Probably by the time this article is out, the movie “300” will be long forgotten, but I thought I would share my take on it anyway, because I know you all value my opinion so dearly J If your haven’t seen it and intend to, I don’t recommend reading this article. Move on to my hilarious Top Ten list and laugh ‘til you cry. So the spark notes version of the story is there is this king, Leonidas of Sparta, and his people are being threatened with war and destruction by this supposed god-king Xerxes who has been conquering country after country. Leonidas is informed by his “advisers” to not wage war (which will surely mean the death of his people) and to wait. Not being a man of inaction, he takes 300 of his men and goes off to wage war on Xerxes. After a brave, hard fought battle, it appears defeat is in the cards for Leonidas and his band of men. So he sends off one of his soldiers to report to his people of his “victory” and death. Long story short, he makes a final stab at Xerxes and then he and his remaining men are crushed and killed. So why, if he knew he was going to lose, did he call it a victory. Leonidas knew his people and had great faith in them. He knew that once news of his noble death reached his Spartans, they would be incensed and would rally against Xerxes in full force, thus protecting their way of life. And I thought of Christ, and the sacrifice he made for us. How he knew his fate, but accepted it anyway. How he had incredible faith in those who would follow him, that long after his death (and resurrection) would have meaning. That his people would rally together and carry on. We are in a way, daily, with forces that are stronger than each of us individually and it is only through our unity and connection to God we are able to win the battles and yes, to claim our own “victory.” Know this, the war is won, we have only the battles to fight. So let us be inspired to fight together, to go the distance, so that one day we will all celebrate our amazing victory with Christ, knowing we did our best and gave our all on the battle field we call life.