What comes to mind when you think of Jesus?

What words come to mind when you think of Jesus? What picture comes to mind? I would argue that the standard terms used to describe Jesus and the images that generally come to mind are “safe.” They fit a nice guy image that many masculine men have a hard time relating to. Often the descriptions of Jesus are designed to meet the narrative of our day. They are careful not to make him sound too masculine, which I think is unfortunate. This incomplete picture reduces the appeal and forms an image that is not the type of man most men would follow as their leader.

I think the narrative of the day concerning Jesus leaves many men wondering whether Christianity is right for them. They ask themselves, How does a rugged man’s man fit in Christianity? Other men end up calling themselves a Christian but do not fully embrace the faith and feel like they can never really be themselves. Some embrace the faith and work really hard to fit into a mold that is far less masculine than the man they truly are.

I am writing to share what I have discovered about Jesus that just might change your thinking when it comes to who he is. These are just a few things that have helped me relate to Jesus as a masculine man (there are many more than what I have written in this article). Some of them do not always fit the description we hear today but they are clearly written in the bible. Maybe reading them will renew interest or challenge you to take another look at Jesus and consider following him.

My Kind of Men

I have worked in the steel industry for almost 32 years. Leading in this industry is my calling. I have held several leadership positions and have had the privilege of working alongside many men over the years. Some of these men have been strong, tough, in your face, hard-charging and rugged. Many of these men tend to have a little edge to them. They aren’t safe men that always stay between the culture’s predetermined, acceptable lines. They push the limits and they enjoy doing so. These men are the type of men I like. They are tough-minded, a little on the wild side, and they are not wimps. They are men that sweat for a living. They don’t mind getting dirty. They work hard and they play hard. I relate to them. I am one of them. I have led them. They are my breed. I respect them.

Many Men Cannot Relate to the Jesus often portrayed today

So, when these men have a hard time relating to the Jesus I follow because they may not really know him completely, I take an interest. This inspires me to share the rugged, man’s man side of Jesus that we do not hear about often enough. You see, I know there are aspects of Jesus that many men CAN relate to. If we carefully read the bible for ourselves, we will see sides of Jesus that generally do not come to mind when most think of him. The typical list reads something like this: Jesus is loving, forgiving, humble, compassionate, gentle, self-controlled, patient, obedient, and honest. All of this is true. But this is only one side of who Jesus was. There was more. This same Jesus was also confrontational, bold, fearless, authentic, offensive, challenging, aggressive, passionate, and violent (meaning: using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something). There are things about Jesus that make him more relatable to men like me. He was a lot more gritty and aggressive than what is usually portrayed. I like knowing Jesus had that side to his personality.

The Other Side of Jesus

So, on the one hand, Jesus could show compassion for people that are down and out and in need. But on the other hand, he could demonstrate violent, passionate, zeal against those that should know better but instead chose to lead people down the wrong path. Jesus was more complex than we generally recognize. In many ways, he was a rugged man’s man. Here a few observations I have made.

Jesus Worked Hard, Got Dirty, and Sweated

First, Jesus was a man that knew how to work with his hands. He grew up as a tradesman. He was a carpenter, having worked side by side with his father, Joseph. Carpenters did various work, including roofing, making doors, lintels, shelves, tables, and cabinets. They also produced ladders, wheels, yokes for animals, and farm implements. Though some wood may have been available from suppliers, most carpenters went to the forests themselves to choose and cut down the trees that best suited the work they were doing. It was a job that was physical and required a high level of skill. So Jesus knows what it means to put in a hard day’s work. He has had dirt under his fingernails. He knows what it’s like to sweat. I like that about Jesus.

Jesus Was An Outdoorsman

Second, Jesus was an outdoorsman. He was mentally and physically tough, which is what it takes to survive in the wild. Jesus spent 40 days in the Judean wilderness. While there, it is noted that he was among the “wild animals.” The word used to describe wild animals meant they were animals that are typically dangerous to people. A quick study of the animals of the day in that part of the world includes the following; bears, leopards, wolves, cobras and desert vipers, scorpions, hyenas, jackals, desert foxes, and wild boars. Now think about it. Amid these animals, Jesus survived 40 days. I have spent a lot of time in the wild. If you have ever spent time out in the wild, you know it is not easy to do. Only tough-minded men can live in the wild, even with the equipment of today. A man that spends 40 days alone in the wild with this list of animals would be considered a rugged, man’s man in my book. This alone would be a right of passage into becoming a man of men.

