Have you ever intentionally given an extra special gift that you knew would last for years to come?
Have you had the joy of using your best talents and energy to create or preserve a lasting legacy?
Arnold Friberg has. His masterful painting, “The Prayer at Valley Forge” was created as a tribute to George Washington, and as a gift for us to better understand the incredible suffering the early patriots were willing to endure as they were famished and exhausted in the bitter cold of winter.
In the movie below, Friberg explains how the light had almost gone out for the American army. Everyone had failed them. There was no where to turn. Only by their steadfast reliance on God, that “all wise and powerful being on whom alone our success depends,” were they able to overcome the insurmountable challenges they faced.
Arnold Friberg tells the moving story of the winter at Valley Forge, and his own personal journey as he paid the price to create this wonderful masterpiece. What a treat to hear him describe the symbolism and significance of key details of the painting.
This is a great movie to watch with your kids. You might talk about:
- What gifts, talents, and opportunities has God given us?
- How can we use our gifts and opportunities to make a difference for America?
- What new talents could we develop for the benefit of America?
- The early patriots pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for the cause of liberty. What sacrifices can we make to further the cause of liberty?
Often we hear the stories of the Revolutionary War in July when we are celebrating Independence Day. Valley Forge doesn’t sound too bad when you’re in the middle of a heat wave. But the early patriots passed through the coldest of winters without adequate food, shelter, clothing, or shoes.
You might want to spend a little time outdoors (maybe around a campfire) as you talk about what it must have been like at Valley Forge. Be sure to express your feelings about the great gift of liberty and our responsibility to preserve it and pass it on. Take some pictures, then come in for some nice hot chocolate or warm spiced cider as a fun finish to a memorable evening!
"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commanding the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those Who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping." ~George Washington
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