Dec. 12, 2022
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 In fencing, the term “en garde” or “on guard” is used to warn […]...
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:6-7

In fencing, the term “en garde” or “on guard” is used to warn the combatants to prepare for attack. As a Marine Corps officer, when we called “stand to” it meant to be on guard, ready and set to defend an attack.

You can imagine in both a fencing tournament and in preparing to defend against a military attack that it can be stressful. My good training and the preparedness of my equipment as well as the confidence of being with others who were fully committed and dedicated to the unit gave me courage. Moreso, having a higher power to call on, gave me peace even amidst the incoming chaos. With God’s presence in my life, He transformed my anxiety into a laser focus, He steadied my guard, and steeled my resolve.

As we go into our last week of 2nd Term with our Christmas break starting this Friday, we need to focus on the basics, guard what we’ve earned, and prepare to go home on Friday. The world seems as mixed up as it’s ever been and with daily “bad news” from all around the globe it can be stressful for everyone. Sometimes you need to just take a deep breath and reset.

Mondays are a good time to refocus, readjust your schedule, and reset paradigms with a positive mental attitude.

May the peace of God guard your heart and mind.

Fork Union Military Academy is both a great place to be and a wonderful place to be from. Keep what you earned.

God bless you all.

Go FUMA!

In Christ,
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy

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