It is interesting that even after this time of 40 days in the wilderness and throughout his three and a half years of public ministry, Jesus did not have a home. He told others who wanted to follow him that “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” Several times, he spent entire nights on the mountain tops praying. This was a common thing for Jesus. I don’t care what anyone says, Jesus was a strong masculine man. I would have loved to have been there and toughed it out with him. I think about how spending time battling the elements with his team helped build an incredible bond between these men.

Jesus Was Not a Safe Man

Third, Jesus was not a safe man that stayed between society’s acceptable lines. He made people nervous and, at times, put people on edge. Those closest to him thought Jesus was pushing the limits just a little too much. They wanted him to tone it down, yet he was bold and got up in the face of some influential people. He confronted leaders that were misleading and abusing people with their power. He stood toe to toe with the most powerful men of his day. He told them they were wrong in what they were doing and how they were misleading the people. He did it in front of others and in ways that offended them. But Jesus didn’t back down or back off. He pushed on and did not pull punches. I love his boldness. He was the man who took a stand when others took a back seat. I admire that in a man.

Jesus Was Comfortable Around Those That Were Rough Around the Edges

Fourth, Jesus was a man of the people, a protector, and a provider to those less fortunate and in need. He was born and raised in humble circumstances and remained in touch with people from all walks of life. While the leaders of his day avoided the outcasts of society and made it clear that they thought he should avoid them also, Jesus ate and drank with them. They were comfortable with him, and they came to him. They did not feel out of place around Jesus. There was something about him that made him approachable. Jesus knew that hanging out with the “tax collectors” and “sinners” would offend and cause issues with the leaders, but he did it anyway. He did it in plain sight of them. Jesus did not mind stirring things up that needed to be stirred up. It was important to him that those that were a little rough around the edges understood that he had time for them. He wanted the “outsiders,” those a little “rough around the edges” to know that in Jesus, there was a way to God.

Jesus was a Fearless Man

Fifth, Jesus was a fearless man. He was bold about going and doing the mission God the Father gave him to do. While his inner circle of men (disciples) wanted him to stay away from places where people threatened to kill him, Jesus said that’s precisely where we are going to go. He did not back down. He did not shut up. He kept pushing and driving his message. Even if Jesus was standing alone in the temple, flipping tables and driving money changers out with a whip, he stayed the course. Jesus was not a wimp. He challenged other men. Jesus called people out and confronted those that misled others. He was a protector and provider. Jesus was a sheepdog that fought the wolves. He was bold, fearless, and aggressive. Again, I admire these things about Jesus. As most men recognize, there are times in life when men need to stand up and state the truth no matter what the consequences. Jesus did this often. In fact, he kept doing it until finally, the leaders devised a plan and put him to death.

Jesus was a Courageous Man

Finally, Jesus was a courageous man. In his final days, while alone praying, Jesus saw the path ahead. He was to go to the cross and die the most painful and horrible death a man could die in those days. At the same time, Jesus was going to be separated and rejected by His Father to save many. The horror and pain he saw at that moment were so tremendous he was stressed to the point of pushing sweat like blood out of his forehead. He would take on the horror of the worst that sin could produce. I do not fully understand all that Jesus took on in his time on the cross. But he understood it completely. He even asked God the Father if there was another way to complete the task ahead. There was no other way. And so, in the face of it all, Jesus submitted. In great courage, he moved forward as men do when faced with unavoidable horrible situations. Men make the sacrifices needed for the safety and benefit of others. Sacrifice is what the rugged man’s man does. Sacrifice is what Jesus did. He provided so that men like us that are a little rough around the edges might have a way to find God and know His salvation. Jesus was a courageous man. In his words, “Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus considers rugged men part of his group of friends. You are part of that group.

Jesus: a Rugged Man’s Man

In summary, Jesus was not a wimp. Wimps and passive men do not start revolutions, and they do not get murdered for their beliefs. Jesus was a rugged man’s man. Hopefully, these few examples are enough for you to reconsider the man Jesus and his claims and promises. I can tell you I have followed him for many years and never regretted a single day. He has given me strength for today and hope for eternity. I never have to be concerned about my future because it is in his hands. Jesus has secured my place by his finished work and proved his power over sin by his resurrection. He has given and continues to provide far more than I will ever deserve.

I know where my strength comes from.

