CHURCHILL: A VOICE OF HOPE
I want to be open to recognize examples of hope, and I find them in various situations and places. I didn’t expect to find hope in a tiny magazine ad and certainly not an ad for help with speech impediments, but I did.
The ad was only about 2″ x 5″, but its photo of Winston Churchill caught my attention. I admire Churchill as a WWII hero and a great historical figure. I took a minute to read the ad and found hope.
I think too few today appreciate the greatness of people like Churchill and their tremendous contribution to the cause for freedom in the WWII-era world. However my intention today is not to share hope of the Greatest Generation and an Allied victory but to focus on this particular ad.
According to the ad, Winston Churchill stuttered. Yet he became the voice that inspired his British countrymen during dark days of war. It is remarkable that he overcame stuttering to deliver some of the most influential speeches in 20th century world history.
Whether or not your personal challenge is stuttering, each of us had, has, or will have obstacles to overcome. I find hope when someone clearly accomplishes success and sometimes even greatness despite the struggle.
Let’s be on the lookout for hope. It may be nearer than we think and often where we least expect it.
“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
DATE OF INFAMY: HOPE TO TRIUMPH SO HELP US GOD
Seventy-seven years ago today was “a date which will live in infamy” as far as American history is concerned. To remember this day and the Greatest Generation, especially the US servicemen and -women and their sacrifices during WWII, I will share the speech by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8, 1941, to the Congress of the United States.
“Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”
(President Roosevelt)
By the way, I am an American patriot who is proud of my father, a WWII soldier who served his country to achieve peace and preserve freedom. My intent in today’s blog is not to indict Japanese citizens, who are close allies today thankfully.
May we all learn from history and refrain from repeating decisions that jeopardize peaceful relations with allies. May we still be resolved that “righteous might will win through to absolute victory” when peace without war isn’t possible.
It seems appropriate to borrow words from Winston Churchill, Britain’s great leader and our strong ally during WWII. May we “never, never, never, never give up” …hope to triumph with God’s help.
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4