THE SUMMER SOLDIER AND THE SUNSHINE PATRIOT

Unsuccessful in England and a newcomer to America, Thomas Paine penned a fifty-page pamphlet shortly after the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord. His words inspired hope and rallied patriotism like no other author of his day.

Here are some of his more famous, oft quoted lines from Common Sense:
These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Before that time, no one had ever heard of a summer soldier or a sunshine patriot. Exactly who was Paine talking about and why was his battle cry so effective? Let me digress for a minute and, hopefully, we’ll see ourselves through his eyes.

Motivation to exercise during glorious days of spring and summer comes easy. Warmer weather aids our desire to get outdoors, to become more fit. We might even perform acts of service – volunteer at Vacation Bible School (VBS) or feed the homeless in the park. Then come the cooler autumn days. Who can resist when crisp air and flaming leaves beckon hikes or long walks?

Ah, but winter breezes usher frosty weather. Our skin chafes, the temperature plummets, and roads and trails become icy. Comfort food, holiday parties, warm fires, and Hallmark movies turn us into couch potatoes.

We’ve left the sunshine, our summer soldiering, for the familiar, the comfortable. Oh sure, we’ll donate to rescue missions and cheer on the occasional spandex-clad runner or biker as if we’re one of those warriors too. After all, we’ll get back into it when more conducive weather returns. No cold noses, frozen feet, or windswept hair for us.

The author of Hebrews might have met a few summer soldiers and sunshine patriots too. These new Christians excitedly proclaimed their faith. But, like us, with the first hint of a storm on the horizon, they needed a reminder to hold fast. That’s why the author says don’t lose what you’ve worked so hard to gain during summer. Keep up the good work. And while you’re at it, encourage someone else to serve and love more too.

In this season, a virus has threatened our comfort, there’s chaos in our streets, and our Republic seems destined to fail. Yet Jesus’ words offer year-round motivation:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb.10:23-25, NIV)

By Amre Cortadino

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Valerie Cullers
3 years ago

We don’t want to be one of those people, although with the colder weather I need a new mindset in order to get out there! Love the post!

Sherry Shindelar
Sherry Shindelar
3 years ago

Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder to keep up the good work. I also enjoyed the history and
the reminder that we’re not the first generation to face challenging times.

LINDA RAY CENTER
3 years ago

Keep posting your enlightened words, Amre. They’re making a difference.

Don
Don
3 years ago

Your to nice and great thoughts. Mine we need to stand for the R/W/B for all lives matter. While the Donkies get black and blue for sitting down. Now the Elephant never forgets and most Boomers. Just maybe we are hunted and becoming extinct. A lot of sheep will be lead to slaughter after we’re gone . Because a Chicken doesn’t see the sky is Falling Today.

Roberta Kautz
3 years ago

Great blog! Consider me encouraged!

Patricia M Gonzales
3 years ago

Wonderful words of wisdom, Amre! Thank you for sharing.

Pam Young
Pam Young
3 years ago

Good morning Erma⚘
Thank you for sharing Erma. God is my refuge and strength at such a time as this. He has His plan and His Will will be done.
Take care my sweet Friend ?❤

Kathy McKinsey
3 years ago

God bless you. Thank you.

Mary Pat Johns
3 years ago

Thanks, Erma. I needed the reminder to hold fast in several areas of my life.

Judy Chatfield
Judy Chatfield
3 years ago

Excellent! You amaze me in how you tie all of this together and make it relevant for today.

Dave
Dave
3 years ago

“spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – a precious point

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