Monthly Archives: September 2025

The Crucible of Life…

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When people think of a crucible, they think of the military in war. They are fighting to take or keep a hill. In the military, there are many crucibles. My parents generation would say that the military will make a man out of you. The crucible of leaving home and becoming part of a military unit is definitely a crucible. When I left home to join the military I was afraid of the unknown. That was my first crucible, working through my fear and developing talents that I always had. I have never liked change. And that is a crucible for me.

A crucible is a trial by fire. It is where a person is tested to the limit of their endurance. Sometimes they are tested beyond their limit. It is to find out what the person is made of. Even if the person fails, it still shows what is in your heart. It is a trial that you don’t want to go through. For the most part it is always necessary for the person’s future life. Fortunately or unfortunately, we go through many crucibles. It is a simple as leaving home or starting a family or joining the military. Sometimes it is as hard as watching a relative die of cancer or your parents dying. Your life will never be the same again. For better or worse, it will change the way you look at life. When Cain went through his crucible with Abel, he told God after he had killed his brother Abel, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer to the question is yes. Are we linked together in some invisible way? Again the answer is yes. God says we are watchmen on the wall and if we don’t sound the alarm to protect our brother and sisters. We are guilty of their blood just like Cain was guilty of Abel’s blood. So what is your crucible? Are you able to make it to the other side?

Crain Blanchard.

www.joseph1637.com

joseph1637@juno.com

How a Covenanat works for Mankind…

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Throughout the history of man there have been covenants. Covenants have been made between individuals as well as nations. They are made for many reasons. Some are mutual protection or commerce or just to keep the peace. They can be as simple as a wall or as complicated as a garrison of troops. Because of the hostility of man and the uncertainty of life, covenants like NATO were established. Usually there is a stronger member of the covenant. This will guarantee the protection and commerce needed to survive. And if you break the covenant there are consequences. Sometimes it is catastrophic for the small member. When a covenants was made in ancient times, there was always the shedding of blood to seal the deal. Animals were sacrificed as part of the agreement, signifying what will happen to the person who breaks the covenant. Also to make the bond stronger between the 2 parties. Most people don’t understand what happens when they break a covenant. Divorce is the breaking of a covenant. And the consequences to the 2 parties are real and lasting. God made a covenant with man and sealed the deal with the blood of Jesus Christ. Anyone can enter into the covenant. God has opened it up to everyone. Again those that break the covenant with God the consequence is death. But God has made a way back into His good graces by asking for forgiveness. Man is the only one that God gives a second chance too. As it says in the bible in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV). Because of this we have a chance to not only survive but prosper in the covenant of God.

Crain Blanchard.

www.joseph1637.com     

joseph1637@juno.com

Where the Rubber meets the Road #2.

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This happened almost 9 years ago and it still bothers me. In 2016, there was a perfect storm that landed over Louisiana. People say that it wasn’t a hurricane. But if you looked at the satellite image, it was. The storm formed over Louisiana and stayed for 30 days. It dropped 62 inches of rain and the water had no place to go. The storm kept the water from draining out into the Gulf of Mexico. All of Louisiana, from New Orleans to Lake Charles flooded and as far north as Alexandria. To say the least it was a disaster. Over 200,000 homes were flooded. It displaced about half the state residents. Of which my family and I were among them.

The day we began in earnest cleaning out my flooded house, I was not looking forward to this. It is was a real pain. I’m thankful that only about 6 inches of water got into the house, but still it destroyed a lot of things. I had treasures from my great grandmother, grandmother and mother. Again putting it into prospective they are only things. But those things I wanted to hand down to my children. My children responded with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency. And several nieces and nephews and my brother will be there with us. As so often is the case, you don’t know what people will do until adversity comes. I always wanted God to explain to me why it takes adversity to get people off of dead center. But I am grateful that they responded. It was stressful enough just having a flooded house. So many people in southwest Louisiana were forced out of their homes by the water. If you don’t understand we had rains of biblical proportions. As heart-breaking as it was, I am thankful to God that very few people died. And that God is still in control of this world no matter what we think. I will still give Him honor and glory for who He is. Ecclesiastes 3:1,10 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ….I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.” (KJV).

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

The Red Badge of Courage…

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The book, The Red Badge of Courage, was written by Stephen Crane in 1895. It is historical fiction about a soldier in the Civil War. The book shows the recruitment, training and combat of a US soldier. The soldier goes through bravado, fear, the loss of innocence and courage of this individual. He earns a red ribbon pinned to his chest as acknowledgment of his courage. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln only authorized one medal to be given to any US soldier for valor beyond the call of duty. That medal was the Congressional Medal of Honor. A total of 1523 medals were awarded for actions during the Civil War.

One interesting story from the Civil War was about 1st Lieutenant Arthur MacArthur, Jr. He served in the 24th Wisconsin regiment. The 24th Wisconsin was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Major General George Thomas. After the battle of Chickamauga, they were in Chattanooga. General Grant ordered General Thomas to fight an uphill battle on Missionary ridge in Chattanooga. This was to be a diversion, while 2 other armies flanked Missionary Ridge and routed the Confederates led by General Braxton Bragg. As the Army of the Cumberland moved up the hill, the Confederate fire became withering. 56,000 US troops did not stop where they were suppose to. They began a systematic charge up the Missionary Ridge. About half way up the ridge, the charge became to falter. The 24th Wisconsin’s color Sargent was killed. Then 1st Lt. Arthur MacArthur picked up the colors and rallied the troops running up to the top of Missionary Ridge. The Confederates were so surprised, they began running away. For his actions that day, 1st Lt. Arthur MacArthur received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Almost 80 years later, his son, General Douglas MacArthur received his Congressional Medal of Honor.

Courage is not the lack of fear. It is doing what is right despite the fear. Anyone who has served in combat knows what fear is like. But fear is not just on the battlefield. Fear can come from anywhere. I have seen people afraid of their own shadow. It can be debilitating. It is doubt and unbelief in yourself. This is where courage comes in. If you can believe that you can make the difference, then you should. Whether it is in the classroom, business office, courtroom or battlefield. Take the step, exhibit courage. What do you have to lose? If you don’t, you have failed anyway. So, earn the Red Badge of Courage by standing up and being counted.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com