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The Legacy of Two Georges
On July 4, 1776, two pivotal Georges stood on opposite ends of the leadership spectrum. George Washington, soon-to-be leader of the emerging United States, championed unity, while across the ocean, King George III of Britain overlooked monumental shifts in the world around him.
Washington, even before his 1789 election, commanded the Continental Army. Meanwhile, King George III began his rule in 1760 and remained Britain's monarch until 1820. In 1774, Virginia voters elected Washington to be their representative to Congress. Washington and other fervent and brilliant leaders from the 13 colonies faced the formidable task of constructing a nation. While revolutions often glorify lone rangers and renegades, real strength lies in collaboration.
Congressional members clashed but also collaborated. Each understood the dire consequences of disunity. Washington’s ability to unify in the face of adversity stood out as a character quality. Rather than asserting his voice in drafting new policies, he allowed others to draft language policies defining a new nation. After countless debates, the leaders inked their commitment to the Declaration of Independence, officially parting from Britain.
Yet, on that same pivotal day, July 4, 1776, King George III penned in his journal: “Nothing happened.” His obliviousness starkly contrasted with the fiery passion of Washington and other colonial leaders. The monarch overlooked the birth of a nation while allowing his own to splinter.
Interestingly, we say, “The United States is” a mighty nation. Grammatically, the verb should be the plural “are,” but the singular verb embodies unity. The United States stands as one, not a ragtag collection of states. It is this unity we must cherish and defend, especially today as a denomination.
Learn from the two Georges: embrace the spirit of collaboration, even amidst disagreements. Understand the power of being part of something bigger rather than standing distant, missing the tide of what could be significant, collective change. One George led while the other withdrew.
Choose to be part of greatness, not aloof from it.
