President Donald Trump reportedly recently received some dog tags inscribed with text based on Joshua 1:9, a verse that reads, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The tags offer up inspiration for those facing life challenges and uncertainty. Playing off of the words in that verse, the inscription reads, “I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.”
The gift was sent to Trump by Kenny Vaughan — a former champion water skier and author who owns Shields of Strength, a company that sells a variety of jewelry, including inspirational dog tags. And, as it turns out, there’s a special meaning behind the Joshua 1:9 tags, which have been worn by U.S. service members since their debut in 1998.
“This powerful sentiment travels with the wearer, serving as a constant reminder that, even in the darkest hours, God is present,” reads a description on the Shields of Strength website. “Joshua 1:9 dog tags are the perfect way to steady the resolve of someone in crisis, or simply to let loved ones know that they are never alone.”
Vaughan told The Christian Post that he sent the dog tags to Trump in an effort to inspire the nation’s new commander-in-chief to turn to scripture in seeking leadership guidance. He also sent Trump some jewelry for his daughters and his wife, Melania.
“I wrote (Trump) that as the commander-in-chief of a military that depends so much on God’s Word, he and his family should have the Scripture-inscribed Shields of Strength dog tags the military wear,” Vaughan told the Post.
Interestingly, Trump responded to Vaughan’s kind gesture with a letter, expressing gratitude and pledging to be a president who serves all people — a proclamation he has repeatedly made amid skepticism over his past statements advocating a Muslim ban, among other controversial language.
“Thank you for taking time to send your kind words of support and thoughtful gift. I look forward to being President for all Americans,” Trump wrote. “I will always be your voice and will always be your champion.”
He continued, “Working together, we will unify our great country AND renew the American Dream. I believe America will be great again and I’m eager to get to work. Melania and I greatly appreciate your words of support.”
As Faithwire previously reported, there has been quite a bit of discussion and debate about Trump’s faith over the past year. Either way, it’s clear he appreciated Vaughan’s gifts to him and his family.
(H/T: Christian Post)
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