Marquis de Lafayette was born on 1757.

Although Marquis de Lafayette was a member of the wealthy French nobility, he decided at a young age to volunteer his services to the American fight for independence. When he was only 20, Lafayette left his homeland and traveled to America to volunteer his services.

When the Continental Congress met Lafayette and heard of his desire to serve without pay as an officer in the army, they immediately made him a Major General. Later that summer Lafayette met General George Washington, and a friendship developed between the two men that lasted throughout Washington’s lifetime.

How strong that bond was between the two men became evident later. In December of 1777, Lafayette had joined Washington at his winter quarters at Valley Forge. At that time, several officers tried to stir up opposition to Washington and have him replaced as commander of the armies. When they approached Lafayette, he not only turned them down, but also wrote a letter to Washington pledging his unfailing loyalty to him. To Lafayette, his friendship with Washington was more important than the possibility of advancing his own career.

Friends do that. They stand by their friends. They don’t look for ways to benefit themselves at the expense of a friend. And they don’t join with others who are plotting against a friend.

When others try to get you to join them instead of sticking by a friend, be like Lafayette. Refuse to go along with their plans. Then pledge your loyalty to your friend. Your friend won’t ever forget it!

My child, fear the Lord and the king, and don’t associate with rebels (Proverbs 24:21).

To Do

Who has been loyal to you? Take time to thank them for standing by you when troubles come.

Also on this day

1860—Jane Addams was born. She was the founder of the Hull House and was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

1899—Carnation processed its first can of evaporated milk.

1959—The first Barbie® doll was sold by Mattel Toy Corporation.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.