If you have comments, questions or feedback put them in the comments section below or send me an email. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

The Making of a Steeler Fan

I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s in Pennsylvania. During that time, the Pittsburgh Steelers had grown from perennial losers to the dynasty of the ’70s. They were a dominant force in the NFL from 1975 through 1979, winning four super bowls in six years. It was an incredible time to be a young football fan growing up in Pennsylvania.

Growing up in Pennsylvania during this time, you saw examples of grit around you regularly. The dominant industries were steel, coal, and railroad. They were tough industries full of tough men. The MO was fighting first, talk later. Drinking beer, hunting deer, and football were staples. The Pittsburgh Steelers fit the culture.

Lore has it that western Pennsylvania doctors stamp the backsides of newborns with the three hypocycloids (the steel symbol on the side of the Pittsburgh helmet). This action permanently imprints you a Pittsburgh Steeler fan for life. I was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, so this was certainly the case in that region of the state. If you were not a Steeler fan and living on the western side of the state, you had screws loose. As far as we were concerned, there was only one choice for a football team and it was the Pittsburgh Steelers. We heard about another team on the eastern side of the state, but to us, there was only our beloved Steelers.

I can still remember most of the starting lineup, offense, and defense. There were some incredible players on that team, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Lynn Swan, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, John Kolb, Randy Grossman, Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, Dwight White, Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Mike Wagner, Donnie Shell, Andy Russell, …

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

But the player that stood out to me and was my favorite was Jack Lambert. At the time, Jack Lambert was one of the fiercest linebackers playing the game. (see the video links below) In most people’s minds, he was the leader of the Men of Steel. In the words of former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano, “Jack Lambert IS the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Lambert was a tall, skinny guy weighing in at about 220 lbs. (this was likely generous in that during his rookie season, he weighed a mere 203 lbs.). But the thing that set Jack Lambert apart was his passion, drive, and intensity. No one could match the internal fire that burned in Jack Lambert. His goal was to dominate every game he played. The expectation was to win. The standard was excellence, and Jack Lambert expected this from himself and those around him. Teammates that missed assignments or did not play to the standard would get an earful from Lambert. He was the leader and one of the grittiest and toughest players in the league.

The fans loved Lambert. Pittsburgh always appreciated the tough guys that represented the blue-collar history of their town. Jack Lambert was one of the toughest, and he played the perfect tough guy position, middle linebacker. His approach to the game of football became my approach. In his words, “I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can’t take it, you shouldn’t play” I wanted to be just like Jack Lambert. Most young defensive football players in Pennsylvania wanted to be like Jack Lambert.

To get a sense of the man and his passion for the game, click on the links below:

Jack Lambert was unquestionably the best of his era. He played 11 years in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl 9 times. 4 times he was a Super Bowl champion. Three times he held the title of Defensive Player of the Year. And in 1990 he entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a winner and the best at what he did. By sheer determination and relentless grit, he rose to the top of his profession when many questioned his ability to play as a linebacker in the NFL.

Learning From the Best

In a lot of ways, Jack Lambert’s mentality in football resonated with me. He demonstrated a grit which led to his success on the football field. A lot of what he did on the field playing football could be brought into life. Success in any endeavor requires that same grit. Though most of us will not play professional football, we are striving to be successful in life. We have ambitions and goals. Some of the same lessons from Lambert’s career can apply to our approach and success in life.

Don’t Listen to the Naysayers!

Many felt Jack Lambert would not make it as a linebacker in the NFL. Art Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, read an old scouting report on Lambert. The report read, “Intense, great nose for the ball, but needs to add weight…” Lambert stood 6’ 4 ½” and according to the program weighed 220 lbs. Many would say this was generous. Lambert recalled his rookie year in 1974. “They put me on the scale, and when it stopped at 203, they almost died,” 203 is pretty much the bare minimum for a 6-foot-4 1/2-inch frame. Of course, this would be perfect for a volleyball or tennis player but a middle linebacker in the NFL? “I explained to them that I had been running a lot and was in the best shape of my life,” Lambert said. “I also told them to reserve judgment until we put on the pads.”

When the pads were put on, it became evident that he was not going to be stopped. The matter of whether or not he was going to be successful was settled in Jack Lambert’s mind. He knew who he was, and it didn’t matter what others said. Jack Lambert was going to succeed. He worked for this his entire life. He was ready, prepared, and confident.

What is your mindset? Do the naysayers easily sidetrack you? Think about what contributes to your mindset? What are the root causes of the lack of confidence that holds you back? What voices are you listening to? Are they supportive of the direction you need to go to succeed? Do you need to rid your life from some of the voices you listen to? It may be time to replace them with those that help and challenge you. Start making changes to replace the “I can’t” statements in your mind with the “I can” statements. The bottom line, “don’t listen to the naysayers!”

