Journal: #287 Lessons From EZ Company

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There’s a scene in Band of Brothers, during Easy Company the Battle of Bulge, when the soldiers debate their next step. Some of the men hoped to be taken off the front, while others knew better. As Bill Guarnere put it, “See that town[Foy] over there? It’s full of people called Germans. And guess who they are gonna want to go knocking on the goddamn front door?” It turns out Wild Bill was right. After taking heavy casualties holding the line, Easy Company received the order to storm Foy, just north of Bastogne. The men were weary and cold. They were also the toughest bastards in Europe. Of course, they were asked to take Foy, which they did.

I think about that scene and the very real moment it portrays. The troops in the Easy Company of the 101st Airbourne were battered and broken. The Battle of the Bulge took out half the company. Then, they marched forward. Feels a lot like life. The next day comes, no matter what we do to delay or postpone it. It’s how my life feels today. I’m fighting fear and insecurity. And, there’s no rest. Tomorrow, I will march into the next engagement, whatever it is. Thankfully, I’m not battling well-trained German soldiers. I’m fighting me and all the bullshit between me and my destiny.

I’ll end this short post with this: Just like EZ Company, I am weary and disheartened. But sooner or later, I’ve got to drive the enemy from the next town. And I’m the only one qualified to do it. I’m the toughest bastard in my life, and I know I’ll win.

Thanks be to God.

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