The 'look of eagles'

When he held his head high looking into the distance as if he were seeing a homestretch, himself streaking down toward the wire, Seabiscuit had ‘the look of eagles.’ He felt the urge to run. Instinct told the great horse not to bottle up his spirit to race. Where are the Seabiscuits now? Where is the ‘look of eagles’ in any competitor’s eyes? Dollar signs are there. The pleading, helpless, hapless look to government for help is there. The look of greatness absented itself when Gerald Ford in the swearing-in ceremony after Nixon’s resignation in 1974, invoked the higher power "by whatever name we honor him." Ford displayed his cowardice, political correctness and inability to look God in the eye with confidence and call him by his proper name. The ‘look of eagles’ absented itself for a local evangelist who today December 7, 2008, from his pulpit, preached a Jesus/God filled self-doubt and insecurity before his death and while hanging on the Cross. The Reverend pandered to a solidarity of human weakness with Jesus rather than embracing an understanding of the willing, self-sacrifice of our Savior. The ‘look of eagles’ embodies self-knowledge and self-confidence’ it lifts up a soul assured that what must be done is necessary and right. Seabiscuit and Ronald Reagan and Jesus come to mind. On this ‘day of infamy’ I’m sure that many a soldier in World War II, with the ‘look of eagles’ were inspired to fight for victory in what they knew to be a innate and compelling, just cause.