History

Book Review : The Coming Revolution

/ Steven Ruff / Leave a comment

I must admit that I have always had an interest in the political landscape of our nation. I do my best to keep up with the leaders, decisions, and trends that will affect, positively or negatively, the future of the nation of which I am a citizen. The current political climate in America reminds me of someone who continues to put air into a balloon, while all the while ignoring the warning signs of the impending burst. I cannot remember a time when the decisions being made on behalf of the people of these United States were so drastic and monumental. The current political setting has caused many to become discouraged and fearful; to wonder, at times out loud, what the future hold for the United States of America.

In Dr. Richard G. Lee’s new book “The Coming Revolution; Signs From America’s Past That Signal Our Nation’s Future”, Lee reveals through past history and present circumstances that our country is on the verge of another revolution reminiscent of 1776. This coming revolution is not one of bullets and battles, but one of the ballot box. Of this coming revolution, Lee writes, “What this book proposes is a revolution that is far superior to a violent rebellion. It is a revolution of faith and ideas, a new commitment to a higher cause. It is a revolution that will fulfill the charge our forefathers gave us during the founding era. A tremendous hunger for restoration of accountability exists in this country, and the popular reaction to the progressive agenda in Washington may be a blessing. Excessive control and a burdensome taxation are driving the people of this country back to the basics and, hopefully, leading to a renewal and resurgence of the American Spirit”. Lee begins his book by giving the reader a portrait of our nation. He does so by  taking a brief look at the founding of our country, the major advances that lead to America’s greatness, and the current social and political issues we face today.

Dr. Lee references many of the early documents that make up the scaffolding of what the values and principles of this country rest upon. He describes what is known as the “American Spirit” which is defined  as the sense of unity that existed between the early American colonies that allowed them to work together, grow together, worship together, and prosper together. He shows how this American spirit originated with the Puritans and the sermons of the Great Awakening. Lee lists the influences the Great Awakening had upon early America. These include unity and community among the colonies, moral and spiritual worldview, a spirit of independence, and a belief in manifest destiny, among others. Lee also shows the areas where America is losing ground to popular culture. He includes health care, education, the institution of marriage, to name a few.

A note to readers. Those who label themselves as moderates, progressives, liberals, or socialists will not enjoy this book. Lee often cites how the current administration has drifted from the intentions and principles of the founding fathers. This book is written in support of the Tea Party Movement that has taken a prominent position over the past year. He said this of the Tea Party, “the movement stands for a smaller government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and a conservative view of the nation’s founding documents.”. Lee chronicles just how far the Obama administration has gravitated from these formative beliefs.

The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the fact that after Dr. Lee lays out the problem, he does not leave the reader there wondering what can be done. Instead, he lists ten things that can be done right now in order to make a difference. Some of these are pray for America, register to vote and know the issues, and let your elected officials know how you feel, to name a few. I highly recommend this book. It is not an easy read, in that there is a great deal of historical information which is necessary in order to understand Lee’s position. The Coming Revolution is great food for thought on the issues facing America today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review – Lee: A Life of Virtue

/ Steven Ruff / Leave a comment

I enjoy all things Civil War. So, for me to have the opportunity to read about on the period’s greatest generals was for me a no-brainer. John Perry has written a compact biography entitled, “Lee: A Life of Virtue”. He has given the reader a comprehensive portrait of General Robert E. Lee. Perry walks the reader through Lee’s childhood, his days as a cadet at West Point, his early assignments including the Mexican War, and finally to his position as one of the most famous and loved generals of the Confederacy.  The title “A Life of Virtue” is correctly given. Using the definition of virtue as “possessing moral excellence or goodness”, this describes the life of R.E. Lee. Perry does an excellent job in his book of showing the human and moral side of Lee. Woven throughout the pages of this book are the relationships with family, friends, and fellow leaders that show virtue in action. Lee often gave care to his mother as a young boy. The moral, health, and welfare of his troops were always at the forefront of his mind. Lee’s wife was sick for a great part of her adult life and he cared for her considering it one of his greatest opportunities. He took extended periods of leave in order to take care of her. Loyalty marked his life.

