The PONY Express
Fall 2014 Issue
LAZINESS: TO WORK OR NOT TO
WORK
-Carter JohnsonIt is seven o’clock on a Tuesday evening and you are faced
with a choice. You can allow your eyes to remain fixated on a
screen, all the while staying warmly nestled into your favorite
spot on the couch, or you can hoist yourself up in order to study
for tomorrow’s history quiz. The choice is between laziness
and hard work. Every day we are faced with the decision to
cruise along the easy road, which requires little effort and
results in little reward, or climb the hard and challenging path,
which offers great reward. The cancer of laziness is a
detrimental aspect of any society, which causes us to forfeit the
numerous benefits reaped by hard work.
Dictionary.com defines the adjective lazy as, “averse or
disinclined to work, activity, or exertion” (Lazy). Thus, when
we are habitually lazy, we decline tasks that require effort; by
doing this, we also decline opportunities to grow. For when our
minds and bodies are challenged by the demands of life, they
can grow stronger by confronting these challenges with diligent
work. As two inspiring teens wrote, “Doing hard things is how
we exercise our bodies, our minds, and our faith. Small hard
things are the individual repetitions—like a single push-up.
They are seemingly insignificant by themselves but guaranteed
to get results over time” (Harris and Harris 138).
Great men and women have fought laziness throughout
history, refusing to exchange the rewards of hard work for the
temporal pleasures of laziness. One excellent example is found
in the life of George Washington. As a young man, Washington
persevered through the challenges of surveying harsh terrain in
order to help provide for his family. Later, this famous
individual battled idleness as he bravely commanded the
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Washington
pushed through difficult situations in order to help accomplish
a tremendous feats. Another example of diligent and passionate
work is found in the life of Johnathan Edwards. Edwards was a
major part of the Great Awakening and is considered one of the
greatest American theologians. Persistently, Edwards fought
laziness in his vocation and walk with the Lord. He strove to
give his all, to give himself up, to live with tremendous purpose
and zeal. Thus, the lives of many admirable men and women
are marked with diligent, skillful, and passionate work.
Before I continue, I would like to take some time to address
a question that might be ringing in your mind. Does this guy
despise rest and want everyone to work 24/7? No! The gift of
rest is a beautiful and necessary thing. Taking time to rest our
bodies and minds is an important part of a healthy life.
Therefore, enjoy the gift of relaxation found in board games,
books, couches, movies, sports, etc. However, we are often
unsatisfied with this healthy rest; we want extended leisure.
This is where we see relaxation become laziness.
Laziness is a harmful aspect of life that not only affects our
physical bodies, but also a greater aspect of our lives. The battle
between slothfulness and hard work is so important because it
impacts and shapes our character. Famed preacher Charles
Spurgeon reminded us about the importance of character when
he said ~Continued on page 2
Glimpses of 2014 Technology
-Luke GiraudeauAir Force drones farming? Bending phones? Virtual-reality
entertainment? This year, many unique and surprising
advancements in technology are shaping various aspects of our
daily lives. Auto-piloted drones, which are now being
employed to manage farm irrigation, are quickly developing
into a commonplace farmstead implement. Recent discoveries
have enabled manufacturers to design and sell curved and
slightly bendable touchscreen electronics, and are working
toward the more innovative folding screen. In the world of
entertainment and communications, a virtual-reality company
has recently created an eye-wear headset that is wired for the
consumer market.
Previously designed by the military, drones are evolving into
an affordable piece of productive farm equipment. Also known
as quad-copters, these unmanned aircrafts are a much cheaper
alternative to satellite or manned helicopter imagery. An
agricultural drone can develop a high-resolution map of an
entire plot of land, roaming from three meters to one hundred
twenty meters above the crops. These drones will analyze crop
development, pest management, and irrigation levels. Other
than farming, these remarkable quad-copters are also used for
architectural and cinematography.
