Most everyone vaguely familiar with American history is aware that tomorrow commemorates D-Day, World War II’s invasion of Europe by Allied troops leading to the eventual victory over the Nazis. Military historians know of the lengthy, detailed preparations and research that went into the success of the operation. What is not nearly so well noted is that on the night before, June 5th of 1944, then-General Eisenhower penned a few lines that were not made known for a long time. But the composed words, even their alterations, are ever so revealing of his noble character:
“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.â€
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Obviously written in the event the military foundered, the Allied Commander of the European Theater of Operations put it in his pocket, in all likelihood never expecting it would ever see the light of day. Photos of the note are available on the internet, and I would encourage all to view it for the handwriting, the alterations, even the underlining which express more than the words can. Eisenhower did not blame the weather forecasters or even the weather, nor the pressure he surely felt from politicians. Even though those factors entered into the equation for the decision making, instead of “the troops have withdrawn,†he stated, “I have withdrawn the troops.†From the beginning he displayed the character of a true leader by foregoing excuses such as, “mistakes were made,†and shouldered any blame or fault with, “My decision to attack†along with the judgment, “is mine alone.†The latter responsibility he emphasized as underscored words.
Ours is an era of leadership in every field from medicine to insurance to politics to religion to education to social activism that loves to stand before the television cameras and voice their excuses by passing any blame of mistakes on the news media, false information, unidentified adversaries or their allies — anyone else other than themselves. Ole Ike reminds us that there are people of leadership quality who maintain their sense of honor. There are people who do not avoid duty or accountability, nor do they attribute failures to subordinates. Instead, they learn from experiences so as to succeed in future obligations.
The most important lesson of life they have taken to heart (and we also need to) is: Life has no guarantee of success!
There are a number of Biblical characters whom the scriptures describe as being committed to the Lord and prospering “in everything they did†(e.g. Hezekiah, Uzziah, Daniel), but the best known is Joseph, who was sold into Egyptian slavery and falsely accused of other crimes. He certainly had no assurance of an improvement for his life situation. The only course of action Joseph knew was to fully commit himself to a godly life. For him, this meant a life of honesty and integrity. (The prosperity theologians never understand this is the Bible’s definition of prosperity; they can only equate that term with their materialism.)
All these Biblical leaders succeeded in their respective callings and were successful (not necessarily financially) because of their honesty and integrity. They possessed such character traits due to their commitment to the Lord.
The bottom line is that integrity has a spiritual foundation based upon a commitment not unlike that of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane praying, “Not my will, but Thine be done.â€
Johnny Phillips
The Rev. Johnny A. Phillips is a retired minister who lives in Burke County. Email him at phillips_sue@bellsouth.net.
