Currently Reading Insurgency and Counter-Insurgency in Iraq By Ahmed S. Hashim see related

Deep in our hearts resides something not one of us can put our finger on. It is not something we can always call on, or even something we can recognize. For some of us, we do not know that it even exists within us. But given the right situation, the dire circumstance, the ultimate challenge that asks of us "Do I have what it takes?", that elusive entity finds a way to show itself in full force. From where does it come? I'm not sure, but I have an idea...

The idea of courage has had innumerable definitions. It is at once the greatest of attributes, the most necessary of things needed,  and yet at the same time the one that so often finds itself untapped in our lives. Why? Because so many of us fail to realize that we all have it. Every single one of us has a sense of courage that we could never conceivably imagine showing itself. We doubt ourselves, our abilities, and who we are. And we doubt these incredibly important items only because someone out there does not wish that we discover them. Too bad for that someone, there is Another out there who knows we have it, desires it to be shown, and helps us to bring it forth when it is sorely needed. Yet we cannot draw on it unless we have an understanding of its source. Can you recall something on a given topic, if you have never studied it? Never questioned it? I contend that you cannot.

Now why, why is courage so incredibly vital? Why is it so important?

Courage is that essential quality which lends to us the fortitude to hold true to every other value we stand for. It takes courage to be disciplined. It takes courage to be truthful. It takes courage to sacrifice. And most of all, it takes courage to love. An immense amount of it, I might add. I am not using “love” as people throw it around today in the contemporary sense. I mean the unwavering, unfaltering, unconditional love that so few of us understand. The love that was, and is, given to us every second of every day of our lives. Unconditional love, in its purest sense, was only shown to us once. I cannot fathom a better word for the love that was poured out for us that day. It cannot truly be fathomed. But from that sacrifice, we were given the ultimate example. And from that, we all have a small piece of it. But we must search for it, and sometimes, it takes digging pretty deep to find it.

But find it we must. We MUST. The day will come when you are called on. The day will surface when all is thrown against you. Or perhaps, it will be thrown against someone you love. What requires of us the greater fortitude? To sacrifice for oneself is a common practice. To sacrifice for another is foreign to many minds. But undoubtedly, the greatest moments of courage come from those situations that require us to put ourselves aside, our pains, our despair, our own hearts, aside, in the hopes of preserving some assembly of goodness for those that stand(or fall) next to us. We must prepare ourselves for that moment. It is for this occurrence that courage ascends in us to serve its most essential, and most beautiful, task. All we do must be in anticipation for the moment when servitude to another is a vital necessity. It should reside within us as an inherent commitment, and a constant one. Be sure your courage is there- draw on it, learn to call for it, and most importantly, learn to use it. There is only one Source from which we can receive it. It cannot be pulled from the wrong source, for only one Source exists. All other attempts to grasp it are in vain, and result in nothing more than what the Greeks termed “pseudoandreia”.

False courage.

Semper Fi, and God Bless.

James

Currently Reading The Way of the Wild Heart: A Map for the Masculine Journey By John Eldredge see related

Waiting on the World to Change...?? WTF?

You know, I shouldn't waste my time with this, however I believe it to be an extremely fitting representation of the kind of people we're dealing with in America today. Perhaps the Marine Corps indoctrination that courses through my veins has helped to limit my ability to accept and tolerate people that hold this mindset, or maybe it's just how I was raised; somewhat of an inherent proclivity to despise the espoused views I will further unearth.

I was cruising down Hwy 6, dip of copenhagen in my lip and the radio blaring, and then a pleasant, easy listening song came floating past my ears. It's a new one by John Mayer, perhaps he wrote it, maybe not, it's no matter. I've been singing along to it for awhile now, actually, and you can talk all the trash you want, but the boy can flat play the guitar. He may not be able to change a flat tire, or chop wood, but by God he can sure as hell play. I guess that counts for something.

"Waiting On The World To Change"

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing and
There's no way we ever could

-OK. I do not believe these people are void of a belief system that calls them to stand firm for what they believe. By "these people" I mean that modern day, feel good, laid back, hippie types that rule over the contemporary music industry. Screw the government, they're all liars, bring the troops home, yada yada yada. Wish it was original, but it's pretty familiar to all the '60s folks out there.  It may be something that I vehemently disagree with, but I'm sure there is something out there that they believe in wholeheartedly, and stand up for it. As for them being misunderstood, I don't think so. I think we understand them just fine. That's what worries me.