In the past, manufacturers have been limited in touchscreen
development to flat, stationary panels. Lately, designers are
progressing towards a screen that can be rolled up, or folded
over. Several companies have unveiled devices that are capable
of bending, without destroying their internal structure. Certain
elements of the touch screen were far too brittle to be used, but
recent research, such as the development of a thin network of
nanobuds, have miraculously accomplished the flexibility test.
Curved TVs are becoming increasingly popular and are quickly
establishing themselves into the average consumer's household.
A handful of surgeons and engineers have dominated the use
of the originally overpriced ~Continued on page 3
The PONY Express: (Page 2)
The End of Education
-Elizabeth Shannon“O the times, O the customs.” Those who find themselves
frustrated with the conditions of their own times use this
expression, attributed to the great Roman orator Cicero, as a
proverbial lament. As a junior in high school with college
decisions looming over my head, I have little trouble finding
occasion to use this expression. Generally, today’s university
has one purpose: to train employees. Education serves merely
as a means of manufacturing parts for a massive economic
machine. This obsession with utility, however, is only a
symptom of a moral disease which affects our imaginations,
minds, and souls. The classical and Christian scheme of
education, the Great Tradition, which has shaped Western
thought for centuries, may serve as a remedy for this moral
disease. Americans have forgotten their purpose and
subsequently the means by which we fulfill that purpose; but
recovering the classical traditions of our Western heritage may
plant the seeds for reform both in the Church and society, and,
interestingly enough, manufacture better parts for the
economic machine.
I will not attempt to deny that education serves as a means to
an end; but to what end? Until we account for our
ultimate telos, or “purpose”, as human beings, we cannot
provide an adequate answer. Utilitarians will not bother
themselves with something so trivial as the chief end of human
existence. How they have gravely erred. By neglecting the
greater purpose of man, they have reduced him to a bolt or
screw that simply keep the wheels of progressivism turning.
Aristotle, however, reasoned that the telos, the purpose, the
goal for which all men aim, is happiness. This happiness is not
a form of self-indulgence, but rather, as Aristotle himself
defined the term, “activity of the soul in accordance with
virtue.” Christians have an answer for the chief end of man: to
glorify God and enjoy him forever. Does not enjoying God
bring about happiness? Do we not glorify him through activity
of the soul in accordance with virtue? Now remember, the
Great Tradition roots itself in the classical and Christian
teaching. Therefore, it recognizes glorifying God and enjoying
him forever, or happiness, as the telos of all men.
How will the Great Tradition serve as a means to this end?
Over all else, the classical and Christian tradition concerns
itself with rightly ordering the human soul. Virtue and wisdom
take precedence over “useful” or “specialized” knowledge.
Caring for and perfecting the soul by teaching it how to love
the good, the beautiful, and the true sharpens and refines the
image of God which it bears. In what better way can the soul
find happiness than by better knowing and reflecting its
maker?
I mentioned that education in accordance with the Great
Tradition will “manufacture better parts for the economic
machine.” Utilitarians find themselves in a rather sad irony as
a result of abandoning this form of education. Another aim of
the Great Tradition is to train and equip its students to be
independent thinkers. Employers sorely miss this training
when they ask their employees to do anything remotely outside
of their specialized fields.
Such employees spent the better years of their youth learning
how to pass standardized tests instead of solve problems.
Consequently, their specialized training proves a greater
handicap than asset in the workplace. Progressivism has
inadvertently hindered its own progress.
Understanding and studying the classical and Christian
traditions has reformed my educational experience. I lament the
“times and the customs” because a society which thinks itself
so free and enlightened in actuality is enslaved and deluded.
