“Act of Valor” is one of my favorite movies. In the closing monologue, Chief Dave is writing a letter to Lt. Engle’s infant son shortly after the LT’s death. In it, he quotes a classic poem “Meditation” by Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation.  This is a very powerful poem.  When I read it, it reminds me of two of my favorite verses from the Bible.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

Meditation

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life. Perfect your life. Beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

~ Chief Tecumseh (1768–1813), Shawnee Nation

It's ironic that a 19th Century Native American chief understood the importance of respecting others' views about religion, yet some of today's most vocal and outspoken atheist and those on the far left seem to think it's ok to ridicule Christians.  Respect doesn't mean agreement, but we can have disagreement with out disrespect.