The Second War

A recent Smithsonian magazine article, Dolley Madison Saves the Day by Thomas Fleming, reminded me of America's second war of 1812.  We skip over it quickly in school ... noting the burning of many buildings in Washington, D.C. (especially the White House) along with Dolley Madison's courage and Andrew Jackson's timely victory over the British in New Orleans.
The War of 1812 continued for six years. I had forgotten that five New England states seriously considered succession over Madison's conduct of the war. Many adamantly called for President Madison to be  impeached.
Most revolutions are followed by counter-revolutions.  Most change initatives are followed by a period of consolidation or a lack of follow-through. Congress refused to appropriate money that would provide for a national defense ... trusting ill-prepared and equipped state militias to defend the nation. We nearly lost the union.
I suppose it is human nature (read "sin") to relax and avoid responsibility. It is easy to label the problems. It is more difficult to craft a plan of action leading to a productive faithful future. People stand back watching and hoping for people to fail.
I give thanks for leaders who step up and take responsibility for the difficult choices that will bring blessings. I pray for national leaders who will set aside personal self-interest and seek policies that will bless our nation.
In scripture we read how God's people wanted to return to Egypt because the wilderness was full of challenges.  We also read how the team sent by Joshua to spy out the Promised Land came back with a report that the challenge was too great!
Trusting the promises of God is seldom easy but faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1.  Or as Paul wrote: ... we boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. - Romans 5: 3-5.