The Bison Advantage: Essay by Dr Julie Ponesse of the Brownstone Institute
With my additional take on facing the storm with the power of the Spirit of God
We actually own a herd of bison (that’s one of ours in the picture above), so I have a special love for these animals. The more I learn about them and spend time observing and interacting with them, the more I love them. One of their unique attributes is they will face, rather than turn from, a storm.
Dr Julie Ponesse, a professor of ethics who was placed on leave and banned from accessing her Canadian university campus due to the vaccine mandate, highlights this unique attribute of the bison beautifully in her essay for the Brownstone Institute. There is much to reflect on and be challenged by in this essay, where she asks, “how should we deal with life’s moral storms? Which approach will most strengthen our moral capacities, and give us the greatest peace and contentment?”, noting, “[i]ntegrity is a long game, and usually a costly one.” It’s a worthy read.
When the angels announced to the shepherds the birth our Savior, Christ the Lord, they pronounced, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). Jesus came that we might have peace with God. How do we please Him? “{W]ithout faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If “you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). In addition to the peace with God that ensures our eternal security with Him, our faith promises us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39a). The Holy Spirit makes the “things that are impossible with people…possible with God” (Luke 18:27).
Jesus told us some hard words: “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple,” and “none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:26,33). He also told us, “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endures to the end who will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). When the rich young ruler went away sad because following Jesus meant he must be willing to part with His possessions, Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24b). But it is then that He said, “things that are impossiblee with people are possible with God” (Luke 18:27).
What are we wealthy in? Career, reputation, material possessions, family? Our lack of courage often correlates with our fear of losing such things. But Jesus promised, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).
Our faith gives us eternal peace with God. That peace, the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, and His promise that He will always be with us (Matthew 28:20) enables us to have impossible courage in the face of overwhelming fear. Like the bison, we can face the storm.
None of our God given heavenly armor is fitted for our back!
Love this. By the way, the communists are sending your substack to my junk mail!!!