Realizing the role he might have to play in saving Middle Earth in J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ story, the hobbit Frodo shared his true feelings with the wise Gandalf: “’I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’”
After many political defeats, Abraham Lincoln upset three candidates for his party’s nomination whom most considered more qualified and able. The New York Herald wrote on May 19, 1860: “The conduct of the republican party in this nomination is a remarkable indication of small intellect, growing smaller. They pass over… statesmen and able men, and they take up a fourth rate lecturer, who cannot speak good grammar.”
Of course Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States and, like Frodo, found himself in perilous circumstances. He had to decide what to do with the time he had been given. I recently read Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” Three strengths of Lincoln stood out to me.
First, he held to his core beliefs that his country was built on solid foundations. Kearns wrote: “An indomitable sense of purpose had sustained him through the disintegration of the Union and through the darkest moments of the war… His conviction that we are one nation, indivisible, ‘conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,’ led to the rebirth of a nation free of slavery.”
Such a ‘sense of purpose’ led to a second strength essential for anyone facing difficult times. Abraham Lincoln persevered. Many forget the personal tragedies the Lincolns endured which greatly impacted Abraham and Mary. Son Eddie died of tuberculosis when he was three years old in 1850. And while the Civil War was raging, eleven-year-old Willie died of illness in 1862. Though he often despaired, Lincoln did not give up. Though there were many moments it looked as if the nation could not be saved, he persevered.
A third strength highlighted in Kearns’ book was Lincoln’s willingness to listen to the thoughts and advice of others. Instead of distancing himself from his political rivals, Lincoln chose to place several who opposed him in positions of leadership for the good of the nation. The three men he defeated in the primaries became members of his cabinet. William Henry Seward was named Secretary of State; Salmon Chase was Secretary of the Treasury; and Edward Bates became Attorney General. Many questioned Lincoln’s wisdom.
But as it was proven, Lincoln was wise, perceptive, and decisive. He wanted to listen to others’ views. If there was a better way, Lincoln possessed the humility to change. Assistant Secretary of War Charles Dana concluded: “It was always plain that he was master and they were the subordinates. They constantly had to yield to his will, and if he ever yielded to them it was because they convinced him that the course they advised was judicious and appropriate.”
Lincoln also respected the thoughts of the inexperienced. Two young men in their twenties, who happened to be good friends, became Lincoln’s assistants during his presidency. John Nicolay and John Hay helped with correspondence, set schedules, and served their leader any way they could. Amidst numerous critics, these were men he could trust. Lincoln considered them as sons. After Lincoln’s assassination, Nicolay and Hay teamed up to write a ten volume biography entitled: ‘Abraham Lincoln — A History.’ With little doubt, John Hay concluded, “the ‘hand of God’ had put the prairie lawyer in the White House.”
In these times in which we live, a great leader’s example can help us. I want to hold fast to the core beliefs that are true and full of hope: God is love and He is in control; abundant life is in His Son; Jesus will never leave me. I want to learn to persevere; I should never give up. Finally, I must be humble; I can listen and learn from others.
Happy New Year!
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
‘Fellowship of the Ring’ by J. R. R. Tolkien, ©1954, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston
‘Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln’ by Doris Kearns Goodwin, ©2005 by Blithedale Productions, Inc., New York, NY 10020