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?
Last week, we set the historical context for the October 26th TJC Battlefield Summit at Kings Mountain, NC. This week, is your personal invitation to join me and TJC to ‘turn the tide’—for you and your family in your battles. Experience your victory firsthand too! Follow Me. I know the Way.
Why Battlefields?
Via TJC
“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 144:1-2 (ESV)
When planning a men’s retreat, you might choose a location that’s outdoors and away from the daily routine—somewhere that disrupts the familiar.
At TJC Summits, we take it a step further by gathering on actual battlefields, which sets us apart. But why choose physical battlefields?
During times of war, especially the Civil War, veterans facing the eve of battle knew that the next day could bring the loss of friends, serious injury, or even death. Dreams could be shattered in a single day. They had witnessed bravery and fear, seen men stand firm and others flee. As they prepared for battle again, they faced the uncertainty of how they would respond this time. Combat forces a stark reality and a sharp focus rarely encountered in civilian life, which is perhaps why war movies captivate us from the safety of our couches.
TJC intentionally uses actual battlefields because they take us out of our comfort zones and place us in an environment that mirrors the spiritual battles we face daily. Experiencing the physical terrain and historical context deepens our understanding of TJC’s 8-Core Lessons. The battlefield setting makes these lessons come alive.
For me, certain battlefield locations are unforgettable. But let me share a quote from a man who attended the Summit with his two sons: “… then threw the rock as far as they could into the Rappahannock River. Gone forever was that lie. My sons and I shared this moment, each of us completely vulnerable with one another. What a life-changing experience! Later, around the campfire, both of my sons joined in the discussions with the other men. The next day, as we traveled home, they shared that this was the first time they felt like men.”
Daily Battle Order: You cannot escape spiritual battles by staying on the couch or behind a screen. When under attack, do you have foxhole buddies, wingmen, or shipmates you can rely on? Are those relationships strong?
At TJC, we go to physical battlefields to leverage their history, terrain, and the stories of past leaders to learn how to achieve victory in the spiritual battles we all face. This experience cannot be replicated by simply reading about it.
Our next summit will be on October 26th at King’s Mountain. Register today!
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