"Do you work here?" I had just walked into the small grocery store. The lady was dazed. She explained that the US had just been attacked. I dropped my eyes and walked out the door and down the street to the hardware store where Andy was, all the while praying in the Spirit. I looked at the grocery flyer and then went back and made my purchases, while continuing to pray. When I again returned to the hardware store, my husband was seeking the history tutor was telling me what he thought I didn't know. I interrupted. "I will not be afraid of evil tidings, my heart is fixed, trusting the Lord." (Ps. 112:7)

Talk of long war made me somewhat concerned. My boys are 14 and 16. Yet, there is a cause worth fighting for--and yes--worth dying for. Along with God's Word, including the history in God's Word, accounts of national and world history inspire man to fight evil.

It is a good time to teach history.

Patriotism is taught through history. What we have seen since September 11th may look like patriotism, but patriotism is not the spark that waves a flag but the fire that inspires a boy or man to march into a just war.

Patriotism is stirred by learning of a country with Godly foundations; a country that has never been out of God's hand during any of its history.

Patriotism is stirred by reading of the Bible to learn righteous and just ways and the reading of the biographies of great men who fought hard battles against evil and won.

We first think of Washington and the Patriots but before that consider Columbus. He had a mission that was from God, and it has colored our lives to this day. Consider also the WW II soldiers, some of whom are still amongst us. Consider the WW II leaders, such as Churchill. What inspiring examples for all of us!

Choose books such as Washington Irving's Life of Washington. Although a very long book (4 volumes) it is better to read a portion of it rather than a complete work that leaves one with an aversion to history. See moving excerpt, right.

Read the novel, Johnny Tremain. A few years back it also generated a strong patriotism and gratitude by it's rendition of Patrick Henry's speech. These books inspire greatness. Anytime you read a person's actual words you will get a real picture of that person as well as a picture of the period of time in which he or she lived. Look for speeches and autobiographies. You will be inspired by heroic acts and lofty thoughts, while building godly patriotism in your children.