Intensely Focus on the Goal!

Jack Lambert’s lifelong ambition was to play professional football. In his words, he can’t remember having aspired to do anything else. The hall of fame coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chuck Noll said this about Jack Lambert. “When you start talking about attitude and focus, Jack is the epitome. He was the most focused individual I’ve ever had.”

Early in his career, he would routinely visit the Steelers training facility during his off hours to study film. It was not normal for a player to study film like this at the time. Jack Lambert was determined. He was going to master his profession. He studied, trained, and practiced for football. Football was his life. He put off marriage until after his playing days just so he could focus and be the best.

His work and sacrifice paid off. In the words of teammate and Hall of Fame outside linebacker Jack Ham, “[Jack Lambert] was the most complete middle linebacker ever to play.” “Of all the middle linebackers – Ray Nitschke, Willie Lanier, Dick Butkus – what set Jack apart was his ability to play the pass.” Also, another teammate and outside linebacker Andy Russell said, “Lambert may have had the image of a wild man. But he killed you with his precision.” This level of play didn’t just happen. Jack Lambert worked hard to level up his game and improve so he could maximize his performance and results.

Are you focused on your goals? Have you defined what you want to accomplish? Have you built a plan to get there? What work are you doing every day to sharpen your skills to achieve these goals? There is no better time than now to start putting in the extra work needed to excel. It is time to zero in on your goals and make it happen. It is time to get focused!

Bring the Passion!

Jack Lambert was an intense and passionate football player. I attended a football camp in Connecticut when I was about 12 years old. Many professional football players were there. Below is a picture of me to the right of Jack Ham (outside linebacker for the Steelers). Also in the picture is John Capaletti (running back for the Rams). Both were Penn State grads and John was the Heisman trophy winner in 1973.

I wasn’t able to get a picture with Jack Lambert but he was there and made an impression on me. The one thing I remember him saying was this. “If you can’t be passionate about playing football you should not play the game. The game is meant to be played with passion and intensity.”

Jack was passionate about the game. This is obvious if you’ve watched the videos in this post! You can hear his passion in this excerpt from his Hall of Fame speech in 1990. “If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler.” Joe Greene, another Hall of Fame player and teammate said this about Lambert and his passion for the game. “Jack didn’t need to psyche himself to play… He LIVED to play.” Jack Lambert was always ready and excited and brought a level of energy to his profession.

Are you passionate about what you do? If not, do you need to make a change? I believe all men are called to lead. Leadership does not happen without passion. We need to be passionate about the life we are living. If we are not we need to understand the root cause of this lack of passion and address it. It is time to take action. Passionate individuals draw people in and motivate and influence. Passion also fuels grit and makes you keep going when you face obstacles and roadblocks. What are you passionate about? Figure it out and do that thing well. Fuel that fire and be a leader to those around you.

Start Your Journey to be the Best

When I think about the things Jack Lambert did to be the best at his profession I realize that every man has the same opportunity to be the best in his chosen path. Each of us can eliminate the impact of the naysayers in our lives and surround ourselves with a team that will challenge and help us. We can define our goals and get focused on building a routine to sharpen the skills needed to be the best. We can make the changes needed so that we can be passionate about the things we are called to do in life. This passion will fuel the fire inside and drive the grit needed for the daily grind. You have what it takes to be the best. What are you going to do? Why wait? Start your journey to be the best today!

As always, post your feedback, comments, or questions. I welcome them and look forward to hearing from you. Or you can click the email on the main menu.

In your corner,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

“Don’t I deserve some down time?”

You fought many battles at work, slaying dragons and making things happen. Finally, you reached the end of your workday. You are on your way home and winding down from the stresses of the day. You arrive at home, enter the house, and immediately you are hit in the face with this. “The kids need help with homework”, “the sink isn’t draining the way it should”, “the delivery guy ran into the downspout today and it is cracked”, … What are you thinking?

“Give me a break! I’ve been dealing with this kind of (insert your own descriptive word) stuff from the moment I arrived at work until I got in my truck to come home!” “On the ride home, this idea was rolling around in my head about how nice it was going to be to get home and relax!” “Now, it is obvious that is not going to happen.” “Don’t I deserve some downtime and R & R?”

