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But enough—it won’t do for you and I to quarrel—though in politics, we are divided. I had understood at our last interview, that although you would not take sides… you would not do what you have now done, —take position against her, but that you would resign and return to private life! …I pray Almighty God, that your convictions of duty— will never prompt you to set foot on your native land…breathing fire & destruction upon a people who to repeated overtures of peace and earnest demands to pursue their own destiny in their own way, have been replied to with taunts and the sword brandished over their heads with the scornful division of presumptuous superiority, as from a superior race.
Farewell Percy—and however much we may differ on the present issue—let no unkind word escape—to lacerate the heart of the other. Defend the soil…if you will. Then you and I will never meet as armed foes;—cross her southern border with hostile purpose—and we shall face each other as brothers never should.
Your affect brother,
Thos F Drayton, 1861
Percival’s last line to his brother says it all: I am only doing duty to my country, which should be higher than that even to my family…One is to affect all time, the other only my generation which will soon pass away….
Percival Drayton, captain of the USS Pochahontas, was saddened that not only had the country become so divided, but this divisiveness made its way down to his family unit. His older brother, Thomas, loyal to his native region of the south, took up arms against Percy’s formidable northern charge for freedom for all. Although the brothers met as enemies at Port Royal, November 1861, they both survived the battle. Later, there is evidence of the two trying to mend their differences of loyalty through epistolary pardons, but it is not known if the communications were ever respectfully received before they perished.
*****
In this era of divisiveness, manipulated truths, flagrant untruths, and pernicious gaslighting, I have found the Bible to be the resource that continues to keep the compass directing me to the one true north. It is divinely every bit as relevant today as it was when it was written, 2,000 years ago.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:22-24
Excerpts used with permission: “Grace Under Fire: Letters of Faith in Times of War,” by Andrew Carroll.
Farewell Percy—and however much we may differ on the present issue—let no unkind word escape—to lacerate the heart of the other. Defend the soil…if you will. Then you and I will never meet as armed foes;—cross her southern border with hostile purpose—and we shall face each other as brothers never should.
Your affect brother,
Thos F Drayton, 1861
Percival’s last line to his brother says it all: I am only doing duty to my country, which should be higher than that even to my family…One is to affect all time, the other only my generation which will soon pass away….
Percival Drayton, captain of the USS Pochahontas, was saddened that not only had the country become so divided, but this divisiveness made its way down to his family unit. His older brother, Thomas, loyal to his native region of the south, took up arms against Percy’s formidable northern charge for freedom for all. Although the brothers met as enemies at Port Royal, November 1861, they both survived the battle. Later, there is evidence of the two trying to mend their differences of loyalty through epistolary pardons, but it is not known if the communications were ever respectfully received before they perished.
*****
In this era of divisiveness, manipulated truths, flagrant untruths, and pernicious gaslighting, I have found the Bible to be the resource that continues to keep the compass directing me to the one true north. It is divinely every bit as relevant today as it was when it was written, 2,000 years ago.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:22-24
Excerpts used with permission: “Grace Under Fire: Letters of Faith in Times of War,” by Andrew Carroll.
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Posted >1 y ago
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A reasoned, respectful discourse is a joy to participate in. You are correct, Susan Hunter that as emotion seeks to replace reason, we are well served to remind ourselves of our true purpose.
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Such divisions run so deep in some families they remain divided to this day.
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CW4 Jay Ossiander
SSG Billy Bunch - I am simply making the point that those who believe in multiple gods or no god(s) should also be accepted as part of our "nation".
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SGT John Lawrence
CW4 Jay Ossiander: The Constitution of the United States and the Holy Bible give everyone the exact same three words: Freedom of choice. And that is our right and what we all served this country for, I don't condemn anyone for their belief and how they believe but anyone that reads and believes the Bible know that each person is given the duty to spread or talk to anyone that wants to listen the gospel message. I don't force my beliefs on anyone, but I will share what God has done for me with everyone, that is the gospel commission that Jesus gave all of us, but like you said we all believe different and one day that I believe is coming soon we will have all the answers when Jesus does come back for His faithful. When that day does come, we will know who is right and who was wrong, there will be those that are inside the wall and those that will be outside the wall, where do you want to be?
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CW4 Jay Ossiander
SGT John Lawrence - Your comment simply serves to underscore your condescension towards those who don't share your belief system. "where do you want to be?" Proselytizing in this forum only serves to alienate other members.
