Chaplain Corner Submissions - Ben Caudill Chaplain's Corner

WHY LEE?

Have you ever heard the voice of a higher calling? I recall the first time I heard the voice. I was reluctant to listen.

I became interested in history as a young boy but my service brought the sacrifice of all those men and women to the forefront. I began reading and attending different events such as dedications, memorial services and then reenactments. I was hooked. Soon I began reenacting and doing living history presentations.

I recall the first time I was called General Lee. I was at a memorial service for a fallen comrade (Vietnam Veteran). As the captain gave the command to fire, an elderly lady in a wheel chair started saying, “When is General Lee going to say something?” Her son tried to quiet her but her words resounded throughout the valley.

“Son, I am ninety-two years old and will speak when I want to!”

“When is General Lee going to speak?” She restated.

After the final volley the captain went over to speak to her and to inform her that General Lee was not present.

“Sure he is” and too my horror she pointed at me. After the dedication, I went over to her with my apology. I told her I was not General Lee.

She looked me straight in the eye and said, “You should be ashamed of yourself. You look like him and you should start acting like him”.

A similar situation in which I was called Lee happened to me on two more occasions within four months. I was still resistant. Then came a call to offer a presentation. I was unsure of the topic but assumed it was about my educational program. Upon my arrival, I noted the program was already in progress. The Master of Ceremonies noted my arrival and introduced me. As I walked up to the podium I noted a coat and hat being pulled out of a rack.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, without further adieu, I give you General Robert E. Lee,” and with that handed me the frock coat and hat. I was stunned. I put on the coat and I recall how nervous I was. For a few seconds couldn’t speak. Then I impulsively knelt to the cross and asked for words.

To this day I do not recall what I said but when I finished, the convention center was silent as a church mouse. I slowly began walking off and one by one people began standing and clapping. Some saluted and others wiped the tears from their eyes. God had given me a great victory over my worst enemy; my poor self doubt.

After prayer I decided if I was chosen, I had to begin reading. Soon I distanced myself from the warrior and embraced the sterling Christian character of Lee. I felt chosen to do what I could to bring the character to life.

I met with and other ‘Lees’ and then found my persona as Robert E. Lee, the Christian. I spent six years of research; all the time growing in my character. I continue to this day in my research. One of the greatest sources I use is the one that Lee carried. That is the Bible. He was known to read it daily and practice those sacred principles.

During my tenure as a Lee persona, I have been from Annapolis, Maryland, to Charleston, South Carolina speaking. I have spoken at a dedication for 19,000 U.S. Colored Troops buried in Nashville, Tennessee. I have spoken at Francis Scott Key Gravesite (and the 1,000 Confederate soldiers buried in that cemetery). I have traveled to Camp Douglas in Chicago, Illinois, and to Camp Morton in Indiana. I have been from Gettysburg to Franklin, TN. I have traveled and spoken in twelve states. To date I have been privileged to be a presenter at over 500 events nationally, regionally and locally.

At each event, I kneel to the cross and ask for God to give me the words for the people. Moses (and in no way am I claiming to be a great prophet or man of God-Lee’s words describes me the best: "I am nothing but a poor sinner trusting alone in Christ for my salvation."), when called upon by God to speak, stated that he was slow of speech and tongue. Exodus 4:10-12 teaches us a great lesson. God reminds us that HE is the creator of all things, including the tongue and gives us the commission to go forth. HE will provide the words when we obediently serve HIM. “And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. ¹¹And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? ¹²Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

Humbly and with sincerity, I feel that God chose me to represent a Christian man during a very controversial time of conflict and turmoil. I feel that by telling his story I can share the good news of Jesus Christ and proclaim Him as Lord of Lords. Listen to Lee’s words. Does this not sound like a man serving his Creator? "My chief concern is to try to be a humble, earnest Christian."

“We poor sinners need to come back from our wanderings to seek pardon through the all-sufficient merits of our Redeemer. And we need to pray earnestly for the power of the Holy Spirit to give us a precious revival in our hearts and among the unconverted.”

"We are all in the hands of a kind God, who will do for us what is best, and more than we deserve, we have only to deserve more and do our duty to Him and to ourselves. May we all deserve His mercy, His care, and His protection."

We all must serve a master. This day will you not choose to pursue your destiny and embrace the voice of Christ, following Him on a daily basis? He will never lead you astray and He will give you the voice, the words, and courage to proclaim Him. He will also assist you as you read His Word. He is the King of Kings and though we sometimes question his methods and choices, His divine plan will be revealed when it is our time to know. Grateful to have been chosen, I remain honored and humbled to serve as the old general