The other day I read the account of a young man, Richard Rowland Kirkland, who, in the middle of a terrible battle, caused two mighty armies to pause in their destructive conflict and marvel. On December 13, 1862 Union forces attacked entrenched Confederates at Fredricksburg, VA. In a series of ill-conceived advances, the Union soldiers were badly mauled and many dead and wounded lay on the field between the lines. All night long the moans and cries of the wounded could be heard by both side. Sometime during the next day, Sgt. Kirkland could stand it no longer. He asked permission to take water to the wounded soldiers laying on the battlefield. Permission was granted but his request for a white flag of truce was denied. He chose to go anyway and for two hours he made multiple trips into no-man's land carrying water and blankets to the wounded soldiers. After a couple of early potshots, the guns of the Union lines remained silent as they realized what the young man was doing. Soldiers on both sides watched as he transcended the horrors of war and rendered his duty not unto Caesar, but unto his God.
Although in no way can I compare my situation to Kirkland's, I hope that I can be reminded to listen to the inner voice and serve others when all about is cloudy and confused, and perhaps be reminded of what really is important.
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