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SGT John Lawrence
CW4 Jay Ossiander-You are incorrect toward my beliefs, as I and my church believe is that there will be people in heaven from every walk of life and belief not just my belief. In my church we know that most of our church members will be lost for the simple fact that they don't practice what they believe something that I try to do every day. I do not believe in once saved always saved because that is not in the Bible and as for other beliefs who am I to condemn them, and that is why I believe that there is only one God, time will tell but as time moves on the changes that we are seeing here in this country tells me that we are getting close to the return of Jesus second coming as predicted in the Bible, yes I know that you will say well "that's your belief" but again time will tell. Thank you for your comments though.
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You wrote: "I have found the Bible to be the resource that continues to keep the compass directing me to the one true north." That is fine if it works for you. But can you answer this question:
What about the huge number of citizens who call themselves Christians and read the Bible regularly, but then create and disseminate a lot of the hate and divisiveness we are witnessing today? Some of those people, as you may recall, attacked our nation's Capitol in a repulsive and unAmerican riot. And some Bible readers are very judgemental toward citizens in the LGBTQ+ community.
What about the huge number of citizens who call themselves Christians and read the Bible regularly, but then create and disseminate a lot of the hate and divisiveness we are witnessing today? Some of those people, as you may recall, attacked our nation's Capitol in a repulsive and unAmerican riot. And some Bible readers are very judgemental toward citizens in the LGBTQ+ community.
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1SG Jacob Brannan
LOL CMSgt Marcus Falleaf. The ole "I can do whatever I want but as long as I say my prayers I'm good" theory. I've always found that rationale quite comical.
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Cpl Raymond Wiltshire
The Bible says "Judge not least ye be judged". America is a land of freedom. To take away one persons freedom because you disagree with them is taking away your own freedom.
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MAJ James Woods
Those are religious extremists that use religion to push their radical views. But good Christians, Muslims, Jews, and other faiths live by their faith without imposing it on others.
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I totally understand what you wrote here. However, the one brother LOST. Today, we still haven't totally beaten the fascist into the ground. When that happens, then it will be over.
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TSgt Michael Pointer
Christians aren’t any more persecuted than any other religion. That’s an unsubstantiated claim to make non-Christians an outside other which allows for their dehumanization and therefore able to be persecuted. CPT Lloyd Richardson
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SPC Les Darbison
CW4 Jay Ossiander - Are you one of those teachers that accept’s
sexualizing Grade schoolers? Or a pusher of sex chaining surgery ? For young ppl and children before they are old enough to truly realize that this is a forever surgery.
sexualizing Grade schoolers? Or a pusher of sex chaining surgery ? For young ppl and children before they are old enough to truly realize that this is a forever surgery.
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Please accept my compliments and thanks for a timely and well selected post Susan Hunter. Cheers.
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Susan Hunter
It is my honor. Thank YOU for your service and sacrifice to the country I love so dearly, The United States of America.
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It seems to me that taking the oath of service is not actually understood by many as an oath which commits one to certain restrictions and demands of performance. The oath existentially changes what is acceptable behavior when compared to the civilian community. Sadly some see the oath (service) as something which actually empowers them to defend the constitution as they understand it as opposed to the armed service leadership requirements. What also seems to aggravate the current climate is a former CINC who clings to the fraudulent election mantra and holds the current administration as imposters. This seems to give leave to the likes of oath keepers et al. to act as they do. The massive divide currently being experienced lays firmly at the feet of the defeated now Ex-CINC who interestingly continues to garner millions to defend his claim but has not spent one cent of those contributions other than to bolster his personal wants and needs. Unlike the divide leading to the Civil War, this is one that follows one man who is so infected with a narcissistic disease that he has no concern for the good people who follow him.
