Thoughts from Joshua David Ling on Poets At War: The General's Report https://joshuadavidling.com

So, let me tell you about something deep— Last time we talked heroic calls, but now let's keep Going with this journey stuff, this plan Discovered by a guy named Joseph Campbell, a thinking man. Back in the forties, maybe fifty or so, He wrote this book that you should probably know: "Hero with a Thousand Faces," that's the name, And though it's definitely not Christian, all the same- It's crucial that believers understand What Campbell wrote, and how his thoughts expand Through academic circles, spreading wide. See, mixed with all his psychobabble rides These brilliant truths about the human soul. (Chesterton said truth makes lies seem whole— "It takes a lot of truth to float a lie." These words still echo as the years go by.) Now, after that first Call we talked about before, Comes something real: Refusal at opportunity’s door. Think Luke Skywalker, saying "No, I can't go" Until those Storm Troopers brought his world down low. Or Frodo—man, he dawdled in the Shire, Dragging feet while danger crept up higher. The books show more than movies ever could How much he hesitated—understood? And let's go back to Eden's perfect scene: Adam, Eve, refusing what they'd been Called to do—stay righteous, stay the course— Leading to that cosmic-level force Of sin entering our human story. (Not exactly covered in glory.) "Make your choice, adventurous stranger. Strike the bell and bide the danger, Or wonder, till it drives you mad, What would have followed if you had." CS Lewis. The Magician’s Nephew That's Lewis speaking truth about the way These calls can haunt us to our dying day. See, sometimes when adventure comes around, Instead of trumpets, terror is what we’ve found. The risk feels massive, and we freeze up tight, Thinking "No way can I handle this, right?" But here's the thing that's equally intense: That nagging "what if" rarely makes much sense. Listen—when we dodge the righteous call, We're setting up an equal, opposite fall. Show starts at 04:18 This is where predestination hits: God knows our choices, every single one fits. Without that truth to anchor to, we'd crack Under the weight of choices looking back. But Aslan gives this wisdom we should hear: ”II tell no one any story but his own."—that's all we need to hold near. Don't get stuck replaying bad decisions, We've all been there, seen those harsh divisions. But here's what's real: Don’t refuse! Break the chain! Of generational stuff? Otherwise you're choosing pain— Setting up your kids, their kids as well, For cycles that get harder and could lead straight to hell. Campbell himself? He made a choice, Found Catholic faith, in his last moment’s voice. Time will tell what came of his days, But here's the truth that matters nowadays: Like one small hobbit changed his world for good, The smallest choice can change more than it would. We can't see endings, can't know what's ahead, But God ordained it all, like I just said. He's commanding you to make your choice— Time won't pause to hear your second voice. All we've got (and this is straight-up true) Is choosing what with our time we'll do. The call refused might feel safe and feel right, But missing God’s blessing? That's the harder fight. Like Tolkien knew, and showed through Bilbo's tale: Small choices made can tip the cosmic scale. Even the smallest person's "yes" or "no" Can change which way the future's going to go. For More, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com

Experience the interweaving of beloved hero tales and sacred history in this visual meditation on calling and purpose by Joshua David Ling. Through parallel narratives from Narnia to Bethlehem, the piece explores how literary adventures echo humanity's greatest Story. From wardrobes to mangers, rings to stars, the imagery blends fantasy classics with the Christmas narrative, revealing unexpected connections between fictional heroes and divine purpose. The poem addresses fundamental questions about destiny, sacrifice, and the ongoing invitation to adventure that spans from ancient prophecy to present day. Discover how these converging paths - from fictional reluctant heroes to history's most purposeful Hero - illuminate a calling that continues to resound through every generation, inviting each viewer to find their own place in the greatest story ever told. General's Report Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralsReport-h1b For More, please visit: https://joshuadavidling.com