Another September 11th has come and gone without an incident of terrorism in this country. I am very grateful. I thank the tireless law enforcement and first responders that keep us safe and our military for keeping the terrorists running. I also thank those who have served.
Why can we not be as were on September 12, 2001? We believed this country would endure and that we as a country could be united. There were not these divisions because of economic status or race. I pray we can return to the “United we stand” mindset.
I had a conversation with a friend I haven’t talked to in some time. We talked for a while and when I hung up my wife made a comment. She said: “To listen to you two you would think that you were in the mafia.” I guess we get a little carried away talking about guns and war stories. We’re really not as heartless and mean as we sound. George Orwell said:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
I guess we sounded kind of like rough men. I’m not really a mean guy, you can ask my kids. I try to follow the example of Christ as a member of the Mormon faith. I don’t think I’m too violent. I don’t really like violent movies or video games. I do subscribe to what I call the OPR philosophy (Orrin Porter Rockwell).
I’ve heard many balk at this idea or philosophy and I respect that opinion. But it’s been my experience that this philosophy is true.
The philosophy basically is that there are 3 types of people. They are described as Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. The sheep are most people that you know and see. They are good, productive members of society who would not hurt anyone or anything. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a sheep. Then there are wolves. Wolves are evil, selfish near-humans intent on taking what they want. They are not interested in who they hurt in this process. They are a large minority and many are locked up. Then there are sheepdogs. Sheepdogs care about the sheep even though sometimes the sheep don’t appreciate them. The sheepdogs want the sheep to be safe and to be rid of the wolves. I’ve read so many writers who don’t believe that sheepdogs exist. They think that those who believe themselves to be sheepdogs are camo wearing wanna-bes. I’m sure some camo wearers do exist. But I know enough people who when confronted with violence go toward it. Watch a video of 9-11. Most people were running from the towers but a few were running toward them. This was not just because it was their job. There are many stories of people who helped others and went back into the towers and perished. Many people were going up the stairs while the masses came down. I’ve learned for myself that when shots are fired I go towards the sound. Much to the consternation of my wife.
Porter Rockwell was a sheepdog. He cared for the church and the leaders of the church. He never cut his hair because of a blessing Joseph Smith gave him that said if he didn’t cut his hair he would be safe. He only cut it once since then. To help a woman who needed a wig because of an illness. So he had a big heart but was vigilant about defending the church.
I feel most members are sheep. Good productive citizens. But they are not really sure how to deal with the wolves when they come into the fold. It is denial that turns people into sheep. Sheep are psychologically destroyed by combat because their only defense is denial, which is counterproductive and destructive, resulting in fear, helplessness and horror when the wolf shows up. Denial kills you twice. It kills you once, at your moment of truth when you are not physically prepared: you didn’t bring your gun, you didn’t train. Your only defense was wishful thinking. Hope is not a strategy. Denial kills you a second time because even if you do physically survive, you are psychologically shattered by your fear, helplessness and horror at your moment of truth.
Some individuals would be horrified if they knew someone was carrying a weapon in church. They might call him paranoid and would probably scorn him. Yet these same individuals would be enraged and would call for “heads to roll” if they found out that the airbags in their cars were defective, or that the fire extinguisher and fire sprinklers in their kids’ school did not work. They can accept the fact that fires and traffic accidents can happen and that there must be safeguards against them. Their only response to the wolf, though, is denial, and all too often their response to the sheepdog is scorn and disdain. But the sheepdog quietly asks himself, “Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself if your loved ones were attacked and killed, and you had to stand there helplessly because you were unprepared for that day?”
The opposite of fear is faith. Faith comes with preparedness. The scripture says “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” I propose that scripture be re worded to “If ye have more faith then ye shall be prepared.”
Living with LDS members who are sheep can be frustrating. But as a believer in Christ, and striving to be like Him, it's hard to explain to sheep why I am concerned about security and self-defense. I believe that Christ would want us to care for each other and to take care of each other. His Apostles were armed. Luke 22:36-38 says:
“36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”
In the garden of Gethsemane when guards came to take the Savior one of His Apostles drew his sword. I'm sure the Savior knew he was armed. The key is to be able to defend yourself, but to not " live by the sword" . This is what I call the OP Rockwell philosophy. Living among the sheep but doing my best to protect them. This is how I see Porter Rockwell's life.
Learn all you can. Seek training in your self-defense art of choice. Be versatile. As much as I love guns, I know it’s important to be trained in other means of self-defense. When you are trained, practice. Be prepared. I know the whole point of this site is to talk about guns and self-defense, but I believe in a well-rounded preparedness. Food/water storage, bug out bags, comprehensive first aid and medical kits and training. I also have air bags, seat-belts, smoke detectors, and deadbolts. This only scratches the surface and we should be actively pursuing this knowledge. Self-defense is only part of being able to care for your family and others. If you are not prepared for disaster or without-rule-of-law in the area of water or food, how can you be a sheepdog? If you are only worried about your family because you chose to ignore inspired counsel, I say you should say “Baaa”. Being prepared in most things is what I call the OPR (Orrin Porter Rockwell) philosophy. Be OPR ready. At this time of year we reflect on a dark time in our history. There were some in that dark time that found themselves to be sheepdogs. Some of them perished and we honor their memory. Those that survived live quiet lives until the next time chaos strikes. They find themselves going toward the chaos.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
P.S. I know this information is mentioned by me about every 6 months. Please forgive me and give this indulgence.
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