The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Journal 2006 09 17
The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

“…at 11 A. M. we met a Captain McClellin  late a Capt. of Artily of the U States Army assending in a large boat.    this gentleman an acquaintance of my friend Capt. Lewis was Somewhat astonished to See us return and appeared rejoiced to meet us.    we found him a man of information and from whome we received a partial account of the political State of our Country, we were makeing enquires and exchangeing answers &c. untill near mid night.    this Gentleman informed us that we had been long Since given out by the people of the U S Generaly and almost forgotton, the President of the U. States had yet hopes of us;…” William Clark.

It must have been a little amusing, yet disconcerting, that in a time when news crawled across the land in days and weeks rather than the speed of light that we have come to see as the standard that people had given up hope for the Corps of Discovery. We always think tasks will be easier than they turn out to be, don’t we?

Evidently only President Jefferson still held out hope for the success of this mission and the safe return of his expeditioners. And in his steadfast hope he exhibits a quality of great leaders; the ability to trust in the quality of leaders he has chosen to complete a tough task. Jefferson knew the task was worthy. He knew its time was ripe. And he knew he had chosen the right leader. He found Meriwether Lewis to be a man of “courage undaunted.” Stephen Ambrose used this very description of Lewis as the title to his book about this mission. I recommend “Undaunted Courage” to all as the best single book about the Corps of Discovery.

Too bad Lewis has stopped writing. I would love to know his response to hearing that no matter what others in the nation thought, President Jefferson held onto hope in his ability to successfully bring this mission home. Don’t you want someone in your corner who always stands on their faith in your strengths and abilities rather than casting doubt because of your weaknesses and shortcomings?

“Of course not! God is true, even if everyone else is a liar. As it is written, "You are right when you speak, and win your case when you go into court.” (Romans 3:4 ISV)

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence…” (Jude 1:24 GNB)

Trust the naysayers and doubters or put your faith in those who have the authority to authorize, equip and protect your life? “And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”  (Joshua 24:15 KJV)

The Corps of Discovery is still alive and quite well as the nation is about to discover. And Mark Twain’s words while yet many years past the death of these men held the perfect response to the doubters, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

Proceed on.