America has deprived herself of meaningful purpose and
fulfillment. Furthermore, she has unintentionally hindered her
own empty, new-found purpose. For the remaining terms of my
high school education and beyond, I intend train my soul in
virtue and wisdom. College will serve as a means to further that
end in addition to preparing me for the workforce. In
conclusion, I would like to quote Dr. Richard M. Gamble,
whose words encapsulate the essence of the Great Tradition far
more eloquently and effectively than mine ever could: “The
Great Tradition embraces an enduring community of learning
that values liberal education for its own sake; desires to educate
for wisdom and virtue, not power and vanity; finds tiresome the
present age’s preoccupation with utility, speed, novelty,
convenience, efficiency, and specialization; and refuses to
justify education as a means to wealth, power, fame, or selfassertion. The Great Tradition is a gift to be received and passed
on to the future, not the imagined ‘Future’ of the progressive
fantasy, but the real human future of our posterity” (The Great
Tradition, page XVIII).
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~Laziness: To Work or Not to Work – Continued from page 1
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you
and were helped by you will remember you when forget-menots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on
marble.” So, will we take the road of least resistance and miss
out on the character building rewards that flow from sincere
effort? Or will we push forward with all our might, refusing to
forfeit the beautiful recompenses of work well done?
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The PONY Express (Page 3)
America’s Forgotten Patriot, Remembered
-Andrew PhillipsThis young, forgotten American patriot, born June 11, 1741
in Roxbury, Massachusetts, graduated Harvard at 18, and
served as the youngest physician in Boston at the age of
twenty-two. His skill as a doctor as well as a writer, orator, and
political activist brought him many future Revolutionary War
leaders as patients; thus, launching his career as “the radical of
the radicals.” Consider the implications his life had on the
history of America.
The Boston Tea Party is humorously depicted in the song,
“No More Kings,” by Schoolhouse Rock.
them down entire to future generations” (The Suffolk Resolves).
What would our nation be without this young patriot?
What will our nation become if we do not heed his words?
Let us remember America’s forgotten patriot, Joseph
Warren.
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He [King George] even has the nerve to tax our cup of tea.
To put it kindly king, we really don’t agree.
Gonna show you how we feel. We’re gonna dump this tea,
And make this harbor into the biggest cup of tea in history!
What if this young patriot, with his incredible organizational
skills, had not helped one of his patients, Samuel Adams, to
plan this tea party?
A set of resolutions, known as the Suffolk Resolves called,
“for the citizens of Massachusetts to ignore the Intolerable
Acts, boycott British imports, curtail exports, refuse to use
British products, support a colonial Massachusetts government
free of British authority, and raise a militia of their own.” For
“It was nothing less than a call to prepare for war and to
establish a government outside the royal system” (Lost To Time
by Martin W. Sandler). What if this young writer had not
penned these resolutions and then sent Paul Revere with them
to the Continental Congress where it was adopted for all the
colonies? Surely, Thomas Jefferson had it in mind when he
wrote “When in the course of human events, it becomes
necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which
have connected them to another…”
In a poem, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describes Paul
Revere’s ride: “Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the
midnight ride of Paul Revere. On the eighteenth of April, in
Seventy-five: hardly a man is now alive who remembers that
famous day and year.” What if this young revolutionary leader
had not set up a spy ring which warned the patriots in time to
send Paul Revere on his “midnight ride,” alerting the colonists
of the British advance?
This young soldier was a “man of great character and talent
who died in service to his country on the battlefield”
(theamericanview.com). What if he, promoted to the rank of
major general three days before, had accepted command at the
Battle of Bunker Hill rather than serving as a private? Instead
of getting killed while screening the American retreat, he might
have lived, and in the words of longtime political enemy, Royal
Governor Thomas Hutchinson, “bid as fair as any man to
advance himself to the summit of political as well as military
affairs and to become the Cromwell of North America” (Lost
To Time by Martin W. Sandler).