Your leadership does not end when you leave work

And yet, you know your leadership does not end when you leave work. The truth is you are just exchanging one hat for another. You are a leader no matter where you are. In the home, you lead as a husband, a father, and the example to the team that matters most, your family. Even when tired and unmotivated you need to step up and lead. You are the man and this is your calling. If you do not lead people suffer. Your wife takes on the burdens that you should carry. Your children suffer because though you are home, you are not present and engaged. Without you engaged, your team has no leader, no vision, no common direction.

This is just one example of the types of things we know we should do but, at times, find it difficult to muster up the grit to get it done and get it done the right way.

Comfort Entitlement

There have been times in my life I have succumbed to what I call “comfort entitlement”. I worked hard in area A and automatically thought I should be able to slack off and get a break in area B. Because of this, I feel like I gave up ground where I am called to lead. I experienced failure and lost opportunities in my home. I thought I earned the right to comfort. The pursuit of comfort led to complacency. My leadership suffered. This is a weak mindset that is not befitting of a man and it happens subtly.

It is always game time

What I realize today is that my leadership never ends. It is always “game time”. I am in the game every hour of every day. The time for rest and relaxation comes when I lay my head on the pillow at the end of the day. Even then, if an emergency arose, I would be back in the game and expected to perform. In my mind, this is what it means to be a man. So, this is what I am training my body, mind, and soul to do.

Living this “always in the game” lifestyle requires a level of grit that many men do not possess. It is not easy to respond the right way when you are tired, unmotivated, and ready for a break. The grit needed to overcome obstacles and challenges needs to be developed. The best way to develop grit is to do hard things. So, I am building a lifestyle of doing hard things in every area of my life physically, mentally, and spiritually. I push myself to grow and get better. What I am finding is that by doing so I am better prepared to respond in a way that honors God, the man in the mirror and enables me to be the rock for those I lead.

Where Do You Start?

So, where do you start if you want to build up this grit that enables you to perform consistently? For me, I started with getting in shape. This means consistent exercise and eating in a way that supports your physical fitness goals. Getting in shape and eating right involves “doing hard things” and pushing yourself when you’re not feeling it. I purposely lean in hard when these feelings creep up. I know when I don’t feel like it, this the best time to develop the grit I need. Over time, this response to the physical challenges begins to develop grit that impacts all areas of life.

As you build grit, by doing hard things physically, you will gain confidence and gain energy. This confidence transfers to other areas of life where you know you are not optimizing your performance. It doesn’t take long to think of hard things you should do that you are avoiding for some reason. Maybe its that conversation you know you should have but have been avoiding. It could be that project at work you have been putting off but is in the back of your mind and nagging you more and more each passing day. It could be that bad habit you have allowed to continue and have not confronted for months or maybe years. In all these things, write them down and start doing the hard things. Stop thinking about them. You are a man. Men do. Do the hard things!

Build a routine of doing hard things.

Let me give an example from my own life. I have a family and a challenging job. I devote my day to doing the job I have been called to do and serving my team. My evening is devoted to serving my family unit, my wife, and my son. In order to do all of this well, I need to be strong and at my best whether I feel like it or not. This is the challenge I train for. Daily I work to strengthen myself physically, mentally, and spiritually to be the best leader I can be. To do this, I have established routines of working out, reading the Bible, prayer, and reading/listening to something that will improve an area of my leadership that needs to be strengthened. (this could be home or work-related)

How am I going to establish a routine in all these areas and be consistent? I have found the only time I can truly control and be consistent is the early morning. So, I get up earlier than everyone else around me and do the work. My alarm is set for 4:30 am every day. Is it hard to do? Yes, it is hard to do. But developing grit, a key predictor of success requires “Doing Hard Things!”

Every morning my alarm goes off and I get up. I put on my headphones, listen to a passage from the Bible from my Bible app, while I make coffee. Then, I go to my workout shed and do my morning workout for the day. When I finish I meditate and pray. I eat, shower, and go to work Monday through Friday. While driving to work I listen to a podcast or audiobook on an area I need to strengthen. On the weekends I usually write in the mornings and meet with my Fraternity of Excellence brothers via video. The Fraternity of Excellence surrounds me with men of like minds that are constantly improving themselves and pushing me to improve. I cannot overstate the help they provide to me. (you can join by clicking on the sidebar on my blog) Every day I put in the work to train myself to be stronger in the midst of hardship. Every day, I improve my capability to do hard things and respond more effectively.

