Thank you, my friend. This morning a friend sent me an uplifting bible verse, from the Old Testament. Sometimes things fit perfectly. It just makes you wonder. Before I share the verse, a few observations on today.
Today is Monday, Columbus Day. This week in 1492, Christopher Columbus ended a harrowing journey across what you might call the “Atlantic wilderness,” arriving in “The New World,” starting a new journey for all Mankind called “America.” It must have seemed “the promised land” to him.
Then, this week in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed the “presidential palace” by a simpler, more accessible, gracious, uncomplicated name, “The White House.” His name stuck.
Wind the clock ahead to 1945. This week that year, Desmond Doss, a combat medic who refused to carry a gun and saved 75 men at Okinawa, one by one – received America’s Medal of Honor.
A providential week, this one in 1963 saw Polish-American priest Walter Ciszek, missionary, released after 23 years in a Soviet gulag. He then penned He Leadeth Me and With God in Russia.
By 1970, the week seems to have been notable for peace, as an epiphany swept Richard Nixon, who revolved to end the Vietnam War, pledging to withdraw 40,000 US troops by Christmas. He did.
In 1984, this very week, Ronald Reagan debated Walter Mondale, then surged in the polls, winning by a nearly unprecedented slide, 49 of 50 states. Reagan refused to take Minnesota from Mondale, allowing Mondale to win his home state. The act was as gracious as politics comes, historic itself.
Of course, two years ago the week before this one, the world saw a tragedy hit Israel. Yet this week, making world history, we see – barring something unforeseen –release of hostages, historic peace.
What can one say about a week, looking back in history to the arrival of Columbus on our shores, which seems to carry with it unusual promise, hope, reflection, but also restoration and peace? Are we really slowed on some days to think, to ponder imponderables, to look beyond, see beyond?
In 1905, just about this time, Albert Einstein completed his “year of miracles,” four extraordinary papers on life and science, universe and things invisible. He would later write an essay called “Miracles.” Famously, he wrote: “Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.”
So, what was this Bible verse that a friend sent me today, one I had not read for some time, a frequent benediction, prayer of priests, given by Moses to Aaron, as the Israelites commenced a journey into the wilderness, before arriving in the Promised Land? It is simply this.
Numbers 6:24-26. “May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” From those words today I smiled, and drew strength. Thank you, my friend.
Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, Maine attorney, ten-year naval intelligence officer (USNR), and 25-year businessman. He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (North Country Press, 2018), and “Cherish America: Stories of Courage, Character, and Kindness” (Tower Publishing, 2024). He is National Spokesman for AMAC. Today, he is running to be Maine’s next Governor. BobbyforMaine.com
RBC, thank you again for another great article. May God Almighty Bless you and your campaign for Governor May you get plenty of support from your AMAC family.
I like history, and it gives a thread through time. As a fan of Nixon, to see that all the rest of the USA wanted to remember him for was Watergate was sad. Bringing home 40,000 troops from Vietnam, a highly unpopular war, should be his great legacy. Many who had been drafted into the military were happy to see a path to the end of the Vietnam war.
Columbus to Einstein, the Bible verse fits. We all need some peace. Thank you Mr. Charles.
May the Lord know you and you know him. May your name be written in his Book of life.
A most beautiful and inspiring article; many thanks to you for it. It delivers a renewed sense of hope that peace is in fact a reality and can be achieved.
Robert b. Charles great American
Amen. What a week of beautiful history ❤️
Do, Lord.
Sent this comment earlier today and it somehow is in with the Trolls with a negative vote ! Earlier today commenting on the AMAC article about the White House history I wrote a reply message to Max in favor of his Alert about the Trolls on that article And then began my comment with a statement about how the Trolls are a nuisance. I have never made a negative comment about any article written by Robert Charles I believe he is a great writer and has great thoughts about being a patriotic American. This is what I wrote earlier today — This sampling of significant events and those people who shaped those events is important And the bible verse included indicates that God wants us to develop in ways that reflect a reverent outlook,to value peace.Havimg good, positive ideas is sure enough a genuine strength builder and that is a great thing to consider.
Thank you for sharing these words from Numbers 26, as well as the numerous events from the past here in our country which have contributed to peace both here at home and abroad.
All the best in your campaign for Governor of the state of Maine.
Why do you allow advertising on this site? Disgusting!!
This is NOT a job posting site. STOP doing your hiring work here!!!!
It is time to pray for peace & pray that the war in Ukraine stops before the winter months. News today said that Russia is attacking Ukraine energy sources this week.
This sampling of significant events and those people who shaped those events is important. And the bible verse included indicates that God wants us to develop in ways that reflect a reverent outlook , to value peace . Having good, positive ideas and thoughts is sure enough a genuine strength builder and that is a great thing to consider.