This young American said, “That it is an indispensable duty
which we owe to God, our country, ourselves, and posterity, by
all lawful ways and means in our power, to maintain, defend,
and preserve those civil and religious rights and liberties for
which many of our fathers fought, bled, and died, and to hand
~Glimpses of 2014 Technology - Continued from page 1
virtual-reality eye-wear headset market. Selling for a little
under one hundred thousand dollars, this obviously
discouraged personal ownership. In recent months, a young
company known as Oculus Rift VR, set out to conquer the
evasive field of virtual-reality, and received an unthinkable
amount of support and success. Acquiring over ninety million
dollars in venture funding, this company is on the verge of
releasing the first affordable virtual-reality headset for under
five hundred dollars. Initially developed with the intentions of
creating a more immersive video game experience,
the headset has already inspired major companies to imitate
this concept tapping into its incredible educational potential,
such as Sony's virtual tour simulation of Mars.
Whether trivial or influential, technology is slowly shaping
the world as we know it. Seemingly futuristic devices will no
longer be futuristic. Riveting virtual-reality video game
consoles might become stereotypical. Flying farm robots may
also be normal. What can we expect next?
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The PONY Express: (Page 4)
Do Something
-Hannah Chick-
It’s true what people say: you go on your mission trip,
thinking you'll be down there changing lives, when really your
life is the one that gets changed. This past June, I, along with
nineteen other people, loaded up on a bus, and began the 14hour journey to one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
We joined up with Global Partners to spend a week
ministering to the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A team of
seventy-five people, all different ages and from different
backgrounds, followed God's call and began the arduous task
of gathering funds, acquiring passports, and collecting ministry
supplies, all to spend a week in one of the poorest countries in
the world. We split into five teams total: Orphan Care,
Evangelism, VBS, Construction, and Dental/Medical. Every
morning, each team boarded an old, rattily, school bus, where
seat belts were unheard of, and standing throughout the hour
and a half journey was not unusual. Although these school
buses were only made to hold twenty some people, we once
had fifty-six Haitians squeeze into the contraption alongside
our twenty plus team! I think I had four kids on my seat! This
method of transportation carried every team out to a different
part of Haiti, depending on their job for that day.
I had the privilege, along with twenty-three other people, of
being a part of the VBS team. We visited churches,
communities, and orphanages, putting on a short program
where we shared the gospel, played games, did crafts, and sang
songs. One of the most humbling things for me was to see these
young kids, some living in tents and many counting themselves
lucky if they got one meal a day, maintain a positive, joyful
attitude even when in circumstances most Americans would
be devastated by. These kids were happy just to get a hug. At
some places we had about fifty children, and at some we had
as many as three-hundred! But no matter how many there were,
they all wanted the same thing-to be loved. Some kids would
easily express this by jumping on top of us as soon as we
walked into their church, or shelter. Others took a little more
time and attention, but once we got them talking and singing
along, they would get these huge smiles, grab your hand, and
not let go until we left. It was one of the sweetest, most special,
and most heartbreaking things when I had to leave. There were
definitely a few kids I wanted to bring home with me!
While getting the chance to interact with the kids was
probably my favorite aspect of the week, one of the most
special times for me were our nightly meetings. There were
sixteen different churches represented there, all from different
denominations and with differing beliefs, who gathered
together to sing praises to the same God. It was like a little
glimpse of heaven. We shared testimonies, heard messages,
laughed and cried together every morning and night. Every
meeting was convicting and moving, times when you could just
feel God's presence. The whole team was amazing-everyone
was unified and I know many people created lifelong
friendships. The team leaders did a fantastic job at not only
making sure everything was running smoothly and directing
each person to their place for the day, but also in connecting
with each one of us and making sure this week
was the very best it could possibly be. We also had twenty
amazing translators who worked with us for the week. Not only
would they translate our words, but they were all incredible
with the kids, getting them excited when it was time to dance,
and quiet when it was time to listen. Overall, God just brought
the entire team together so that we could concentrate on the
Haitians and not just on our own problems.
One of my favorite “Kodak” moments was visiting an
orphanage, where we joined hands with twenty-five kids and
sang Here I am to Worship, in English! It was amazing because
even though we didn't speak the same language, we could sing
to the same God. While I won't know how many people we
impacted until I get to heaven, I know they definitely made a
huge impact on my own life. I can honestly say that this week
in Haiti was one of the most life-changing times for me. I no
longer want to settle for good enough, and I don't want to be
passive about Jesus. Like Matthew West says in his new single
Do Something, one of our week's theme songs, I want to be the
one who “stands up and says, 'I’m gonna do something.'”
