• Jul. 19, 2009
You ARE the 1st Brigade!
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Last night we started Gods and Generals after the boys went to bed. I have seen it two or three times before, but it's always like watching it for the very first time because there is so much to take in. So far we watched the first side of the DVD and I was struck by the character of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. I think he is probably one of my favorite generals in the Civil War.
I just love how he was so strong in his faith. Before the battle of Bull Run (Manassas to you Southerners ;-) ) he prayed, asking the Lord to protect his wife, and for the Lord's will to be done if they should fight that day. After the battle, one of his officers asked him how he could be "so serene with all the shells and bullets whizzing 'round your head?" He answered that his religion taught him that he was "as safe in battle as in bed", and since God already had planned his time to die, he didn't concern himself with it.
When he found out his wife had her baby, he lifted his eyes heavenward and repeatedly said "Thank you, Lord", praising God for finally giving him a child.
Outdoors on a cold winters night he prayed with his cook, Jim Lewis. Lewis was an African-American he had hired, and they prayed for the protection of their families, and for answers as to why slavery was happening.
He told Lewis that, one way or the other, slavery would come to an end. He didn't agree with it either.
And he honestly cared about his men. He didn't view them as just soldiers, but as real people. Later in the movie he cries as he thinks about all the men that had been killed, all the lives, solider and civilian, that have been lost. After Bull Run, as he stood in the middle of the battle field he said he would never forget them.
One of my favorite lines in the movie is when he is taking leave of the 1st Virginian Brigade. He reminds them of the name they have won for themselves, and that in the future he hopes to hear of even more victories won by them. " You are the 1st Brigade in the heart of your general." And before he rides off, he raises his saber and standing in his stirrups shouts "You ARE the 1st Brigade. You ARE the 1st Brigade!"
Lt. Col. Joshua Chamberlain is also an interesting character. A philosophy professor he signed up- not because he wanted to, but because he knew he needed to. I am pretty sure he was, like Stonewall, a Christian. He thought he would be assigned the duties as an officer, but didn't expect to be one on the front. He was with one of the volunteer groups from Maine, and it's neat to watch when they drill, learning to change from column of four to line of battle and back again.
In one part he quotes some poem about Caesar seizing Rome, ending in "Hail, Caesar. We who are about to die salute you." A little different...but that's what makes it interesting.
Dad got a book from a library about him, he ran into some friends of ours at the library and one of them recommended it. She was tired of always hearing about the more "popular" Christians like Lee and Jackson, so read the book about Chamberlain. Dad said it was good, I guess I'll have to read it sometime...after I finish the other zillion books I'm reading/should be reading :-D.
I can't wait to finish the rest of the movie tonight!
Note: it is a wonderful movie, and I love it, but there is some language. We have TV Guardian, which blocks out pretty much all of it. So, if you are interested in it, your parents will probably want to preview it, depending on how strict they are about such things.
4Him,
~Hannah
Notes Already Written
• Jul. 21, 2009
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anna93
Ah, I'd love to see that movie. Vision Forum sold it and it sounds marvelous! I adore history! :)
Blessings ~*~
• Jul. 24, 2009
Hmmm...
Posted by MaidenPrincess
I do like Gods and Generals but I must say I really have a weak stomach so I only watch it every once in a great while. The bloody parts get to me. But I do say that it is a good movie overall. :D
In Him,
Maiden Princess
