NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Wikipedia defines warrior this way; “A warrior is a person specializing in combat or warfare, especially within the context of a tribal or clan-based warrior culture society that recognizes a separate warrior class or caste.”
Merriam-Webster says it this way; “A person engaged or experienced in warfare broadly; a person engaged in some struggle or conflict.” We all have our own ideas and imagery of what it means to be a warrior. We also have our own struggles and conflicts. Hats off, standing with hands on our hearts, as we honor all of those who have served and have paid the ultimately sacrifice for our free nation. Those are our warrior heroes.
As a kid growing up in Kearney, Nebraska during the fifties and sixties, I enjoyed playing “War” with cards, with little plastic army men, with sports, on the playground, and often individually. I even got to do the warrior gig during my six weeks boot camp in the Marine Corps Platoon Leader’s Class (PLC) during the height of the Viet Nam War. Since 1945, our country has been warring with Russia (The Cold War), China (the Viet Nam War), and more recently the Middle East (because we needed oil). Trust becomes very difficult based on recent actions by many of these players. (See last week’s Elevator Guy remarks)
ALL of us are warriors to some degree in protecting our freedoms, our livelihood, our property, and our individual families against enemies seen and unseen. Often, wars are political in nature which could lead to a breakdown of our society. As far as we are told by our media, politicians don’t actually murder people. (???) They just assassinate their enemy’s character and let public opinion judge who is right and who is wrong. Not a pretty sight to watch in our country today. War makes you hate something or someone so much that you will want them out of your way so that you can WIN, be correct, or be victorious at all costs. (not the ultimate goal in life) Power and our sense of “being right” becomes more important than unity. Please think about and reflect on this for a while.
As a “Modern Warrior for Life,” I hope you think about things in your control and things out of your control, along with your reactions to what is happening in our world. (Self-awareness) You have a chance to stand and be a warrior for GOOD vs. evil. Yes, God often allows flawed leaders at the helm of our country. All of them are only human and not perfect. What good or evil principles and values do our leaders exhibit and actually believe in today? Do they do what they promise? Is it for power and money or is it for truth, beauty, goodness and unity? (thanks Aristotle) Is it for the good of all people or is it only good for just the winner of a political party? Fortunately, our founding fathers saw this and had the foresight to build a constitution that served ALL people and not just a few. (You can take that anyway you want depending on your political ideology) When it comes to being a warrior, what are you fighting for? (Hint: God is in charge. It is all about HIM anyway)
A couple of summers ago, I enjoyed reading Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” which is devoted to an aspect of warfare that applies to military strategy and tactics. A couple of take-a-ways from the book include the idea of: “Winning all without Fighting; Achieving the Objective without Destroying it.” This means never firing a shot. Many politicians and businesses (and countries) use this strategy today. It is a method of “comparing competing positions, advancing and building up your own position within that competitive environment.” The system has five major components. The first is comparing positions in terms of mission, climate, ground, command, and methods. Check out this book if you are interested in tactics you see in life every day. Both here and abroad.
Our world is looking for “Modern Warriors for Life” in fighting the good fight. To me, that includes fighting to protect our freedoms including religion, free speech, and opportunity to grow as an individual. (there is our Faith, Family and Work again) As a Modern Warrior for Life, you need to have wisdom, self-mastery, courage and love. We need courageous mentors and receptive mentees in building unity in our world. Are you one of those who wants to “Get in the Fight?” More to come as we search for and develop those “Modern Warriors for Life.” Your family and friends need you. Uncle Sam needs you. And God needs you too!
Elevator Guy