Profiles of Valor by Marilyn Boyer was an interesting book to read as a Canadian, still part of the British Commonwealth that the Founding Fathers of America fought for freedom from when it was ruled by King George III.
It chronologically follows the events that happened during the War of Independence from 1775-1783, with a particular focus on the character qualities and the important contributions that 40 brave men and women made.
The authors did a wonderful job at avoiding two extremes: one that idolizes American nationalism, and the other that cancels all good American achievements that have been tainted by human error.
Most modern retellings of the Revolutionary War strip down the desire for independence to objections over British taxation policies, and lack of colonial representation in rulings made across the pond, but Profiles of Valor reveals so much more than that.
It does not portray people like George and Martha Washington, John and Samuel Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin (and many others), as Americans and patriots first and foremost, but as people who believed that civil government was an institution ordained by God which required rebellion against tyrants in order to submit to their one, true King. This was the fundamental reason they were willing to defend liberty with their lives.
In their escape from British rule, we meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They were often called to suffer greatly, sometimes physically, and many times through unimaginable hardships. Many faced incredible pressure when they were required to take decisive action that would either bring great tragedy, or great victory.
In the latter part of the book, we get a small glimpse of the mental turmoil that the delegates of the Constitutional Convention felt as they agonized over the wording of the Bill of Rights, understanding that it would affect the lives of all Americans for generations to come.
The humility, determination, perseverance, wisdom, compassion, persistence, and bravery that was crucial to “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity….” (James Madison) is the focus of each biographical sketch.
One of the reasons few people today are able to recognize tyranny when they see it, is because history has been forgotten. Reading Profiles of Valor helps to remedy that.
Canadian, American, or anywhere else in the world where men love darkness rather than light (that’s all of us by nature), this book is filled with lessons to learn, examples to aspire to, and stories to encourage you in God’s sovereignty over all things.
I’d recommend Profiles of Valor as a family read aloud, or for anyone ages 10 and up.