In 1776, the 13 colonies set out on a journey of self-determination, fighting for five years to overcome tyranny and explore the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, even then, the American experiment struggled—and continues to struggle—with contradictions around: whose life, whose liberty, and whose pursuit of happiness are worthy of these unalienable rights?
Over the next two weeks, we will set the historical context for the October 26th TJC Battlefield Summit at Kings Mountain, NC. This week, we focus on key factors and individuals that made this battle pivotal to the Patriot cause, as Thomas Jefferson noted when he said it “turned the tide of the war.”
The Tide Turns
Via TJC
“The battle of Kings Mountain turned the tide of the war.” Thomas Jefferson
It had been a rough few years for football at my alma mater. When the latest coach in a string of hires landed at the airport near campus, no one really knew what to expect. The disappointments of a once-great program left us feeling cynical. But over the next few years, we came to realize that on that day, the tide had turned. (And if you haven’t figured it out yet, I could have said, “The Tide” has turned.)
A few years earlier, the tide had turned for me in a different way. My college years and the decade that followed were a mix of ups and downs, much like everyone experiences. Marriage, a couple of kids, and a decent job made things look fine on the surface, but in the background, there was turmoil. The legacy of a good and faithful family, and the less-than-holy lifestyle I had adopted, were at war inside me. As the pressure mounted, it became clear that without action, I was headed for a major defeat as a husband, father, and man.
Without realizing the impact it would have, I went “over the mountain” and onto a kind of spiritual battlefield. Because God is funny, the actual location of this battle was on the campus of the University of Tennessee (oh the irony). I opened myself up to letting the tide of my life change alongside a large group of men. I let them challenge me to take action and transform my life. Much like Kings Mountain during the Revolutionary War, it marked the beginning of victory in my war. That war continues to have battles for me today. What is great is that just like we can look back at the Revolutionary War and know that victory was achieved, I know that the war I’m in has already been won.
We know the way to victory - follow us!!
“The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!”“ ~Psalm 118:15-16 MSG
Daily Battle Order:
Discuss with your family where or when you have seen a turning of the tide in your life. If you don’t feel like you have experienced that, or you are ready for a fresh turning, discuss where you think you need it. If you are close enough to North Carolina come and join us at Kings Mountain - it just may be the battlefield that mark God's next turn for you and your families lives.
Follow me, I know the way to King’s Mountain! Join TJC and me as we step into a pivotal battle where local men united to ‘turn the tide’—for themselves, their families, and the nation. Experience your victory firsthand too! Register here:
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