Standing Above a Crowd

You're supposed to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do this throughout your life on earth and you are promised eternal life. Celebrate the gift of life that is given to you and try not to be selfish with your time here. Do this and upon your death you will enter a kingdom where there is no pain, fear, worry, or sorrow. 

That all sounds desirable. This man came around 2,000 year ago and told everyone he met these kinds of things. It's no wonder he found a few followers. Since then, millions of those who believed him have lived and passed on, realizing for whether his promises were true or not. For better or worse, we don't know if they proved him right or wrong. 

Yet even if it was all false, what the man told us to do to get there really isn't asking for much. In fact, if you have ever done kind things for others and showed compassion to those in need, you more often than not feel good about yourself anyway. Isn't it ironic how you are ultimately serving yourself by serving others? 

On This Day

150 years ago today, State's rights were fought for like it never had, and probably never will see again. 

Although 150 years sounds like a lot of time, but in reality for mankind it is not. It is horrifying in that perspective to understand that men stood in lines across from their foe, and marches into volleys of bullets, unwavering. The side that held out and shot more men in the opposition's line held victory. The bravery still stands as no less than astounding.

The battle at Gettysburg, most notably Pickett's Charge ended in a slaughter for the South, and being reminded today of the 12,500 men who marched uphill for almost a mile under cannon and musket fire the whole way, is heart-breaking. Of every 2 men in that charge, 1 would be a casualty. 

For us Americans today, may the forefathers of this nation that fought for an idea bless us and give us the courage and determination to live meaningful lives. And through their example, help us be guided by knowing what is worth fighting for; because knowing this is significantly more difficult than it may seem.