James

Currently Reading Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae By Steven Pressfield see related

Why We Fight

Why we fight. Or perhaps, why do we fight? No, I prefer the first. For me, it exists not as a question, but a statement. A statement of purpose that far surpasses the want for adventure, excitement, danger, or that ill-conceived abstract notion of personal achievement we call glory. So many Americans, young and old, without respect to gender, have sacrificed their lives over the last two-hundred and eighty years of our comparatively infantile existence to defend this unique place we call home. In years past, there has always been felt a certain necessity, a definite reason for this never-ending horror which has plagued mankind from its birth. War is a terrible thing, as those who have seen it can attest, and those who have been spared its images can undoubtedly imagine. But, as John Stuart Mill stated all too well, it is not the ugliest of things.

Don't worry. This is not a dissertation on jus ad bellum versus jus in bellum, for I am not qualified to do so, and so will not attempt. This is not a rambling of political ideology either; frankly, less politics in war would be a fantastic achievement, although an altogether improbable one. No, this is instead a very simple observation, which has struck me time and again as I have experienced our American society, and continued to learn the history of great societies past.

As the old saying goes, in times of peace, prepare for war, and when war is upon you, fight for the promise of peace. A vicious cycle, no doubt, but nevertheless historically accurate. At our present hour, we are in the midst of a military and ideological struggle that is essentially foreign to the American experience, or any nation's experience, for that matter. For the first time in history, we are waging an all out war against no flag, no banner, no boundaries of one nation or a conglomerate of nations. We are fighting an enemy that can truly exist anywhere, at any time, amongst any people. They exist within our own borders, within the borders of our allies, and within nations whose relationship with the United States has been consistently antagonistic. They are not mindless drones, brainwashed by a single figure or group of hierarchs. Each believe wholeheartedly in his or her purpose, one ordained by their god, they say. They hold no ethics, no morals in the conduct in the which they fight. How do we fight them? How can we win? If there is no official V-Day in our near future, how long will we sustain this battle? How long can we?

I admit, the possibility of all out victory is bleak, at best. Every day, I hear the pessimism, the anti-war sentiment, the anger many feel and the resulting adversity to the choice of raising up arms. I understand their anger, I understand their hatred for war. I share their hatred for it, and wish for its end more than they realize. But I feel too many people are missing the point, the reason for which we fight. I spoke to a man not long ago, a man probably in his sixties, who was expressing his anger for the current war in Iraq. I understood, and respected his opinions, and let him know that I did. But then, he stated something I will never forget, and I believe my reaction to his statement will never allow him to forget the words he uttered. "You know," he said "the really sad thing is that all them boys that are getting killed, or getting their arms and legs blown off every day over there, actually believe they are fighting for something. In answer to him, and all those who believe as he does, take heed:

I will tell you why we fight.

Go to a hometown football game. Parents lining the stands, anxiously awaiting the treasured moments of catching that fleeting glimpse of their child on the playing field, giving it their all, either for the whole game, or just one play. Watch the faces of these parents, cheering on their kids in every aspect; football, band, cheerleading, drill team, whatever it may be, as they are completely and totally absorbed in soaking up these precious moments they know will be over in four years or less. For a brief time, nothing outside that playing field exists. Why? Because the most important thing in their lives are right there in front of them. I look upon these faces, and something inside of me says: Yes, this is why we fight.

To look into the eyes of a child as you're walking through the store, to hold their gaze for just a second as their beautifully innocent smile brings one out in you. You watch them toy with a chain of plastic keys or some other treasure that has been fortunate enough to fall into their hands, watch them as they momentarily look up and around trying to take in the newness of it all. And then, you see them look at their parents, smile, and do that full body shake where both legs and arms are kicking up and down as they smile and laugh in short spurted breaths. I look upon these faces, and nod once again.
Yes, this is why we fight.

I see my Mom and Dad come home from work, tired, frustrated, but still managing to put on a smile and hold true to the their faith that in all things God is at work. I see them always accepting with open arms anyone that needs them, any that come their way seeking comfort, advice, or sometimes the painful truth. I see the unfaltering love for one another on their faces, an image embodying the spirit of the American family. This, is why we fight.

I see my sister's face glowing so passionately as she and my brother-in-law anxiously await the arrival of my nephew, and their new union as a family. I try to imagine their excitement of having their whole life ahead of them, being able to watch their little one learn and grow in a society of freedom and endless opportunity. The football, baseball, and whatever other games yet un-played already playing out in their minds as this little one has yet to step foot in the world. This embodies the optimism of the American family, the pride and joy of bringing a child into this world, and this country. For this, we fight.

