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Oscar Ruto Chemelil's avatar

Read about this in Empire of the summer moon. What a book

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Al Knock's avatar

I have maintained for many years that the way of salvation is narrow but what we enter into is a wide beautiful highway that sets us free if we stay within the bumper rails God has given us. Most evangelicals do not appreciate that position. Thank you.

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Jim McCraigh's avatar

As a resident of Parker County, Texas, I very much enjoyed this post! And the photos! Some of the attacks happened very close to where we live now.

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brian edwards's avatar

I have a Kiowa, Comanche, Caddo grown children who I fear see me as Mrs. Parker saw her 'rescuers'. This is a truely complicated story. It was an emotional read. My former wife I divorced was left more than feeling betrayed but as you have so appopriately said 'oppressed'. I would love for my kids and former wife to read this story. I fear this might just be a little close to home. I thank you Sir for your candor in this piece. I love that you integrate to focus of what is denied (self) at the cross but also the walk of Christ that is characterized by selfless living in victory without taking prisoners.

Salvation is really about who God is and what He has done not about what I have done but IS about in a Christ walk (like Müeller) dependant upon Him for the reconciliation where the consequences of life have destroyed relationships.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Brian, thank you for your honest and heartfelt response. You're right, this is a deeply complicated story. I’m grateful that the lesson resonated with you, even if it touches close to home.

I agree—salvation begins with who God is and what He has done, not what we can earn. And like you said, walking with Christ means trusting Him for the kind of reconciliation we can’t manufacture ourselves, especially when relationships have been marked by loss or harm. That dependence is where real healing begins.

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brian edwards's avatar

I've always liked your articles. I am a history nut. With this article Sir you have crossed a thresshold of honesty few are willing to see even where there is great disagreement and dissent. I have become a bit of a fan of your work. Thank again!

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Thank you, Brian! I really appreciate that.

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Betsy's avatar

What a wonderful and heartbreaking essay. So wise, your recommendation that we see first and in an ongoing fashion - so compassionate. Thank you. And Empire IS a great book.

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Laura Lollar's avatar

Excellent historical essay and very relevant devotional for me as I strive to help my son who is struggling mightily right now. Thank you!

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Jane Kuehn's avatar

Jason, We (my husband and I) love your posts so much that we listen to them every morning with our other life giving reading/listening. This new post, just like most of your posts, really struck a high note. So much is happening now, the look at history, true history!, and your beautiful look at what it teaches us, about us and how we can be true to the living God is an absolute blessing. Thank you.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Thank you for your kind and gracious words, Jane! I'm so happy you enjoy it and are finding value in the lessons. It means a lot to know my words are not falling on deaf ears! God bless!

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CriticalThinker's avatar

I have been uncomfortable with the criticism in recent years about the efforts to rescue CAP from the tribal life. First, the attack, murder of her family and abduction was extremely violent - refer to "Empire of the Sun and Moon" book - I've never felt the same about a full moon ever since. Can't forget that incident when I drive near Ft.Parker.

I do see the sadness in her being separated from her children when she was rescued. What a nightmare. But she was kidnapped and held by a violent group, who would stand idly by in such a case if it happened to their child? Tragic.

Quanah was the "beauty from the ashes" - he saw to bridge the gap between two extremely different cultures.

I learned that he had spoken at the State Fair of Texas - sadly, the building where he appeared no longer stands.

Quanah Tx is a quiet town. I've seen some of the giant metal arrow sculptures that mark historic locations.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

I don't think there will ever be a consensus concerning the "right" thing to do in regard to CAP. How can there be? We view her captors as abusers, which they were. Yet, it's undeniable that she suffered greatly to be separated from those she grew to love. It's argument that can never be truly settled.

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