My brother to my left, my brother to my right
Together we stand, together we fight

We have heard the stories and watched the depictions of infamous battles; the losses, the victories and everything in between. Lest we forget the bands of brothers who stuck by one another, shoulder to shoulder, holding strong no matter the situation, because as Proverbs 17:17 says,“…a brother is born for a time of adversity”

Imagine yourself in one of these battles, but you are alone and the enemy is closing in. As one man, we are exposed, vulnerable and defenseless. If we fall, there is no one to pick us up; if we are wounded, there is no one to carry us to safety… we are without rescue.

Now imagine the same battleground, but this time you are surrounded by a group of brothers who are close by; watching your back and providing cover fire… our brothers in arms. All men need a brother, better yet a pack of brothers; those we can rely on to be there through thick or thin.

But how many of us can honestly say we have experienced this in our lives? More often, we have sadly made a habit of putting ourselves first and as a result, the camaraderie amongst us has weakened. Our battalions are dispersed and we are left independently battling the enemy; it’s no surprise we are losing.

Desmond Doss, a combat medic who served during World War II reminds us of this true brotherhood that transcends understanding. Saving seventy plus soldiers during the bloody battle of Hacksaw Ridge, Doss who never once carried a weapon, spent countless hours single-handedly retrieving wounded soldiers and lowering them down the side of a cliff to safety. His prayer each time he entered back onto the dangerous battleground? ‘Please Lord, help me get one more.’

Do we have a brother like Desmond who would sacrifice himself to save us? And how about us? When needed, are we willing to run head first into the frontline to get one more no matter the danger?

We would be wise to examine nature’s best example of brotherhood… Wolves. These hunters are fiercely loyal to their pack, and will do anything for the team, even if it included sacrificing themselves. Each wolf knows its role and falls in line for the greater good; focusing not on themselves, but on the well being of the group. This tight knit pack goes everywhere together; they sleep, hunt, eat, and even play together. They are by all accounts a perfect team.

What an incredibly powerful image; one that has surely been applied to special forces units around the globe and exhibits traits that would benefit our own packs. Understanding that while we each may periodically take on different ranks within our group, we always fall under our fearless leader; the One True Alpha.

1 Peter 2:17 teaches us to ‘Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”

Men, we must band together; always present, running to the other when in trouble, lifting one another up and when necessary, allowing ourselves to be rescued… no man left behind.

Our strength is in service and commitment to one another and our common mission; To hold high the flag of our Father.

Always remembering… United we Stand, divided we fall