Ep8 – The Crossing
CHASING AMERICAN LEGENDS
Ep8 Teaser
Episode 8 – The Crossing
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The Crossing
The Crossing of the Delaware is one of the most inspirational stories in America’s history. In this episode, our family takes you on a little trip through some of the most influential moments of history and the shaping of our nation. You’ll come along for the ride with us as we experience Valley Forge, Carpenters Hall, and even the very spot where General George Washington led what little remained of his army across that icy Delaware River and then nine miles (some of them bare foot) through the snow. Many know Washington as the father of the country, but something most people don’t know is how important his faith was. Washington was truly a man of great stature, but it only happened because of his faith in God, time in prayer, and putting his life in God’s hands daily. Throughout this episode, we learn just how often Washington was on his knees before God. This episode is a journey about faith, duty, and responsibility. I hope you get as much out of it as I did! I’d encourage you to actually go visit these sights and see them with your own eyes. There is nothing quite like walking in the footsteps of our Founders.
—Reagan Green
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The Adventure:
Dad starts the family off with a “wager” to get us hunting down historic clues
and we end up tracing the footsteps (and kneeling places) of George Washington
from before the War to the impossible “crossing” on Christmas Day.
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Carpenters’ Hall
Carpenters’ Hall is rich in American history. It was home to the First Continental Congress in 1774, it housed Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company, and even The First and Second Banks of the United States. It has continuously been owned by the oldest trade guild in America, The Carpenters’ Company, and was frequently loaned out to be used by various organizations that needed a space to meet.
Just as Rick pointed out in the episode, the first meeting of the Continental Congress was an indicator of just how religious the Founding Fathers were. Reverend Jacob Duché was invited to minister to the group, which resulted in a three-hour prayer and Bible study.
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Freedoms Foundation & The Bill of Responsibilities
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge was founded upon The American Credo, written by General (and later President) Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower’s Credo was a set of philosophical principles, which he believed were fundamental to the organization and the nation. Within this Credo, President Eisenhower started off by saying some of the most important principles were:
- Political and economic rights which protect the dignity and freedom of the individual
- Constitutional government designed to serve the people
- Fundamental belief in God
It is difficult to believe that God has no place in our government when our greatest heroes like President Eisenhower have credited so much to Him, and placed such importance on a fundamental belief in Him.
The Freedoms Foundation later expanded upon this creed with their Bill of Responsibilities, the Preamble to which reads:
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Freedom and responsibility are mutual and inseparable; we can ensure enjoyment of the one only by exercising the other. “Freedom for all of us depends on responsibility by each of us. To secure and expand our liberties, therefore, we accept these responsibilities as individual members of a free society.”
Once again, the Freedoms Foundation makes clear that in order to effectively act upon these lists of imperative responsibilities, a fundamental belief in God must exist.
Click here to download your own copy of the Bill of Responsibilities!
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The Crossing of the Delaware River
It was a cold and dreary Christmas night in December of 1776, in Trenton, New Jersey, when Washington made the decision to cross the icy Delaware River and catch the Hessian troops off guard. Many said it couldn’t be done and that it was a tactical mistake. The Hessians were settling in for the winter with no expectation of fighting again until spring. They had no idea a surprise attack from Washington was about to happen. Washington had faith in his decision, he had faith that his men would be protected, and he had faith there would be a much-needed victory. Even though Washington’s troops were hungry, under clothed, and malnourished, they were so loyal to their leader that they were willing to follow him across an icy river, walk 9 miles in the snow, and take on mercenaries – literally professional hired guns. The Hessian mercenaries were highly regarded and sought after, with a large amount
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of fighting experience under their belt. They totaled 1,400 troops waiting nine miles on the other side of the river across from Washington.
The crossing of the river itself was a feat that should not have been possible, let alone defeating the Hessian army. When they crossed the river and attacked the Hessians, the Hessians were on high alert, but exhausted from constant patrolling. Washington had been skirmishing and harassing the Hessians in the surrounding countryside, forcing them to keep alert. Because of his foresight and tactics, when Washington attacked the Hessians, they were exhausted and surrendered within a single hour.
The crossing of the Delaware River was a tremendous feat, one that will remain in our minds as tactical brilliance on the part of Washington. His foresight combined with his reliance on Divine Providence was a combination even the professional mercenaries could not withstand.
Take Home Lesson:
There is convincing evidence that when God chooses, he can change the course of history. This does not mean we should neglect our duty to do our best, or shirk from our responsibility. We are God’s hands and feet, here to accomplish
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His purpose. Just like Washington prepared his fight against the Hessians through brilliant tactics, we also must prepare ourselves throughout life in all that we do. Remember the words of President John Quincy Adams, “Duty is ours, results are God’s.”
—Reagan Green
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