The American Soul

Light In A Dark Season

• Jesse • Season 5 • Episode 182

Share episode

A single barroom question—will the terror ever stop—can change how you see duty, faith, and the meaning of peace. We open with prayer and a grateful nod to everyone holding families, churches, and towns together, then step into a hard conversation about violence, vigilance, and what actually protects ordinary people. The tension is real, so we turn to Scripture for a truer compass: Proverbs on faithful marriage, Matthew 4 on repentance and calling, and Psalm 4 on quieting anger and trusting God for peace that outlasts harvests and headlines.

History gives the ideas flesh. We read the Medal of Honor citation for Staff Sergeant William J. Bordelon at Tarawa, where courage looked like wet sand, pillboxes, and a choice to go again under fire. That story reframes our comfort and reminds us that security has names and graves. We pair it with FDR’s 1936 Christmas messages, weaving Dickens’ transformation with the Sermon on the Mount. The claim lands with weight: policies matter, but a nation cannot claim to seek peace while ignoring Christ’s commands. Repentance, mercy, and fidelity are not soft words; they are the spine that holds a people upright when fear and rage press in.

Across the hour, we ask you to test convictions against Scripture, to thank those who serve, and to build homes that hold firm in rough weather. We offer a family-friendly book recommendation for readers who love Narnia and Percy Jackson, and we invite you to support the show if it’s been useful to you. Most of all, we point to the light that still breaks into dark places. Share the gospel. Care for the cold, hungry, and afraid. Pray the Lord’s Prayer like it is daily bread, and live as if peace on earth begins at your table.

If this conversation challenged you or gave you hope, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a rating or review so more people can find it. Then tell us: where are you choosing to bring light this week?

Support the show

The American Soul Podcast

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Countryside Book Series

https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2

SPEAKER_01:

Hey folks, this is Jesse Cope, back with another episode of the American Soul Podcast. Hope y'all are doing well wherever y'all are in whatever part of the day you're in. Sure do appreciate you joining me. Giving me a little bit of your time and attention, a little piece of your day. I will try and use it wisely. Hopefully y'all are getting to listen with someone else alongside. For those of y'all who continue to support, share the podcast with others. Thank you very much for those of y'all who continue to pray for me and for the podcast. Thank you. Very, very grateful for your prayers. Father, thank you for today. Thank you for you, Father, and your son, Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your love and your mercy, your grace, and your forgiveness of sins through the merit of your son, Jesus Christ.

SPEAKER_00:

Thank you for the blessings that we admit and the ones we don't for whatever reason. Help us to be more grateful. Help us to do your will in all things, Father. To love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. To love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to truly follow the commands of your Son Jesus Christ. To truly love Him. Be with those who are alone and scared, cold, naked, thirsty, hungry. Help us to care for them. Help us to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven us. Guide our steps. Around us with your angels.

SPEAKER_01:

Be with those listening, Father. Thank you for them. Be with their families, bless their marriages, bless their children. Be with our leaders, both in the pulpit and in the state. Give them wisdom and courage and a strong faith.

SPEAKER_00:

Be with their wives and their children. Be with our military and our law enforcement, firefighters, EMS. Comfort them, bring them home safe. Thank you for them. Be with our farmers and our ranchers. Guide them through the winter. Give them peace and success. And our fishers as well. Our miners, our loggers. So I watched a movie recently. I won't make any comment on the overall quality of the movie one way or the other, but there was a scene that was really poignant for me. Struck home. And it was the main character who was, I think, a British version of something along the lines of Secret Service or FBI or whatever their acronyms, your acronyms over there across the pond are for those of y'all who are in the UK listening. And he was sitting at a bar with a fellow officer. And they were kind of making small talk.

SPEAKER_01:

The other officer was talking about the fact that he had bought a present for his daughter, and there wasn't, they kind of stopped, were silent for a minute, just sitting at the bar. And the main character was reading a newspaper, and it had a big picture splashed across the front of it of a girl that had recently been killed in a terrorist bombing. And his partner looked at him, much younger.

SPEAKER_00:

His partner looked at him and said, They're never going to stop, are they? And he asked a question, something along the lines of, you know, it's not just simple hate, is it?

SPEAKER_01:

There's got to be something more. And the main character, the older one, looked back at him. And I wish I had the script right in front of me, folks. I'm paraphrasing, but the older one looked back at him and said, What difference does that make? He said, You know, did you ever serve your country? And the younger partner said, No, no, I didn't. And the older one said, Well, I did. I've been over there. I've been around these people. No, they're never going to stop. I went over there to try and prevent them from bringing these bombings and terrorist attacks back over here. But it didn't stop. It's never going to stop. There's always going to be these followers of Islam that are out there trying to blow us up, to kill us. And I'm always going to be there too. I'm going to fight as long as I have breath to make sure that our people, our country are safe. I told my father a few things when I got back from overseas, and one of them that became immediately apparent to me is the lack of knowledge of most Americans, the lack of understanding, true understanding that the followers of Islam were never going to stop unless they were forced to. And the idea of fringe or far or extreme was deceitful or ignorant at best, because all followers of Islam contribute to the end goal in some form or fashion, even if all it is is just by omission, even if they just simply don't condemn the attacks. But more often than not, there's some active financial or some kind of encouragement. And bringing followers of Islam into our nation, whether you're talking about the UK or America or really any of Western civilization that's based on Christianity, it's never going to work, folks.

SPEAKER_00:

There's never going to be this magic kumbaya moment of peaceful coexistence. It will never happen. They will never stop trying to destroy your Christian nation, whether you're talking about America or the UK or any other European country, France. You need to get your head wrapped around that, folks.

