a loving
voice said, Welcome home faithful servant, with whom I am well pleased.
The father of our country had no children of his own, but he leaves to us, the
American people, a legacy to uphold. May we all do all that we can do to be true
to this gift.
AMEN