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The Purpose of Music
-Micah GiraudeauWhether we notice it or not, music is everywhere. Shopping
centers, restaurants, car radios, and televisions are all teeming
with the continual drone of background melodies. It would
almost seem that it is inescapable for many and, for some, a
vital component of everyday life. When one takes a step back
to observe music as a whole, however, could a befitting
definition be presented? I believe that Bob Kauflin (Director
of Music Development at Sovereign Grace Ministries) offers a
sufficient description in an article he wrote for a book entitled:
Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World. He
says: "Music can be simply defined as an organized
combination of melody, harmony, and rhythm. For nonmusicians, melody is the part you can whistle, harmony
describes the music that supports the melody, and rhythm is the
beat." Now that we've established what music actually is, an
observance can be made regarding the simply astounding
quantity of the stuff: THERE'S LOTS OF IT! As of February
2013, iTunes (a popular digital media store) had a catalogue of
over 26 billion songs. This excludes the numerous other
independent tracks not on iTunes and the records produced
since then. After seeing how important music is in our world
today, one must wonder: why is it here? What purpose does it
ultimately serve? I personally believe that the music we listen
to can collectively be placed into two broad categories. These
categories can reveal much concerning the "why?" and "what?"
various songs are written for and about. All music can have
either a horizontal or vertical nature.
Firstly, we see a great amount of horizontal music in this
modern age. Horizontal music can be rudimentarily defined as
sounds composed to impact other people. This is labeled as
"horizontal" because the composer's efforts are aimed
outwards (to other people) and not upwards or vertical (towards
God). ~Continued on page 6
The PONY Express: REVIEWS (Page 5)
Book: Jane Eyre
-Taylor Caldwell-
Perhaps one of the greatest literary works of
the 19th Century, Jane Eyre tells the story of the
young orphan Jane, and follows her journey to
become governess at the mysterious Thornfield
Hall. Through a whirlwind of events, the sharp
and shrewd Jane discovers many secrets, not just
about Thornfield Hall, but about it’s master, Mr.
Rochester. A tale of mystery, intrigue, and
romance, this Charlotte Bronte classic is a
personal favorite, and I encourage you to take
the time to delve into the pages of this
phenomenal book.
-Micah GiraudeauFollowing similar success to his Grammy award
winning album, Gravity, gospel rapper Lecrae
returns with his seventh studio release: Anomaly.
By definition, an "anomaly" is a deviation from
what is normal or widely accepted. This is a
befitting title because the avid hip-hop listener will
find uplifting and thought provoking lyrics
(contrary to the compositions of many mainstream
rap artists), while the Christian contemporary
audience will hear a rap album. Anomaly presents
challenging themes and concepts for both bornagain Christians and the unsaved. For example, in
tracks such as Timepiece and Wish, Lecrae
presents the listener with the question of eternity
and a wasted life. Songs like Nuthin', Dirty Water,
and Welcome to America address social and
cultural issues and ultimately point listeners to the
one solution: Jesus. Throughout, Outsiders,
Broken, and Messengers, Lecrae encourages
believers to spread the gospel and remain
unashamed in representing Jesus. After listening, it
is clear that Anomaly has the intention of spreading
the gospel and glorifying God while doing so.
Current Events: American Action in
the Middle East
-Ben Cordle-
After much deliberation, the current
administration has finally decided to commit air
force and supplies to the fight against the Islamic
State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This terror group
formed as an offshoot of Al Qaeda in 2004, but
has staged a massive offensive which began
earlier this year. Starting this summer, ISIS
started kidnapping and killing American
journalists and British aid workers. Up until a
few weeks ago, the U.S. Government had not
taken any direct action against the Islamic State.
