In these troubled economic times, I find myself turning for hope to people who have persevered under tremendous pressure. In the dark days of 1941, Winston Churchill returned to Harrow, his exclusive prep school, and told the students, “Never give in, never give in, never give in.” And, of course, neither he nor the British ever did.
Think, too, of Abraham Lincoln. Born into poverty, he failed twice in business, suffered a nervous breakdown and lost eight elections during his political career. He persevered and went on to become one of our most revered presidents.
If Lincoln and Churchill were able to survive trying times, so will we.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Eric 03.12.09 at 9:01 am
Paul,
I am always a little surprised when I hear an Irishman praise Churchill. I have heard many more Irishmen remember Chuchill’s creation of the Bland and Tans, and there isn’t a shred of forgiveness in what they say.
However, I think Churchill was the man of the 20th century. He not only lead England when the odds were great against its survival, but he also suffered many setbacks in his own political career and persevered to become the WWII prime minister.
In these times, we do need a great leader (Obama? I hope so.). But I also hope that these times will be like an extented Lent for America, in which we turn our lives toward love of God and love of neighbor.
Eric
Paul 03.12.09 at 11:12 am
Eric,
A couple of things… I was a British citizen until, at age 25, I changed my nationality to become Irish. I was brought up on the BBC and everything to do with the U.K. Secondly, Churchill had both strengths and foibles – like any other person from any other country. Finally, Amen to your idea of turning our lives towards love of God and neighbor.
Paul
Eric 03.12.09 at 6:57 pm
Good grief. I just noticed my “Bland and Tans” typo. There was nothing bland about them.
Maura 03.13.09 at 6:11 am
Being 1/2 English I definately appreciate the “Never Give In” spirit. Saddly my never given in spirit often comes across as blatant stubborness to those outside the family.
I’ve been tryng to adopt a gentler approach to the same spirit.
In ministry I cling to “Do not be afriad” expressed so often by JPII (though of course he had a much older sourse.) and “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philipians 4:13)
Paul 03.13.09 at 2:20 pm
Eric,
I noticed the “Bland & Tans” typo but knew that it was purely accidental. It took nothing away from the power of your massage. [OK, I couldn't resist it!]
Paul
Paul 03.13.09 at 2:23 pm
Maura,
One woman’s grit and determination is another woman’s “blatant stubbornness.” It is, however, consoling to hear that you cling to “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” — what a great life strategy.
Paul