I read a book called “Hard Times Create Strong Men” by Stefan Aarnio. The book outlines that every 80 years or so, there is a switch in the following cycle:

Strong Men Create Good Times
Good Times Create Weak Men
Weak Men Create Hard Times
Hard Times Create Strong Men

At the time of writing, the “Freedom Convoy 2022” protest is ongoing. Truckers, if you are fortunate enough to know one, are strong and resilient. Being on the road is no small feat. Being strong is part of the job.

One of the truckers I know, let’s call him Bob, is quite the man. We haven’t spoken in years, however, I will never forget our conversations as they typically involved envisioning a bright technological future. At the end of the day, however, he just wanted to make a living to support his family. He worked day in and day out for decades. Patient, consistent, and humble.

We talked each time he arrived for delivery at the chagrin of my boss. I learned about the trucking business and what the life of a trucker entails. Many truckers are on the road for days, but there are also some who do their daily shift and go home at the end of a long day. He was one of the lucky ones.

Bob is a Strong Man.

One of the politicians I know, let call him Jack, is quite the man. We also haven’t spoken in quite some time, but I will never forget his dedication to the profession. Before his political career, he was a successful small business owner who always enjoys helping out and chatting over a cup of coffee. Steady, reliable, and humble.

Once Jack stepped foot into the political sphere, it was unlike anything he’s ever experienced. It’s very easy to throw mud on politicians, and it can be fun from time to time. But, what he discovered was sinister. Mud fights were nothing compared to death threats. Jack continues to serve his community in a political capacity to this day.

Jack is a Strong Man.

Truckers are the backbone of a country as the movement of goods is essential (remember that word?). Politicians represent the concerns of the backbone of a country and provide the way for positive change.

What happens when one changes this social contract?

For truckers, there’s no movement of goods. Although concerning, we can see the problem and come up with some solutions on how to address it. For politicians, the problem is not so clear and the implications range from minimal to catastrophic. Only God knows the outcome.

Trudeau enabled the “Emergencies Act” to stop the “Freedom Convoy 2022” protest. To reiterate, the movement of goods is essential, meaning that a blockade of goods would be considered illegal. There are many ways around this issue and the “Emergencies Act” was to be used as a last resort. Unfortunately, it was not used as such.

This is the issue with weak men: they abuse the power they have been given.

I had a conversation with a friend interested in dating a woman. He laid out his plan on how he was going to win her heart and set up situations where they could get to know each other better. This was all going to be under the guise of friendship. This is the weak man’s playbook. Instead, he should simply go up to her and ask her out on a date.

Where am I going with this?

Trudeau is a weak man, and so was my friend, until corrected.

We are now entering the “Weak Men Create Hard Times” phase. As unfortunate as it is, it is necessary and simply a byproduct of how societies typically work.

We can expect Hard Times to come our way.

For the Strong Men among us, this will be the best time in our lives. Pray for our weak comrades so that they can become the Strong Men we need them to be. It’s the Strong Men who bring back the Good Times after all. God Bless.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”

Ephesians 6:10-18