Dear Satan, I have somewhat to say concerning you…
Posted by Ryan on February 27th, 2006
“We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill’s witty commentary, monumental leadership and devotion to fighting evil with valor has been an inspiration to me since I first began learning of him.
It was as a newspaper columnist that Winston Churchill, in October of 1899, traveled to South Africa to observe the Boer War of independence against the British Empire. In South Africa, Churchill was traveling with a soldier friend aboard a train carrying English troops that was ambushed and derailed by the Boers. While exhibiting great valor in coordinating the escape of many of the troops who were aboard the train, Churchill was captured by the Boers and taken as a prisoner of war.
Although treated well by his captors, he later wrote of his time as a POW, “I certainly hated every minute of my captivity more than I have ever hated any other period in my whole life.” He hated captivity above all because it thwarted his ambition for heroic action: “The war was going on, great events are in progress, fine opportunities for action and adventure are slipping away…” So, after unsuccessfully appealing his capture (on the grounds that he was a noncombatant), Churchill escaped from prison. Before escaping, however, he courteously left a letter of apology on his bed, addressed to Louis de Souza, the Boer secretary for war.
The letter began: “I have the honour to inform you that as I do not consider that your Government have any right to detain me as a military prisoner, I have decided to escape from your custody.” It ended: “Regretting that I am unable to bid you a more ceremonious or a personal farewell, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, Winston Churchill.”
In like manner, may I suggest a letter to Satan:
Dear Satan, “I have the honour to inform you that as I do not consider that you have any right to detain me as a spiritual prisoner, I have decided to escape from your custody…”
Best wishes to everybody who is struggling with a particular weakness from us at the Blogger of Jared. Keep the faith.
Great insight into Churchill Ryan! Are you reading a biography? If not, have you read one in the past? If so, which one? I plan on reading a bio on him in the near future - do you suggest any in particular?
I really like the analogy; quite frankly, I do believe I will steal it for my own.
Comment # 1 left by Wade on February 27th, 2006
I’m actually not reading a biography and so I will return the request for a good recommendation to you (and anyone else who happens to be reading)
Comment # 2 left by Ryan on February 27th, 2006
Weaksauce…
Comment # 3 left by My Dominion on February 27th, 2006
Thanks, I needed that. You know how that story of the wise old man goes, with all the devils tempting him and the other one with only one devil?
I think the weakest devil only has to use his little finger on me.
Comment # 4 left by annegb on February 28th, 2006
If you’re not reading a bio, where did you get that story?
Comment # 5 left by Wade on February 28th, 2006
I think the weakest devil only has to use his little finger on me.
That reminds me of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape letters
Weaksauce…
Is that a book about Churchill? I haven’t heard of that one yet. Because I know you’re not trying to resurrect a washed-up slang term like “weaksauce”. That would be pathetic.
Comment # 6 left by Ryan on February 28th, 2006
Excellent post! Most enjoyable reading!
Comment # 7 left by Brian Duffin on February 28th, 2006
If you’re not reading a bio, where did you get that story?
Oh Wade, didn’t you know that I’m a veritable plethora, a virtual cornucopia of trivial information?
Comment # 8 left by Ryan on February 28th, 2006
…didn’t you know that I’m a veritable plethora, a virtual cornucopia of trivial information?
Sure, everyone knows that. However, my question remains: where did you get that knowledge? Stop evading, who did you steal the info from?
Comment # 9 left by Wade on February 28th, 2006
I’m not evading, I’m just talking about different things than you want to talk about.
Comment # 10 left by Ryan on February 28th, 2006
That’s funny!
Comment # 11 left by Wade on February 28th, 2006