“Fix Bayonets, Charge!”

When faced with the biggest challenge in front of you how will you respond? A situation where the people around you need a leader to step up, take charge, be a hero…

Whether on a baseball field or in life, you will be faced with an overwhelming force, odds stacked against you - the world will feel like it’s coming not just for your flesh and blood, but your soul.

During the Civil War, Colonel Joshua Chamberlain was facing this type of moment at the battle of Little Round Top, Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863 at 2:30pm Chamberlain made a pivotal decision that literally changed history.

Chamberlain’s troops were out of ammo, he was down to 1/3 of his men, and facing an overwhelming force preparing for another attack..

Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a former professor turned soldier, looked over the battered line of the 20th Maine. Chamberlain started the battle with 1000 men, he started the morning with 300, and now he was down to 80 men. The men had been through hell.

The Union soldiers had dug in behind a short rock wall. The confederate troops had been attacking throughout the day . Wave after wave - the rebels attacked. On the 4th charge, Chamberlain took a bullet to the belt buckle. and finally on the fifth charge, the rebels broke through the wall and were miraculously pushed back.

A short time later a 12 year old lookout from a tree called out, “The rebels are forming up again.” The rebels had been reinforced by a Texas Regiment and were now beginning to work the way up hill.

Chamberlains brother Tom approached, ”Over half our men are dead, and we’re out Ammo.”

Chamberlain replied to Tom along with a Sergeant, “Tell the boys to take the ammo from wounded and dead.” They replied, “We already did that.”

Tom now frantic, “Joshua, give an order,” with the enemy advancing.

Joshua paused and stood there momentarily in thought. With no ammunition left there were only three options;

1. Hold the ground which seemed impossible.

2. Retreat: we give up the flank and the Rebs would have the flank of our 80,000 men.

3. Charge forward

Gazing at the faces of his men—farmers, lumberjacks, schoolteachers—his men had stood their ground all afternoon. They trusted him, and he would not let them fall without a fight.

Chamberlain took a deep breath, lifted his sword, and gave the order that would echo through history:

“Fix bayonets.” His men thought he had lost his mind.

Confusion rippled through the line, then strength. Steel clicked as bayonets locked into place. Chamberlain stood on the wall waving his sword and pointing it downhill, he shouted, “Charge! Charge! Charge!“

The rebels, shocked by the sudden counterattack began to run and surrender. Rebels threw down their weapons, thinking the 20th Maine must have reinforced. The 80 remaining soldiers of the 20th Maine, with no ammunition captured over 400 fully armed Rebel soldiers.

Had Chamberlain lost at Little Round Top, the Union would have likely lost at Gettysburg…and if they lost

Gettysburg they would have likely lost the Civil War.

Had the Union lost the Civil War, there would have been no United States, no one to stand against Nazi Germany, no country strong enough to defeat Japan invading the Pacific Islands, no United States that has consistently been the largest provider of humanitarian aid worldwide. Whether through disaster relief (earthquakes, tsunamis, or pandemics) or long-term programs to fight hunger, disease, and poverty…..U.S. support has saved millions of lives and helped rebuild entire regions.

What began as a last stand became a sweeping push that saved the Battle of Gettysburg. Joshua Chamberlain and the last remaining for of the 20th Maine charged down the mountain and into history.

Right now you may be facing an massive battle, maybe your fighting on multiple fronts. Tired, out of money, out of energy, ammo is gone….

The odds are against you.

Visualize the scenario. Be Prepared. Be Ready. Learn from what you faced, prepare your attack.

Visualize your course of action, how you go on the attack!

Now you have 3 choices - which will you choose?

1. Stand your ground - freeze

2. Run away - quit and fight another day

3. Push forward; fix bayonets, prepare the charge, charge!!!!!!

God is with you. Do not be afraid.

Joshua 1:9:"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”