Another thing I try to do throughout the day is think about the things I am avoiding but know I should do. Like most people, I find myself gravitating to the things I enjoy. The problem is sometimes these are not the things that would make me a stronger leader. The harder, less enjoyable things I am avoiding are typically the ones I will benefit from most. These are the tasks I jump on and get done. After a while, I start looking for the hard things because I realize that the hard things are the things that make me stronger and develop grit. The more I develop grit, the higher the probability I will succeed.

I don’t want to give the impression that I never do enjoyable things because I do. I watch movies every so often with the family, go on hikes, go camping, hunting, and many other things. I truly enjoy life. But the change I have made is to be purposeful about developing this mentality of maximizing my ability to face and do hard things well. This is what men do. This is our role and we must train physically, mentally and spiritually so we can do this to our fullest potential.

So, what areas in your life would you like to see more success? What routines of doing hard things can you develop in those areas? Why can’t you start doing it right now? Add your thoughts in the comments below or email me with comments, questions, and/or feedback.

In your corner,

In Memory of Thomas Adams

The inset image is the grave of my first ancestor in America. He was born in 1735 in Ireland. He came to America and settled in central Pennsylvania. When the Revolution started he joined the fight as a Captain. He fought in the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, fought on August 27, 1776. This was the first major battle in the American Revolutionary War and the first battle in which an army of the United States engaged, having declared itself a nation only the month before.

Thomas eventually died of disease from his service at Long Island in December of 1776. He never saw the birth of this great nation we call the United States of America.

In the battle of Long Island, the Pennsylvania troops were under the command of Thomas Mifflin. Mifflin advised Washington to retreat to Manhattan while he and his Pennsylvania Regiments made up the rear guard, holding the line until the rest of the army had withdrawn. The Generals agreed unanimously with Mifflin that retreat was the best option and Washington had orders go out by the evening. Mifflin’s rear guard was tending campfires to deceive the British and convince them that nothing was going on. At 4:00 am, on August 30, Mifflin was informed that it was his unit’s turn to evacuate. Mifflin told the man who had been sent to order him to leave, Major Alexander Scammell, that he must be mistaken, but Scammell insisted that he was not and Mifflin ordered his troops to move out. When Mifflin’s troops were within a half mile of the ferry landing Washington rode up and demanded to know why they were not at their defenses. Edward Hand, who was leading the troops, tried to explain what had happened, but Mifflin arrived shortly. Washington exclaimed “Good God! General Mifflin, I am afraid you have ruined us!” Mifflin explained that he had been told that it was his turn to evacuate by Scammell; Washington told him it had been a mistake.

Mifflin then led his troops back to the outer defenses. Artillery, supplies, and troops were all being evacuated across the river at this time but it was not going as fast as Washington had anticipated and daybreak soon came. A fog settled in and concealed the evacuation from the British. British patrols noticed that there did not seem to be any American pickets and thus began to search the area. While they were doing this Washington, the last man left, stepped onto the last boat. At 7:00 am, the last American troops landed in Manhattan. All 9,000 troops had been evacuated without a single life lost.

What are the ideals that have driven so many to give their lives for our country? Recently, I did a study of the Declaration of Independence to better understand the forefathers idea of freedom. I admit that over the years I have often taken this freedom for granted. This exercise was helpful to me. It reinforced my drive to improve the life I live for those that gave all. Slowly reading these bullet points and letting them sink in helped me better understand. Here are some bullet points from that study.

• The foundational belief of the forefathers was that all men are created equal and given rights from their Creator.
• These rights include Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
• Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness cannot be taken away or denied.
• Government is instituted to secure the rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
• Government power is derived from the consent of those governed.
• When government becomes destructive of these rights it is the people’s right to alter or abolish and institute a new government.
• This new government is built to affect the Safety and Happiness of the governed.
• Prudence dictates the government should not be changed for light and transient causes.
• Experience shows mankind will generally suffer rather than abolish accustomed government.
• But when abuse becomes despotism it is the people’s right and duty to throw off government and provide new.
• Despotism is the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way
• That has been the situation of the colonies and is now the reason to alter their former government.
• From this point to the end of the Declaration of Independence specific examples of despotism are given in support of the action of the revolution.

So, I feel the responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by so many. Their sacrifices made these words a reality. We have the freedom to exercise the God given rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness because of them. We must do whatever is necessary to maintain that freedom and live lives that honor their sacrifices.

To me this is just one more reason to be men of grit that keep pushing through resistance and obstacles to be everything we were designed to be.

Honor them.