President Who? Rediscovering the Leader Modern History Books Ignore

I’ve shared this story before, but it bears repeating. I once walked into a North Carolina university bookstore and flipped through a history textbook used in their classes. What I found stunned me. The book contained more information on Marilyn Monroe and Marilyn Manson than on George Washington.

Think about that for a moment.

As Commander‑in‑Chief of the Continental Army beginning July 4, 1775, George Washington issued orders prohibiting his soldiers from engaging in profane cursing, swearing, drunkenness, and other sinful conduct. He believed leadership required moral discipline—and he expected it of the men who fought for America’s future.

If President Washington could see our nation’s capital today, he would be outraged at the corruption, betrayal, and immorality that too often mark our government. He would certainly reject the modern, revisionist historians who erase God’s providence and the unmistakable supernatural intervention seen throughout the War for Independence.

Washington once wrote:

“The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this [the course of the war] that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations…”

Amen! Preach on, President Washington.

Will we stand as he did? Will we honor the example of great presidents like George Washington?

Washington stood in aptitude, appearance, and attitude. He modeled character worth imitating.

At only seventeen, he became a surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. He later served as a leader in the Virginia militia, then held a seat in the House of Burgesses. Presidents Day—established in 1885 to honor his birthday—was once a national reminder of his significance. Today, the meaning of that holiday has all but disappeared.

His intelligence was unmatched. Standing over six feet tall, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and confidence. His presence alone inspired trust and loyalty.

One story, recorded by M. L. Weems in The Life of George Washington, reveals much about Washington’s character. Quaker Isaac Potts once walked through the woods near Valley Forge and overheard a voice fervently praying. As he approached, he found the Commander‑in‑Chief himself on his knees before God. Potts later ran home and exclaimed to his wife:

“Sarah! My dear Sarah! All’s well! George Washington will yet prevail!”

Washington prevailed because he possessed aptitude, intellect, dignity, and a humble attitude of dependence on God. He prayed—and God answered. We are beneficiaries of those prayers and that character.

Was he perfect? Of course not. But I believe George Washington served a perfect Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And still today, we declare: In God We Trust.

May God raise up men, women, and young people who will study history, understand Scripture, and boldly stand for truth. People who will let their voice, their vote, and their victory in Christ be seen and heard.

As Romans 13:11 reminds us:

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

Amen and hallelujah! We are nearing the finish line—victory day is approaching.

Brothers and sisters… STAND!