On September 23rd, President Obama sanctioned
air strikes against vital ISIS locations and
leaders. The question still remains, “Will the
President commit ground troops in the Middle
East and thus send a clear message of U.S.
strength to the world, or will America let others
in the United Nations address the evils of ISIS?”
-Ben Cordle-
It is easy to forget the immense sacrifice
men of our armed forces have given
throughout history. Steven Spielberg’s HBO
series, The Band of Brothers gives an action
packed drama with painstaking detail to a
soldier’s life during the Second World War.
Over the course of ten episodes, the viewer
follows the true story of Lieutenant Richard
Winters (as played by Damien Lewis) and
the men of United States 506th Airborne
Infantry Regiment E (or “Easy Company”).
This series inspires the viewer through the
great bravery exhibited numerous times by
the men of the 506th. Parents be advised this
series is for a mature audience for violence
and language but definitely worth the watch
with your high school students!
The PONY Express: (Page 6)
The Path of our Generation
-Taylor CaldwellEverywhere you look, you see it. Sayings such as YOLO, Be
Yourself, It’s Your World, and Live Your Life are plastered on
billboards, storefront windows, Facebook, movie screens, you
name it! These “inspirational” phrases are unavoidable in
today’s culture, and they are slowly starting to dominate the
lives of this generation’s young people. What’s the big deal
though, they’re just slogans, right? While they are just words
on a page, the intent and meaning of these phrases have roots
much, much deeper that are leading to one single thing – selfabsorption. The concept of self-absorption is believed by some
to be one of the biggest dilemmas facing our culture today, and
I’d have to say that I agree. Sadly, the world slyly teaches us
that we should live life to please ourselves, and reach for our
fullest potential, all the while disregarding the fact that we have
a God who created us and loves us on an individual basis.
Although our modern society seems to be taking the biggest
beating from this storm of self-love, that’s not to say that other
times and places have not experienced something along the
same lines. In fact, the very first act of selfishness happened
with the very first woman, Eve.
We all know the account of Adam and Eve found in Genesis
1-2, so I won’t go into details about that, but I do want to zoom
in on the passage where Eve is tempted by the serpent. We find
in the Bible that Eve desired to have the fruit because the
serpent told her that if she ate it she would be “all-knowing,”
and “like God.” But wait, how does Eve’s act of selfishness
compare to the turmoil our generation is experiencing?
Actually, it’s not the act that compares, but the motives, and
when you compare her motives with the motives behind many
of our actions, you’ll find some striking similarities. Our world
desires attention, power, prestige, and a feeling of
accomplishment – no different than any other generation before
us. What’s different though, are the ways those qualities
manifest themselves. In our culture, these hidden motives can
be found in objects such as fashion, movies, music, literature,
academics, politics, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately,
many don’t see the harm in snapping a few “selfies,” but the
Bible says “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives
are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2). Now, before I
proceed, please don’t misunderstand me and think that taking
pictures with friends, going on a shopping-spree, or seeing the
latest Hobbit movie are considered sinful actions. The message
I’m attempting to convey is that the motives behind our actions
are what God really cares about, just like he cared about the
heart behind Eve’s actions.
Perceiving that we are nearing the end of our discussion, there
is still one question I believe most of you are asking: What can
we do to fix this ever growing problem in our society relating
to self-absorption? Or, in our generation’s lingo, what do we
do now? Undoubtedly, the first thing we can do is pray that
God would open the eyes of our generation, and expose them
to the fact that our life is really not ours to begin with. We
belong to God and, therefore, should give Him all of the glory.
