Crisis!

Here’s a little something that I’ve wanted to post for a while, but I can’t seem to get the time to even breathe lately. Maybe that’s why this quote means so much to me. All I know is there are a lot of people who are going through some very troubled times lately. And that’s just those of which I am aware, doubtless there are many more. I hope this gives you the encouragement and resolve you need to get through these times and realize that it is all well worth the struggle in the end. Pass it on and encourage someone today. At least we aren’t on a frozen battle field; losing a war like those who heard this the first time it was read. We know what those brave men went on to accomplish. May we somehow tap into that same spirit and determination that they showed in such abundance, but which has become so rare today, and reach new heights worthy of their sacrifice, worthy of the wonderful blessings of God that they initiated.


THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth...


Quitting this class of men, I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood, and are yet determined to stand the matter out: I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but "show your faith by your works," that God may bless you.


Thomas Paine “The Crisis” December 23, 1776