Beginnings of Greatness!
What do the beginnings of greatness look like? Not the obvious signs that present themselves as results after greatness has developed, but the earlier steps greatness takes as it is being forged. We have been conditioned – and aided by human nature – to look for something flashy and unmistakable as we seek out greatness, but we often overlook that which is much simpler. We rarely see the more humble and unassuming beginnings of greatness really look like.
What about a boy raised by a poor family in a small Kentucky home? Like most children of the frontier, he worked the fields, hunted, and fished – even though this tall and awkward young boy didn’t particularly like any of those activities. Abraham Lincoln as a youth was called a “lazy slip of a fella.” His uncle would defend him saying that Abe was not lazy, but that he just did not like “hunt’n work.” One could conclude that he did not like “hunt’n schooling” either, and he was not fond of the “Babble School” that he was forced to attend. Abe’s father worked hard on keeping him “firm and straight” with punishments that were common in those times. His dad said Abe’s worst habit was “putt’n in” and not knowing his proper place in family discussions. Looking at this tall, lanky boy growing up on the frontier, you see a young man that is awkward, does not like to do chores, does not like school, and talks back – sound like any pre-teens you know? For many years, Abe would go on to fail at most everything he tried, which made it unlikely anyone could see greatness – and the sixteenth president of a nation in turmoil.
We may now be at a turning point in our nation’s history. The political pressure that is driving this great country either over a ledge or into bondage feels overwhelming. There may be signs or glimmers of greatness – but what have we done? We are just ordinary people that came together to see that we were not alone. We now wonder if we are making an impact in this fight for liberty, in the direction of our nation, in the purpose of our lives. We look around and see bigger things others may be working on and question if we are doing enough. Things continue to grow darker, and it gets more and more difficult not only to see greatness, but to see the shining light on the hill. Do you see the beginnings of greatness or the end?
Abraham Lincoln’s childhood was not easy. He learned self-reliance the hard way through the necessity of growing and hunting your own food for survival. Abe was self-educated and loved to read – spending countless hours in front of a fire reading anything he could get his hands on. He learned about self-sacrifice by growing up on the frontier where others depended on you and you helped out your neighbors. He learned self-depravity through a strong faith in divine providence and the values passed on from prior generations.
These are the principles of greatness – and the principles of a statesman. You may not have seen big things from Abe while he was being forged in his developing years, but it was those simple things he did and learned along the way that made him great. It may have been possible to miss the light shining within him as a boy, but this humble torch grew into a great illuminator!
Two-and-a-half years ago, we first met in humble surroundings with no idea what our future as a group had in store for us. Many of us began to read and discover the joy of self-education in our own lives. We picked up books like “The 5000 Year Leap,” “The Federalist Papers,” and other classics. As a group, we promoted personal responsibility – and for many of us, it became a personal mantra. We have become more prepared in our personal lives, and are working towards self-reliance for our families. We combine to form a very charitable group – always coming through when any need arises. So many people have stepped up and given of themselves, personally and selflessly, and demonstrated the principle of self-sacrifice. We are founded on 9 key principles and 12 core values, and everyone has gone beyond just endorsing them – to embracing them and living them!
If you have been part of this movement for anytime, you have felt something. The feeling you recognize in the pit of your soul – as you look at the others involved around you and see what you are becoming – you are witnessing the beginnings of greatness. You are the statesmen and leaders that will arise when called upon. You will be the new leaders in your homes, your churches, your community, and possibly your nation. You are forging a path – not only for you – but the next generation. What may be simple or humble to those looking in, is powerful…and truly the beginnings of greatness!
You may not see it today (or even tomorrow), but stop looking for some powerful display or profound sign. Instead, continue to self-educate, learn self-reliance, experience willing self-sacrifice, and practice self-depravity by putting your full faith in a higher power. These are the principles which forge leaders and in His time you may be called to greatness.
Abraham Lincoln was an awkward, lazy pre-teen – he became a great man.
We are forging the future and the next Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln, or Madison may be among us today – anyone may become a great man or woman.
Today holds the beginnings of greatness!