Secondly, we can examine our own hearts and keep ourselves
in a constant check to make sure we are not unknowingly
falling into the snare of self-absorption. Start by asking
yourself questions, for instance, What is my motivation for
posting this selfie on Facebook? Why do I really want to join
this organization? What are my thoughts behind wearing this
outfit? If your answer to these questions includes any such
words as, I want, it will help me, I will, or my life, it may be
time to rethink a few things. Lastly, put into practice
Philippians 2:4: “Not looking to your own interests but each of
you to the interest of others.” When those around you and
closest to you start noticing a change in your life, most likely it
will cause them to start thinking about their own thoughts and
actions. Given the opportunity, you can then share with them
about the lies that are being fed to our society. And who knows,
with some prayer and dedication, maybe we’ll be able to turn
our generation around on this path of self-absorption.
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~The Purpose of Music - Continued from page 4
Much contemporary secular music has this specific drive, as it
attempts to invoke certain emotions in other individuals. For
example, a bright pop song could make the listener feel
especially happy, while a moody blues song could make them
feel sad or depressed. This play on emotions is often used to
create a strong following for the purposes of self-promotion.
While the majority of horizontal music has a negative effect,
there is a bright side. Many Christian artists create horizontal
music with a greater motive by pointing their listeners to the
gospel. C.S. Lewis, in his essay "On Church Music", describes
horizontal music as "edifying" and vertical music as
"glorifying". Both of these are closely intertwined and he sums
up this relationship by stating, "Whenever we edify, we glorify,
but when we glorify we do not always edify. The edification of
the people is an act of charity and obedience and therefore in
itself a glorification of God. But it is possible for a man to
glorify God in modes that do not edify his neighbor."
Secondly, music can be vertical in nature. As it has been
alluded to, vertical music is that which aims to glorify God and
honor him through praise and worship. This is the ultimate
purpose of music, and should be the overall aim of the Christian
life. The Westminster Shorter Catechism poses the question:
"What is the chief end of man?" and presents the answer, "The
chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." In
addition to this, there are numerous places throughout scripture
which urge the reader to sing praises to God. For example,
Psalm 150:1-6 says, "Praise the Lord! Praise God in his
sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his
mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings
and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with
loud clashing cymbals!"
As has already been shown, music is an important aspect of
everyday life. It can be heard in almost any household,
restaurant, or other venue. Musicians have a specific purpose
in mind when composing and performing music of various
kinds. These purposes tend to branch out into two broad
categories. Music can either edify others through horizontal
means, or glorify God vertically. That being said, whether you
are a musician or a casual listener, I urge you to build up others
and bring praise to God through the music you make and listen
to.
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The PONY Express: (Page 7)
-Ben Cordle-
There once lived a man who worked the land, a farmer, a land
owner, and an average citizen. There came a time when the
country in which this honest man lived got itself into trouble
during a war and needed his help. Without hesitation, he left
and helped guide his country out of the war. After fifteen days,
he relinquished all control and laid the fame and power aside
to return to his farm. Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus served as
the world’s first “dictator”. In the early ancient Roman society,
the position of “dictator” gave one man absolute control of a
country until he deemed it fit to give up power. When everyone
around him expected Cincinnatus to relish his position and ride
on the back of popularity, he shocked them by unselfishly and
voluntarily giving up power. This act, strange to our 21stcentury culture, was a common illustration of manliness in this
ancient civilization. When we think of “real men” today,
pictures of John Wayne and Bruce Willis flash into our minds.
In essence, though, the true stock of manliness does not lie
entirely on physical strength or “tough-guy” personality. Men
in our pampered society can make realistic lifestyle changes
from observing the values of the Roman society in
Cincinnatus’s day.
As exemplified by Cincinnatus, one of the first and foremost
virtues revered in Rome was duty to the state. In Roman
society, political involvement was second nature. Because of
this, the populous was very well informed and elected only
those who would actually make a difference instead of election
based on emotion. With this involvement also came personal
sacrifice; many like Cincinnatus sacrificed career, money,
time, and personal effort for the greater good of their country
and fellow countrymen. In American society today, we often
stress the need for “individualism,” but what we do not see in
this is how this individuality removes responsibility from the
populous for their country and lays the real power in the hands
of a few. Without responsibility, men fall into idleness, and
thus they contribute minimally to the world around them. Many
actions, performed by men in the early Roman society, were
purposeful and direct actions with a vision to advance their
society. This mindset of personal sacrifice for the greater good
of fellow countrymen can be applied in many circumstances
we, as men, face today, in our families, in employment settings,
and even in some academic settings. Rome as a civilization was
legendary because Romans worked as a collective mass with
common goals, relying upon each other while giving of
themselves.