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As a Christian... and a man who has spent no small portion of his life dedicated to conflict... this topic impacts me deeply, and very personally. I consider myself a broad-minded person, but have been compelled to identify more with the "Right" than the "Left", on virtually every issue of substance. My only sibling, also a person of deep thought and introspection... has been compelled in the opposite direction. For me, this has gone beyond the point of rational thought and reason; no one is listening to anything anyone from the other side has to say any more. We've become convinced that even if one thinks our immigration polices could use reform... giving even an inch on the question of legalized immigration will herald a flood of Cartel affiliates, terrorists, and criminals into our midst. Even if we're open to the idea that some ideas of the past belong in the past... we're frightened that if we don't maintain our ground, it will be overrun by the forces of immorality, irresponsibility, and incivility. We want to find peace, but not at the expense of our principles. We want to stand for what we believe... but not at the cost of everything we hold precious. What concerns me most are people on both sides who enjoy the catharsis of "talking tough"... either not realizing, or not caring that their words could ignite the flames of an all-consuming conflict of national proportions.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
Henning Heinemann - So, let me first recognize your time and experience as a merchant seaman and captain... that's no small accomplishment, and this one-time blue water sailor does respect that. Additionally, while I am no expert in the field, your notions regarding hydrogen seem plausible and frankly... ingenious. That all said, I feel the direct connections between the economy of energy production, the Cosmos, and my choice to serve in the Armed Forces... are tenuous at best. I can state with the utmost confidence that I saw no conflict with my faith the moment I took my oath of office to enter the service in 1996, nor when I took it again to accept my commission in 2000, and each time subsequent to it. To be fair, while the words ( and true meaning) of the same still do not trouble me... I'm not as certain I could serve in uniform today without a conflict. This is one reason I am thankful to no longer have the burden of that "special trust and confidence" weighing over every decision I make. You mention "revolution"; please understand that the very essence of the word "futility" might be expressed by making such a suggestion... especially on a forum such as this. The morality of society cannot be reinstated merely by replacing one form of government with another... nor Christianity restored simply by making war on its opponents. No, if we're going to encourage people to look to Heaven for salvation, wisdom, and ultimately... answers... Christians are going to have to demonstrate Christ's teachings. More powerful than ANY worldly weapon is our insistence on following the word of God regardless of the "evolution" of worldly opinion, and in the face of any consequence. We can gather to worship...regardless of fear. We can reach out to help others in need... regardless of what "side" they are on. We can refrain from labeling our enemies with curses... even when they label us in such hateful ways. If that fails, then we can look to the Holy Spirit for guidance as to how best to meet the wrath of the world. As I understand it, hundreds of our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing exactly that threat now in Afghanistan. I will neither condemn those among them who face this threat on their knees... or the brave American veterans risking much to come to their rescue. For my own part, I pray for peace because peace is always preferable.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
Henning Heinemann - Going to be honest, you lost me somewhere around, "there are no brothers or sisters in Christ". H2, I think your heart might be in the right place... but your mind might not be answering the lee helm. I wish you the best, but in the spirit of Matthew 5:37, I prefer to leave this conversation where it lies.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
PV2 Larry Sellnow - You make a good point that I could easily flip around by suggesting that I find the same levels of hypocrisy and dishonesty among the "leaders" of the "Left". For example-Many people I know claim they vote Democrat because they want better treatment for those struggling to make a living, who endure physical or emotional traumas, or are working to overcome prejudice. However, they keep electing people into office who are extremely wealthy (often made so by decades of "public service), enjoy the very best of health care (often paid for by taxpayers and beyond the means of many working Americans), and represent (either directly, or indirectly) the same circles of power and privilege that have run the nation, if not the world, for centuries. You are correct in pointing out President Carter as being a very "Christian" man-at least in terms of his commitment to the Christian virtues of charity and self-sacrifice. He was also one of the worst leaders we've ever had in terms of economics and (arguably) overall foreign policy-failings that ultimately "hurt" people in a variety of ways. I would suggest that JFK, also a noted Democrat and of our "best" leaders, was very "Christian" in terms of his commitment to social justice- this despite his notorious private moral weaknesses. The point being, true virtue isn't dependent on party, or any individual representing either "side". If I needed a candidate to be a "perfect" person-I'd simply never be able to vote. Politicians are (and I can say this, as I am one) invariably corrupted by the necessary compromises required to garner support for elections. If we really wanted to cure that disease, perhaps we'd simply ban all campaign contributions and require public servants to submit their bank statements quarterly to an oversight committee. Until then, we're going to have to pick and chose between largely "bad" people; regardless of whether or not there is an "R" or "D" after their name. For me, it comes down to larger questions of how each leader's policies impact us in the long run. Taking that into consideration, I cannot in good conscience vote in leadership that seems willing to endorse insanity merely to capture votes... or that threatens the very fabric of the Constitution by submitting very serious questions of personal liberty to the whims of the Mob. Do I consider Trump a "savior"? Certainly not. Do I consider our current Administration to be comparatively "more moral"? Absolutely not.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
PV2 Larry Sellnow - No offense (I don't know you personally, nor you I, so casting wide aspersions either way seems very low indeed), but if you believe the current administration to be in any way "moral", it's a lost cause for us to discuss the issue further. We clearly follow different stars.
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A kind word is never forgotten, while a cruel word has the power to pierce one’s soul. It is easy in our society to be powerful or powerless, those who can forgive are the most powerful people in my humble life experience.
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