The Favorite of Heaven

By: Governor Kristi Noem

July 19, 2024

Our history is filled with incredible stories of heroism – and I believe it is also full of times where God’s hand was at play shaping our future.

One such time took place before America was even a country during the French and Indian War. During that war, the American colonists fought alongside the British against the French and their Native American allies.

One young American was an officer in the British Army. He had risen to the rank of colonel because of his hard work.

At the Battle of Cumberland, this officer took heavy fire from the French and their Indian allies. He had two horses shot out from under him. And when the battle was over, he found four bullet holes in his coat.

The fact that this man survived was truly remarkable – inexplicable. Of the 1,500 British troops, more than 700 were killed. Of the mounted officers, only one was left unscathed – this young colonel.

Years later, an Indian Chief who fought in that battle sought out the officer because he wanted to honor “the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.”

The Chief said that he had ordered his men and said, “mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do – himself is alone exposed.” He then said, “The Great Spirit protects that man and guides his destinies – he will become the chief of nations.”

That young colonel’s name was George Washington.

God had a plan for George Washington. He led our nation to Freedom and independence. He became our first president. And 150 years later, his face was carved into a mountain right here in South Dakota.

America nearly experienced an utter tragedy when an attempt was made on President Donald Trump’s life – but God protected him. It appears that a well-timed turn of his head was the difference that saved his life. Sadly, a heroic firefighter, Corey Comperatore, died that day shielding those he loved – and we continue to pray for his family.

God has a plan for you and for me. He has a plan for our nation.

The prophet Jeremiah writes, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We don’t know the specifics of any of those plans – God’s ways are higher than our ways.

We did not know that there would be a global pandemic – or how that would create an opportunity that South Dakota seized to tell our story and grow. We did not know that we would experience years of record growth and strong budget surpluses.

I believe that these things are all in God’s strong yet loving hands.

If we have faith and work to advance Freedom, I am optimistic that America’s best days are yet to come. I believe that to be part of God’s plan. He will give us hope and a future. And He will continue to bless the United States of America.