Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

I remember the event as if it was yesterday. I was in the persona of General Lee and was getting ready to address different companies, many of which I was unfamiliar. I had prayed for guidance prior to my address but when I was introduced, for some reason, I intuitively went to my knees. After I paid homage to God, I stood and offered what I thought was a passionate plea to the boys in gray to remember their heritage and to discard the coat of modern day life and to embrace the men of yesterday. Indeed, I asked them to take the name of their ancestors, to say it and become that soldier of yesteryear.

The battle scenario went well, and afterward I was walking through camp and talking to all, as was the custom of Lee. After I returned from my rounds, I stopped at a tent that seemed reserved. I struck up a conversation and after a few cordial words, one of the ladies asked me, “Why did you kneel in front of the men? Was it for show?” At first I felt speechless and to be honest, irked, but then I realized the earnestness of her question. It was then that I blurted out, “You must kneel before God in order to stand before men.” And at that instant I knew that I must on every occasion kneel before God. It was the dawning of the realization that I must become that Christian in and out of the uniform that endeared Lee to so many people through the ages. Oh, to become Christ like! I fail miserably on a daily basis, but I progress because I remember that I am but a sinner, trusting alone in Christ for my salvation.

For your see, General Lee was not just a general. President Lee was not just a president. He was the reluctant spiritual leader that demonstrated his faith through deeds. He trusted in God and did not lean upon his own understanding. He was not ashamed to kneel in the presence of others and often was seen praying with his boys on the field. He attended faithfully chapel and church, setting the example for others to follow. He was not ashamed. So it is with me. I have made my decision to represent General Lee as the Christian, and in doing so, must adhere first and foremost to serving our God while on bended knee, as I remain committed to the cause, Your humble servant, the old general

“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.” Robert E. Lee