SPEAKER_01:

And it's really the same with people who follow the left, that bucket of isms, communism, socialism, Nazism, fascism. Marriage verse for today comes out of Proverbs 5, verse 19: A loving doe, a graceful deer. May you ever be intoxicated with her love. Again and again, folks, make sure when you're looking for marriage advice, if you're already married or you're thinking about getting marriage, that you go to God first, and that anybody that you add on to that, make sure you're always checking their advice against Scripture. Bible verses for today, Matthew four, verses twelve through twenty-five. When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, and then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God had said through the prophet Isaiah. In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. From then on Jesus began to preach, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near. One day Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers, Simon, also called Peter and Andrew, throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people. And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets, and he called them to come too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the good news about the kingdom, and he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing him to him all who were sick, and whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed, he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went, people from Galilee, the ten towns, Jerusalem, and all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.

SPEAKER_00:

Psalm four verses one through eight.

SPEAKER_01:

Answer me when I call to you, O God, who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles, have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? You can be sure of this, the Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit and trust the Lord. Many people say who will show us better times. Let your fight your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Proverbs one verses twenty through twenty three. Wisdom shouts in the streets, she cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street to those gathered in front of the city gate? How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simple minded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel.

SPEAKER_00:

I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.

SPEAKER_01:

So the Medal of Honor for today, William James Borderland, Staff Sergeant, World War II, tactically attached to the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps, November 20th, 1943, Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as a member of an assault engineer platoon of the 1st Battalion, 18th Marines, tactically attached to the 2nd Marine Division. In action against the Japanese held battle of Tarawa and the Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943, landing in the assault waves under withering enemy fire, which killed all but four of the men in his tractor. Staff Sergeant Mortalong hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two pillboxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine gun fire just as a charge exploded in his hand while assaulting a third position. He courageously remained in action and although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire coverage for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men wounded and calling for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese machine gun position, but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Borderland's great personal valor during a critical phase of securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation of the island, and his heroic determination throughout three days of violent battle reflects the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Born December 25th, 1920, San Antonio, Bear County, Texas. Died November 20th, 1943, Tarowa, Gilbert Islands. Buried Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, A1 Tac 538, reinterred in 1995 from National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, ATAC 481, Honolulu, Hawaii, San Antonio, Texas, United States. Location of Metal National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, Texas.

SPEAKER_00:

William James, Borderland. Christmas message.

SPEAKER_01:

Got two today from FDR in 1936. This is the first the Christmas greeting to the nation. I have been reading the Christmas Carol to my family in accordance with our old tradition. On this eve of Christmas, I want to quote to you the pledge of old Scrooge when, after many victitudes, he had come to understand in his heart the great lesson and the great opportunity of Christmas tide. I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. At the end of the story is this glorious passage. Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more, and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh and little heeded them, for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset. His own heart laughed, and that was good enough for him. The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is as adequate to the needs of men and of nations today as when it was first proclaimed among the hills above the Sea of Galilee. In such measure as its spirit is accepted, men and nations may lay claim to be seekers after peace on earth. We of the Western Hemisphere have this year rendered special tribute to the Spirit of Christmas, for we have pledged anew our faith in the arbitrament of reason and the practice of friendship. To that faith we bear witness tonight. May that faith make us happy today and tomorrow and through all the coming year. The second was a short message to the disabled veterans, also December 24th, 1936. I send you cordial Christmas greetings and my best wishes for your happiness in the new year, and I do pray for your restoration to health. Your country has not forgotten you and will not forget. The nation's pride and your valor and devotion and its gratitude for the service you have rendered are manifest in its continued concern for your welfare and in its warm sympathy and regard for you.

SPEAKER_00:

Don't forget William James Borderland, Staff Sergeant in World War II on Tarla and his sacrifice.

SPEAKER_01:

And kind of combine that with the message from FDR to the disabled veterans. Anytime you have the opportunity around you for law enforcement firefighters, veterans who have served, wounded or otherwise, take a moment to tell them thank you. Offer whatever aid you can to those who need it. And remember just to be grateful for those who are willing to go out and sacrifice and the families who are willing to give them, folks, the wives and mothers and fathers, sons, daughters, brothers.

SPEAKER_00:

Remember to check with God when you're looking for marriage advice. Pretty much each day we go over that, right?

SPEAKER_01:

And uh go back to Matthew 4 and look at verse 15 and 60, talking about a light and the darkness, folks. If we really want to spread a little light in these dark days that are here or coming, the very best way that we can do that is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. In America, in your nation, wherever you are around the world, folks, it's the same. That's the best thing that we can do. You go back and you look at FDR's comment there and the Christmas greeting to the nation toward the end of it. The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is as adequate to the needs of men and of nations today as when it was first proclaimed among the hills above the Sea of Galilee. In such measure as its spirit is accepted, men and nations may lay claim to be seekers after peace on earth. If we really are seeking peace, any individual, any nation, they're going to follow those principles of Christ. That's the only way we can truly claim to be seekers after peace on earth is to follow those commands, not only as individuals, but as a nation, folks. If you are looking for a family-friendly middle grade read, if you would check out the Countryside series, it's along the lines of Narnia, Percy Jackson, Hobbit, Harry Potter, not claiming it's the same quality as any of those folks, but if you like that kind of reading, it'll at least give you something fun, I think, to read for a little bit. And if you enjoy them, if you would leave a review for the first or the second book, those help immensely. And if you feel like you're getting something out of the podcast, if you have three or four or five dollars a month to donate, I would be very grateful for that. You can there's a web page, website on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcast where you can set up that monthly donation.

SPEAKER_00:

I would be very grateful, as I said, for that too.

SPEAKER_01:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not to temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. God bless y'all. God bless your marriages, God bless your families, God bless your nation, wherever you are around the world listening. God bless America. We'll talk to y'all again real soon, folks. Looking forward to it.