This article originally appeared at the North American Anglican

It’s interesting how many Western legends include the tale of a sleeping hero: one who died – or perhaps only sleeps – and will return when he is needed the most. From Holger Dansk in Denmark, King Charlemagne in France and Germany, and of course Albion’s own King Arthur, the stories promise that the sleeping ruler will arise and restore righteous order.

We never outgrow our love for heroes. Whether it’s Cincinnatus, George Washington, or Winston Churchill, there is a longing for one who will rescue us from our surrounding troubles. We want to hear a strong, resonant voice say, “we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” But sometimes the hero doesn’t arrive when we would like, or maybe not at all.

You can read the rest of the article at The North American Anglican website by clicking here.

Matthew Carpenter is a husband, father, humanities teacher, and pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He has written for Front Porch Republic, The Imaginative Conservative, New Focus, and others publications.