Do we need another Sergeant York?

Sergeant York

I am way to young to truly appreciate the heroic deeds of Sergeant York and World War I. A man, who in his own measure tried to be a pacifist and resist going to war for religious reasons. After being convince that Americans were on God's side, he went on to become a very popular and courageous man.

At the end of the war, he walks out of the woods with 132 German soldiers and a tale that is so awesome, that it had never been heard of till that day. York out shot an entire German Machine Gun battalion and killed 25 Germans in the process.

I did however get to watch Gary Cooper share his version of the story with such style that it still sticks to me in the back of my mind. In the face of defeat, amidst your brothers in arms dead around you, you still attack! If you are looking to watch it, you can find them here on Amazon (there is a link provided here).

It reminds me of the passage in the Bible

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He alos justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:28-31

However, the real question I have to ask is do we need a Sergeant York today? I believe we do. Here is my point. At the time, people clung to the ideal of Sergeant York because he represented ideals and values of what Americans believed they shared. He was a Christian, a pacifist, and a man who in the face of trouble was able to overcome.

I believe that we need real men today. Men who stand up for God. Men who represent what Americans truly value. Men who are not worried about political correctness, and more worried on 'being right' and right with God. We need men to point out it is OK to be real men. It is OK to not have to agree with popular culture. Men can live a life more simply and graciously by living within their means.

We need heroes. Men who in the face of public scrutiny, will stand up and proclaim God (not for ratings, or popularity mind you.) We need to take back America's men. Lead them to living fuller and richer lives. Get them off the comfort couches of life. Help them conquer fears and doubts and lead them to Christ.

By the way... if you are looking for a more information on Sergeant York... Feel free to read it here for free! You gotta love Google Books!



~ See you out in the woods!

Jeff Barnes