I see an elderly couple walking their dog, hand in hand, enjoying the later years of their life in peace, having experienced the joys of the illustrations of the preceding paragraphs. To watch my Grandfather climb a forty foot windmill at 87 years old, because work still has to be done, and by God no one is going to keep him from it. To listen to countless stories and advice from not only him, but so many of his peers as well, learning of the truly hard times, and how they overcame. To talk to my best friend's grandma, who at 92 maintains the fire of a 20 year old. To watch an old Navy veteran tap on his prosthetic arm where his left arm used to be, robbed of him ages ago from a Japanese attack while serving aboard the USS Lexington, and telling me how much he loves this country, and how willing we must be to fight for it. To preserve that which their generation has given us, we fight.

To see the broken bodies of my brothers-in-arms, the crying faces of their loved ones, and the ever-vigilant prayerful forms of those still supporting another in harm's way, I tear up. For the cause in which they fight, for the fervor of their beliefs, and for bringing them home together once they've served their time, I honor them. I pray they understand why we fight.

The young men and women who have volunteered for this round in the never-ending cycle of war and peace may indeed believe in the cause for which they fight. Perhaps they do not. They may in fact have great disdain for this current conflict, yet still choose to raise their right hand. Whether for, or against, is no matter. By volunteering they are preserving something by far more noble, and of much greater importance, than a victory overseas. Unknowingly, they are preserving the integrity of America. We fight for the good in this world, however little of it there may be. The masses of young people that have stepped up to this challenge have shown us that although we have made mistakes, we nonetheless believe in that goodness that can prevail in this world, and know the price that must be paid for it. Our pride in our country is strong, and the ideals that have brought us here we strive to defend even more vehemently, whether we realize this end, or not. That young men and women are still willing to serve stalwart and tall, through all the danger and adversity and questionable nature of this current conflict in which we are a part, speaks to the nature of the American resolve, and to the hopes, indeed, of something far more important than American preservation; the preservation of the good that still remains in the hearts of some, the dreams of others, and the actions of just a few. But what a damn good few they are.

As William Wallace's father says in Braveheart: "I'm not saying we have to beat them. Just fight them. Now who's with me?"


Oorah out,

2nd Lt. James C. McKendree
United States Marine Corps

Currently Watching The Last Samurai [HD DVD] see related

Uncertainty surrounds every aspect of our lives. We can never quite be sure what awaits us around the next curve in our short time here. The unknown terrifies us, and yet at the same time lends an excitement that I have yet to be able to describe. Through bad and good, good and better, worse and unbelievable, we push through it, never knowing the eventual consequence of each action we take. And you've heard it before, I know you have- "If only I could just know what I am supposed to do" or "If only I could just know this or that, then things would be so much easier." Well hell yeah. The future would not be nearly as foreboding if it were this way. But it's not. So, my question is, would we really want to know, if we could?

Pat Green(yes, the one and only), put it better than I've ever heard. "Don't you think that life would be awful boring, if the good times were all that we had?" We never worry about situations that bear the potential for good. We don't lay awake at night worrying about something wonderful that may happen to us. We lose sleep over the negatives, the challenges, the potential downfalls. And why? Because we can't control it. And of course, we fear what we cannot control. And can we control the unknown? Nope. Dream on.

But that's just it. We can't control evil that may befall us. We can't know every pitfall or brick wall we're gonna run into. Life would be a cakewalk if we did. The constitution of our character would be void of substance. No, bad things happen for a reason. To teach us. To keep us on our toes. The unknown, and the fear of it, is what makes us reach into the depths of our soul and find the spirit that lives within each of us to do one thing. Fight.

Our life is roller coaster ride of ups and downs. We are happy one second, then that happiness flees from us as we plunge headlong into the cloudy depths of uncertainty. And then it happens. We have a choice. We either stay there, or fight our way out of it. Some choose to fight, others to wallow. The choice is yours to make. The funny thing is that we know that even getting back on top sets us up for yet another tumble. But you know what? I'm not afraid of it. We can't be. We can't allow it to even enter our minds. Mr. Short, my martial arts instructor and one of my best friends, once told us-"When you're in a fight, never envision defeat. Once that fleeting thought enters your mind, it begins to break down your ability to achieve victory." This is not to say that we win every battle, as I've stated above. However, what it does is erases anything and everything that binds us, and allows us to meet our challenge with our full potential. And when we fall, we fall knowing that we fought as hard as we could. With this knowledge, we learn, we improvise, we adapt, and we overcome the next time the challenge presents itself. Because that fall, while it is painful, at the same time gives us the tools necessary to make it to the bell in the next round.

