As my eyes scan the huge Yorktown Battlefield, echoes from the field are heard in my spirit. There are strategically placed cannons positioned all around, which are reminders of the sheer tenacity it takes to be involved in battle. A battle where your dedication to the task at hand would be evident for the protection of all that is important in life.
What resonates within me are the conflicts that were fought here, produced freedom! Freedom to be, to play, to walk, to talk, and yes, even to breathe. Freedom to ‘Just Breathe’ is one of the most important treasures worth fighting for. As I continued to gaze upon the battlefield, which is wide, open, and unforgiving, further observation opened my eyes to see the possibly missed strategically placed hills of protection that were specifically designed for cover and rest for the fighters.
They were hidden in the earth, known to warriors, yet undetected by the enemy.
The battlefield has yielded both victory and defeat. Casualties which left people who fought, wounded, scared and wanting to give up.
Life’s battlefield has also revealed to us that in our daily lives, the battle can be fierce and unforgiving. Sometimes we are wounded by circumstances in life, scared by the unknowns, which brings about a fear that we could soon become a casualty ourselves. Therefore, when we are tempted to give up, may the echoes from the battlefield scream out, “Not On My Watch.” May we lift our eyes to the strategically placed hills of protection and breathe, ‘Just Breathe’, releasing all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. Then relax and receive regaining focus and energy as our inner man is being revived and restored causing us to once again become ‘Tenacious’ in the fight.
(Excerpt from Just Breathe Journey of a Friendship)
By: Alice Green and Judy Bernath
