Heroes - A Short Story Collection

Miracle at Valley Forge

The wind howled as it blew fiercely through the skeleton trees. Icy snow whipped around the frozen landscape, beating down mercilessly upon the defenseless army. Defenseless they were against the mighty forces of God's creation even with weapons in their hands. Days of marching had left them wearily at the desolate Valley Forge, where they would attempt to struggle through the harsh Pennsylvania weather. The sounds of axes filled the air and chips flew as trees were felled to erect the crude cabins where these men would spend the winter - far from the comforts of home. They worked slowly, methodically, their blue hands nearly frozen with the cold. While the strong ones chopped trees and built, others silently dug graves on a nearby hillside. The fate of the nation rested upon these men who were becoming weaker each day. As they walked, they left bloody footprints in the snow.

The General, a powerful man in command of the entire continental army, worked side by side with his men. Unlike the proud, disdainful commanders of the British army, the General of the American army knew that working together was the key to survival - and victory. Advanced in years and in wisdom even beyond his years, he tried his hardest to lead his army through the hardships ever blocking the road to liberty. Known and loved for his kindness and generosity, the great leader showed his admirable benevolence as he remained quartered in a flimsy tent that was unable to keep out the winter winds. He refused to have his cabin built until all the soldiers had a place to stay.

As night drew near, the temperature dropped, the cold almost fearful in its intensity. The General shivered, pulling his cloak tighter around his shoulders. He sat astride his horse remaining halfway in the evening shadows as he looked over the camp.

Ragged men huddled in groups around dying fires trying in vain to warm themselves. Bloodied rags bound their frostbitten feet and their threadbare coats, if any, were insufficient to keep out the bitter, stinging cold. Some had no coats. Those who did had no shirts beneath having used them to wrap their feet so they could keep on marching, marching, marching. The cold was even worse than the biting hunger gnawing at their insides. Many had boiled their shoes and eaten them. Few supplies were coming in to feed and clothe the freezing, starving army. What little food they had received had been inedible... rotten. Men were dying daily now, not from battle wounds but from disease, frostbite, pneumonia, starvation.

The General shook his head and sighed. How could this small, untrained, ill-supplied army ever win against the mighty British forces? He knew the answer. Picking up the reins, he gently guided his mount away from the flickering campfires and out into the dark, still night.

As he reached the edge of a small clearing in the woods, he brought his horse to a halt and slipped off. Standing in the clearing, he raised his eyes to the silent heavens above. The stars sparkled in the clear sky, seeming cold in their indifference. The full moon looked down calmly, unaffected by the sights below.

The great man fell to his knees in the snow, folding his hands and bowing his head. As his silent prayer ascended to the Father, tears coursed down his weathered cheeks. Humbly, he handed his burdens to God on high, knowing that alone, there was nothing he could do. He prayed for wisdom, for guidance, for deliverance. And as he knelt there in the icy cold night, a miracle happened. As if in answer to his simple, heartfelt prayer, a sudden noise like distant thunder rumbled through the forest. Deep, low, the thunder sounded almost like a voice. Fear not, for I am with thee. The mighty words echoed through the night sky then died away in silence. Within his soul, the still, small voice added the comforting words that brought him strength. If God be for us, who can be against us? 

His spirit refreshed and his courage restored, the General slowly rode back to the desolate camp, lifting thankful, tear-filled eyes to the starry heavens. Though silent once again the mighty voice echoed within his heart. Fear not, for I am with thee.

WA Note: Any votes and/or comments would be much appreciated. :)