Lee’s virtue can be seen in one clear example given by Perry. After Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, the two generals began to work out the terms of the surrender. They agreed the Confederate officers could keep their firearms and horses. In a gesture that was consistent with putting others before himself, Lee stated that enlisted soldiers had provided their own horses and would now need them for spring planting. Grant agreed.

I found this book to be an interesting and encouraging read. I learned some things about General Lee that I did not know before and some things I knew were confirmed. Buried within this book is a challenge. It is a challenge to live a life of virtue, integrity, and goodness. It is a challenge to place others before self and to always do right by others. I recommend this book without reservation. Even if you do read books about the Civil War, you will find this book a good investment of your time.

Walls

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Twenty years ago today, the wall that separated communist East Germany and the republic West Germany, as well as divided its capital city came crashing to the ground. The winds of political change brought an end to communist rule and the German citizens of Berlin were able to do what they had not been able to for more than twenty-five years. They were finally able to move freely around the city without fear. I was a senior in high school the day this history-making  event took place. I can remember the events unfold on television. I remember seeing the German citizens sitting on top of the wall swinging hammers. With each swing, another piece of the wall fell became rubble. One swing at a time they removed the barrier that kept the citizens of this once unified country apart. I can remember thinking how happy and excited they must have been. I was excited for them and I didn’t even live in Germany.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was not only a literal one, but a symbolic one as well. The crumbling of the wall symbolized the end of the Cold War. The iron curtain of communism had fallen. The removal of this wall also symbolized access and freedom. As I think about this wall coming down between two countries, I can’t help but think about the wall that has come down between God and man. The death of Christ on the cross for the sins of mankind means access and freedom. Scripture tells us that the very moment Christ died, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom. This tearing of the veil now meant that mankind can have personal access to God through the blood of Christ. No more human intercessors were needed. We can approach God anytime, anywhere, and for any reason beacuse we are His. Jesus brought down the wall of separation. Lord, thank you.

The winds of change are still blowing today. The Holy Spirit is still at work in the hearts of men and women. He is at work removing the walls that separate. From time to time, we are guilty of allowing walls to come up in our lives. Walls that are not beneficial to our spiritual walk. Walls that hinder future growth as believers. What do these walls look like? These walls can take on many looks: favoritism, prejudice, disobedience, and lovelessness, to name a few. We must be faithful to remember what Christ has freed us from so that we are not continually plagued by it. Jesus died to rescue mankind from these walls of separation. No wall is too great that Christ cannot keep down. 

A Presidential Connection

/ Steven Ruff / Leave a comment

I find presidential history fascinating. I enjoy reading about their personal lives, their accomplishments during their presidency, and matters pertaining to the office of the president. I particuraly enjoy reading on the lives of Lincoln, Grant, FDR, and Kennedy. Today, my son Jordan was reading, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Special Edition.  Inside was a list showing how John F Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln were connected. This list is eerie to say the least, seeing how they lived at least one hundred years apart. What do you think?

* Both Kennedy and Lincoln were deeply involved in the civil rights issue of his era. in Lincoln’s time, the issue was slavery: In Kennedy’s, it was segregation.

* Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839.

* Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswalk, was born in 1939.

* Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy who warned him not to go to the threatre that night.

* Kennedy had a secretary named Lincoln who warned him not to go to Dallas.

* Both were shot on Friday.

* Both were shot were from behind.

* Both wives were present whent heir husbands were shot.

* Booth shot Lincoln in a theater and ran into a warehouse.

* Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and ran into a theater.

* Both presidents were succeeded by men named Johnson.

* Both Johnsons were Democrats from the South.

* The Johnson who succeeded Lincoln was born in 1808. The Johnson who succeeded Kennedy was born in 1908.

* Both presidents’ last names have 7 letters. Their successors first and last names combined have 13 letters. The combined letters in the names of their assassins’ first and last names have 15.