The British Bulldog
“These are not dark days; these are great days – the greatest days our country has ever lived.” – Winston Churchill
Today I found this quote by Winston Churchill. I found this quote and started to research its context. When exactly did he say this?
Turns out, as you may expect, that it’s during the time of the second World War. October 29, 1941…the relative beginning of the War. Nazis were literally massacring people across Europe.
Can you possibly imagine the strength of will required to tell those looking to you for strength, that ‘these are great days’?
You know what I wonder? I wonder if he really meant it.
Did Sir Winston really mean what he said? Or was be “being strong” for his countrymen?
I think about the times when I’m “being strong”…for my children, for those around me, hell…for myself. I think about the times when my words are brave, but they may in fact be concealing some fear.
Do I really mean the words I say? Am I really able to find the best of a bad situation? Am I really able to find a grateful perspective?
Am I strong? Or am I ‘being strong’?
Am I a leader? Or am I just acting like one?
You know what I think? I think Sir Winston meant every damn word he ever said. I think there’s a reason that his legacy endures. I think there’s a reason he’s called the British Bulldog.
I think Winston Churchill was a leader. I think he was “being strong”, because he was strong.
And to cement my point of view on the subject, I happened to run across another great quote:
“History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Damn Right, Bulldog…These ARE Great Days.