Furthermore, we live in relative ease compared to many in
our 21st century world. Our climate-controlled houses keep us
dry and comfortable no matter what the temperature. Our food
comes nicely packaged, ready to eat, and we thrive off of
numerous time-saving but idleness-inducing technological
devices. In this world of relative luxury, we can often slide into
a mindset of entitlement, so much so, that when something in
our environment is changed, or we spend a small period of time
in discomfort, we end up complaining to someone or feeling
disgruntled. Ancient Romans surprisingly upheld a disregard
for personal comfort as a virtue, and this fact helped them
secure the entire Italian peninsula and carve a glorious empire
out of their surroundings. Theodore Roosevelt in his book
Strenuous Life once stated, “Far better it is to dare mighty
things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by
failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither
enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray
twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Those who
achieve great things in life do so at great personal cost and often
great personal discomfort. Consider the 101 st Airborne
Division during the dead of winter in Bastogne during the
Second World War. During a weeklong armored assault on the
allied line, the troops in the 101st survived with no winter
clothing, minimal ammunition, almost no food supplies, and
substandard medical equipment. However, despite these very
uncomfortable circumstances, the men of the 101 st held their
ground until reinforcements could break through to their
surrounded position. As men, it is vital for us to put aside
personal discomfort and strap on the mantle of the ancient
Romans and the men of the 101st and embrace the difficulties
and rough spots in life with a strong spirit.
The ancient Romans were not perfect, but the values that they
revered set a high standard for the men of the 21st century. Duty
to the State, denial of personal ambition for the greater good of
their countrymen, and a general disregard for personal comfort
were a few of the virtues that made Rome great. With equal
importance to these come a plethora of others: humility,
seriousness, courage, discipline, and prioritization of family.
When the society around us stoops to the feminization of the
masculine figure in every sphere of influence, it is time for us
to step up and take a leadership role in our culture as men. First
Peter states, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and
being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will
be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter
1:13). Echoing a similar mantra, Paul tells men in Corinthians
to, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
God wants us, as men, to step up and grab hold of life with both
hands, look difficulty in the eye, lean on Him, and say, “We are
going to win this.”
Pony Express
The PONY Express: (Page 8)
We would love to hear from
you!
If you are a ninth to twelfth grader
and you have a piece of writing you
want submitted, send it to us at this
email address:
[email protected]
The views expressed in this newsletter may, but do
not necessarily, reflect the views of the editor,
advisors, or staff. Thank you.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to
win glorious triumphs, even though
checkered by failure... than to rank with
those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor
suffer much, because they live in a gray
twilight that knows not victory nor
defeat.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
About THE PONY EXPRESS:
The PONY Express (established in 1991) is
a quarterly publication, published by Greater
Roanoke Home Educators (GRHE). We (the
Editor, Advisor, and Staff Members) hope
that it will be an encouragement to you as
you grow in your relationship with the
LORD. To Him we give all the glory and
credit!
The PONY Express is a Christian newsletter
written by and for homeschooled students in
9th-12th grade. Our mission is to provide an
assortment of articles of interest and pleasure
to homeschoolers and their families in a
manner that is pleasing to God.
Staff
Managing Editor:
Ben Cordle
Copy Editors:
Hannah Chick
Micah Giraudeau
Layout Editor
Ben Cordle
Staff Writers:
Taylor Caldwell
Luke Giraudeau
Carter Johnson
Andrew Phillips
Elizabeth Shannon
Parent Sponsors:
Mr. Steve Caldwell
Mrs. Tracy Caldwell