This question was asked by one of my favorite actors, Sean Connery, in one of my favorite movies, The Untouchables. The circumstances in which it was asked were certainly different than what we currently are facing – as are the ramifications. But, I think it’s still an important question to ask.
Today the primary election season begins with the Iowa Caucus. It’s been said over and over and over again that “this is the most important election in our lifetime.” And yet, this time it just might be true. There’s no denying our republic is in a precarious position. Throughout America’s history, this country has faced seemingly dire situations. And yet, the American people have always risen to the challenge. How has this happened? Because, we’ve looked at what we, as individuals, can control and how we can best respond.
Martin Treptow embodied this mindset. His story is a stellar example of self sacrifice and commitment to a higher cause. Martin Treptow was a barber from Iowa. During World War I he served in France with the Rainbow Regiment. As a Private, Treptow was tasked with delivering a message between battalions while under heavy artillery fire. Private Treptow was killed attempting to deliver the message. And when his body was recovered, Martin’s diary was found in one of his pockets. Inside the front cover were simple words – words he had penned that exemplify the American mindset. Titled “My Pledge,” these were his words:
“America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.”
Martin Treptow knew he could not fight the entire battle himself. And yet, he understood he played a role in achieving success. He was willing to control what he could control and act accordingly. It’s easy to be despondent reading the news every day and seeing the chaos in our world. If we focus on the things each of us can do to restore and preserve liberty, we can be successful. I didn’t say this is a guarantee. That’s in God’s hands.
So, what are the things we can control?
To answer this question, let’s refer to a book we encourage all our COS leadership and supporters to read. This book is “Servant Leadership” by David Kuhnert. This book describes leadership in a non-profit organization. David proposes that each of us has three areas of control.
Who We Trust – Each of us has the sole ability to decide who we trust. In the last few years this has really been a challenge, as institutions we’ve grown up trusting have many times called that trust into question. This has brought clarity to the circle of our family and friends with whom we trust. Ultimately, the one I can always trust is God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is not easy as the truth is sometimes uncomfortable. It is always the truth though.
How We Act – Each of us is in control of how we act in situations. Notice I didn’t say how we react. Reaction is based on emotion and speaking personally; it’s not always the best response to a situation. For instance, In speaking with legislators on a weekly if not daily basis, I have to be mindful to keep my emotions under control and to act with love. This doesn’t mean I violate the truth and my principles. It means that I act professionally and in ways that represent my God, our Convention of States Team and myself properly.
Our Attitude – Another thing we have control of is our attitude. This is challenging with the barrage of insanity we see in society and our politics. Our attitude is a key factor in how we act. From time to time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. When I feel this way I remember the words of John Quincy Adams. When asked why he continually fought to end slavery in a Congress that was decidedly pro-slavery he responded, “Duty is ours. Results are God’s.” This is very liberating. Once you realize you are in control of your actions but not the outcome, a burden is lifted off your shoulders. Adams’ words reflect the principles of servant leadership, don’t they?
Back to the question. What are you prepared to do?
The answer to this question is an individual one. Each of us has a collection of unique gifts, talents and skills. The challenges that face us all are symptoms of federal overreach. The convention of states process is the solution The Framers provided us in the Constitution to address this. If we understand that God is in control and focus on who we trust, how we act, and our attitude, we can identify our duties and maximize the prospect of preserving our republic.
In liberty,
Brett
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