From the Minister

Sgt. Richard Kirkland was a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. On December 13, 1862, his unit fought behind the stone wall at Marye’s Heights near Fredericksburg, Virginia, inflicting heavy losses on attacking Union troops. The next morning, over 8,000 Union soldiers lay dead or wounded on the field, many crying out in pain and thirst.

Hearing their suffering, Kirkland went to Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw and asked permission to help the wounded enemy. Kershaw at first refused, fearing he’d be shot, but eventually allowed it. When Kirkland asked if he could carry a white flag, Kershaw said no. Kirkland replied, “All right, sir, I’ll take my chances.”

Kirkland collected all the canteens he could carry, filled them with water, and walked onto the battlefield. For over an hour he gave water, blankets, and comfort to Union soldiers. Both sides soon realized what he was doing and held their fire. Kirkland continued until he had aided every wounded man—Confederate and Federal—within reach, earning the name “The Angel of Marye’s Heights.”

Many brave acts are carried out during wars—acts to hold back enemies, liberate captives, and bring aid to those in need. Although some of these stories are told, many are not. When we gather to “Remember them,” we remember not only those who died, but also those who carried out such acts of bravery.

Few of us have ever—or will ever—face an enemy on the battlefield like that. Yet we still have those around us in need of help: the lonely, the poor, the sick, the dispossessed, and the refugee. We are called by the Gospel of Jesus to also become “angels” by helping whenever we can.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” — Romans 12:20

In these days of fear and hate-inspired rhetoric, let us stand for something different—the love of Jesus.

Rev. Rick