So we have a choice. Take the plunge, and never truly regain yourself, or take the plunge, knowing you're gonna have to fight like hell to get back up again. This is what builds us, what makes us stronger, but only if we allow it to. A difficult decision is but another round. We must dive headlong into it, trusting only in Him as to what the outcome may be, and holding fast to the faith that no matter what happens, we have given it our all. We have fought the good fight. Now it is time to get up, dust yourself off, and become better prepared for the next time hardship manages to rear its ugly head. Remember this, and remember it well: There is one out there that is constantly trying to defeat you, and he knows you better than anyone, save One. And that One is there guiding you, smiling with you in your triumphs, and at the same time waiting with open arms to catch you when you stumble. Trust this. Know this. And the unknown, for all its intimidation, will have nothing for you when you allow Him to walk beside you.

Tough decisions? Suck it up. Jump out on faith, cuz faith isn't faith, until it's all your holding on to.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you."

Oorah kill out,

James

Currently Reading One Bullet Away : The Making of a Marine Officer By Nathaniel C. Fick see related

WOMEN, and a lack of men...

Our topic for the day is a crash course in treating women right. For those boys that might find this site, and have no idea that ladies are meant to be treated as ladies(what a concept!!), read it and remember it. And tell your moron friends that are still hell-bent on the "Well, she likes it when I treat her like #$%$#."

As John Eldredge puts it, women want to be the beauty. They play dress up, they have their wedding planned from the time they learn what a wedding is, and they live in the great love stories of our time and time past. Just like us guys(most of us) would give our left foot to brandish our claymore alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Sterling, or draw a Spanish sword with Don Diego de la Vega in the Mask of Zoro, the women of this world desire to be swept away by the man of their dreams. But unfortunately, too many men have lost sight of the adventure. They've lost sight of the beauty. As Eldredge puts it all too well, they have lost their heart. Too many men have taken that amazing creature that we come in contact with every day with a mild reverence and the complete absence of awe that all of them deserve, regardless of looks, upbringing, or disposition. And what do they do? They take them for granted.

A young lady I took out once raced to the truck door before I could open it for her. She said, "You know James, opening doors was cool 30 years ago when our parents were dating, but that chivalry stuff just isn't the way anymore." Ha! Ne'er a truer word was ever spoken. Chivalry is slowly but surely getting phased out, and I'm fairly certain Texas may be its last safe haven. When I say chivalry, I mean real chivalry. Perhaps many have not had the opportunity to see chivalry at its finest. I know many haven't. I watched my father in action my entire life, and the values he learned from my grandfather show through every time he opens that door, pulls out that chair, or puts someone in their place for speaking in even a quasi tense tone with my mother.

There was a time, perhaps a time that has been dying since our parents were born, when treating a woman with the utmost respect was the "thing to do". Understanding the dignity that a lady presents, and being able to respond to that dignity was commonplace. The promise of a good woman to spend the rest of your life with was a treasure. Now, the word marriage among many present day circles inspires this vocab: tied down, no more freedom, a new boss, hell, the end of fun, and so on and so forth until it makes you sick. I was in my Dad's office one day when a guy came in and found out that the guy workin for my Dad was gettin married the next week. Oh man, it was as if the world had ended. He launched into how horrible our friend's life was about to become, how he was gonna be divorced in two years, and he was basically shooting himself in the foot. How has marriage become a poster child for misery, regret, and restriction?

If the men today that don't realize what they have would wake the hell up, put that woman on a pedastal, and realize the joy from making her smile every day, then maybe, just maybe, we'd have some much happier young men and women out there. Let her know she's a lady in your eyes. Let her know she's got your full attention. If she doesn't have it, and your eyes are wondering, let her go(IF YOU ARE DATING HER, NOT IF YOUR MARRIED)Don't waste your time and hers. If you're married, stop being an idiot and realize what you have. Make sure she knows that there is nothing, short of God, that comes before her. Tell her she's beautiful, all the time. Appreciate her. Don't be a lap dog- you gotta be confident and let her know you can handle things. But don't be some dunce who never realizes what makes her the amazing young lady you know she is. Don't ever use the guilt trips, or play the jealousy games. That may be fun in high school, or your first year of college, but get past it. It's not worth it in the end. A guy that'll play games with a woman is no man, and a woman that plays them isn't worth a man. She'll get the boy she deserves, just like the gamer will get the non-committing one he deserves. And that never ends up good in the end.

Disclaimer: I'm not saying I do everything right, or that I embody these ideals to the fullest extent. I mess up, sure enough, every day. But just because we are clouded by our shortcomings, does not mean we should be blind to the real truth. Young ladies are there for a reason. Realize what that reason is, and I promise it's not the one Hollywood says it is. Stop watching Nip/Tuck or Sex in the City or whatever those completely worthless shows are. Love is an adventure. Don't be so damn afraid to jump on the bandwagon.