Nourished in the Word
Most of us have enjoyed the warm comfort of home surrounded by the sweet fellowship of family this Christmas season. Let us not forget to let our prayers ascend heavenward for the brave soldiers who defend our cause in lands unfamiliar. For this week’s column I have chosen a letter written by General Robert E. Lee to His wife on December 25, 1862 from Fredericksburg Virginia. The War Between the States, though often viewed through the lens of political correctness, should be considered in its historical context. Robert E. Lee was no racist and viewed his participation in the war as a defense of his family and 'country'-- Virginia. The following letter gives us some insight into his Christian character and a view of a faithful soldier who, understanding the horrors of war, recognized as well the goodness of God. It is written to his wife Mary.
"I will commence this holy day dearest Mary by writing to you. My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God for His unspeakable mercies with which He has blessed us in this day, for those He has granted us from the beginning of life, and particularly for those He has vouchsafed us during the past year. What should have become of us without His crowning help and protection? I have seen His hand in all the events of the war. Oh, if our people would only recognize it and cease from their vain self-boasting and adulation, how strong would be my belief in final success and happiness to our country. For in Him alone I know is our trust and safety. Cut off from all communication with you and my children, my greatest pleasure is to write to you and them. Yet I have no time to indulge in it. You must tell them so and say that I constantly think of them and love them fervently with all my heart…But what a cruel thing is war. To separate and separate, and destroy families and friends and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world.
I pray that on this day when 'peace and goodwill' are preached to all mankind, that better thoughts will fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace. The confusion that now exists in their counsels will thus result in good. Our army was never in such good health and condition since I have been attached to it and I believe they share with me my disappointment that the enemy did not renew the combat of the 13th. I was holding back all that day, and husbanding our strength and ammunition for the great struggle for which I though he was preparing. Had I known that was to have been his only effort, he would have had more of it. But I am content. We might have gained more but we would have lost more and perhaps our relative condition would not have been improved. My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men. Give much love to everyone. Kiss Chass and Agnes for me, and believe me with true affection."
Yours, R. E. Lee (p380 from the "Wartime Papers of R. E. Lee")
I hope that Lee's letter might fill your heart with gratitude to God for His 'unspeakable mercies' this Christmas season and drive you to your knees in prayer for those who labor on our behalf--separated from family, friends and comfort during these days. Together may we long for the yet future day, following the return of Christ, when war shall cease. Until that day may we labor compassionately to introduce our fellow man to the Prince of Peace.
Ray Rhodes Jr. is Pastor of Grace Community Church locatedin Dawsonville, GA. Ray also serves as President of Nourished in the Word Ministries and is an author. You may contact him at www.nourishedintheword.org
