How to Slay a Dragon -July 8 Wednesday

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Socratic-of or relating to Socrates specifically how he taught. How did he teach? He would ask clarifying questions, to dig into an issue searching to understand a thing more deeply. Socrates was a pagan so he did not have the Truth. With Jesus the word became flesh and Truth was known. However Dante believed that Socrates was a virtuous pagan. He bumped up against truth but without Jesus he could not arrive at the final destination.

Dragons- "Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of the bogey. The baby has known the dragons intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon."-G.K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles

I want to slay modern dragons with wit and wisdom, with intellect and love. It is a hard thing for me. I am more of a St. George kinda gal. To wear a sword and fight evil is more my speed. Sure I can be a keyboard warrior responding to inane liberal posts but to be a warrior for the Kingdom of God is where my heart belongs. However spiritual warfare is different. Our tools are not of this world. 
Ephesians sums up our fighting style:

Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power. Put you on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. for our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against the principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the world of God). By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints...

Update on Artillery Boy
I had a few texts yesterday while AB was traveling. He bought $26 of Burger King before jumping on the plane to Atlanta. Prior to getting on the plane we talked about the next step. He hates wearing the mask but understands it is what it is. You can't waste time complaining about it. He sounded happy. He is traveling with a few other recruits and they are working together. We were able to track his travels via Snap Chat once the bus picked him up. At one point the bus seemed to be parked along the road...maybe they were getting dinner? Maybe they were doing push ups in a field? Who knows. 

We did not receive a scripted call last night but we know he arrived some time around 11:30. I bet it was a long night. From what I hear on the FABS page, he will have one day of Covid testing and paperwork before going into quarantine. This will be the hard part. Hopefully he is able to keep his deck of cards for entertainment. I also hope they might give the recruits their phones for more contact with home to keep their spirits up. This is a generation that has had a tough go. Born in the aftermath of 911 and graduating with Covid. They will be a strong generation. God does not give more than you can bear. 

As for us? I think I am going to read Narnia with the kids as we complete our boot camp to count the days AB is gone. We will also write letters once we have the address. The classics are where I will spend my time. Perhaps Shakespeare is a safe place as well. The Odyssey is where I will begin. 

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