My name is Joe Markiewicz, and I am a husband, a father, a businessman, and a man who has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ to be my savior.
My first dream was to play professional baseball. However, injuries prevented those aspirations from coming to fruition. Instead, I completed my engineering degree and moved to North Carolina. I began my professional career, married my college sweetheart, and began to settle down. But God had different plans in store for me.
While still in my twenties, I began looking for alternative income streams, and I went into business for myself. Initially, my business was only part-time. But I took it very seriously and diligently sought people who could teach me the necessary skill sets to be successful. Some of those mentors are still in my life today and are my most trusted mentors and advisors.
My business and the pursuit of knowledge changed my life forever. While at a business conference, I attended a meeting where a successful businessman gave his testimony. It was that morning where I gave my life to Christ and a new journey began.
As I grew in my faith, God gave me a vision and hunger - to help people live better lives. I wanted to learn more about the connection between capitalism and freedom, and what makes this country unique and exceptional. My faith and business fueled my passion for studying American history.
In my studies I realized that the freedom we have in America is unparalleled. The Founding Fathers understood that neither liberty nor freedom was man-made. They knew that it was God's design and intent for mankind to be free and never live their lives under the bonds of another man.
This freedom and liberty was not an accident and has never been free. The Framers were directed by Judeo-Christian principles in establishing our Constitution. Our freedom over the generations has been protected by all the patriots who went before us. They are heroes in my eyes, and we stand on their shoulders.
Today I have the freedom to raise and educate my children as I see fit. I am free to start my own business, work hard, sacrifice, and prosper. I am free to think independently without penalty or threat. I am grateful to be able to worship God in the manner I choose.
With resources like Peter Marshall & David Manuel's book The Light and The Glory and David Barton's videos “America's Godly Heritage” I studied the Founders' intent for the US Constitution and the motivation behind the authors of our founding documents. I am convinced that a limited government where the people are in charge is the most effective form of government available to mankind.
"Nevertheless, to the persecution and tyranny of his cruel ministry we will not tamely submit -- appealing to Heaven for the justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free." - Joseph Warren
I recognize the great risk that those early colonists invited when they mutually pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor so the United States could become a reality. Many of those signers of the Declaration against tyranny lost their lives and fortunes for a just cause. Their sacrifice is something I won't forget.
I chose to boldly and fearlessly become a Freedom Fighter and a Defender of the Republic. I know my greatest weapon against tyranny is to educate this generation and the next about the blessings of liberty and why freedom must be preserved. Freedom and liberty are fragile, and once we lose it, we will never get it back.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction… It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan, 40th US President
In a free society, we have the hope that our children will live better lives than us. The opportunity has no guaranteed outcomes. The only guarantee is a chance to improve my life conditions on a level playing field. Free markets, competition, self-determination, self-reliance, and reward from hard work are all elements of capitalism. Capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any government program could ever dream of. The ideological battle of our time is capitalism (freedom) vs. socialism. A redistribution of wealth promoted by the progressive movement never creates prosperity. Politicians who promote this ideology aim to give the people just enough amenities (income, health care, education, food, etc.) to stay dependent on the government. The aim is dependence on the government. This is not freedom.
Our Founders were wary of pure Democracy, mob rule, and an intrusive government. A heavy-handed central government is built on the premise that its citizens are not capable of managing and directing their own lives.
Our Founders believed that even though mankind is imperfect that we could still peacefully co-exist with our neighbor. How? Through fear from an authoritarian government? Not in America! Rather, we are capable of self-determination and civility because of virtue, morality, personal responsibility and the rule of law.
Our rights do not come from man or government, but they come from God. They can never be taken away. However, if we are not vigilant, then we can surrender them.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” - Declaration of Independence
Our rights and freedoms must be protected at all costs. Freedom of speech, religious freedom, freedom from fear, the right to bear arms, the right to peaceful assembly, right to own property, and the right to vote for our elected leaders are all protected by the US Constitution.
Our Constitution gives American citizens the boundaries to their behavior and defines the size and scope of government.
Our Founders warned future generations that our children must be educated in civics, morality, and our nation’s history else our republic will end. Today, it is academia that has become largely anti-America. Our universities have become breeding grounds for radical leftist philosophy. Our Founders have been made to be villains rather than heroes. Religious liberty is being attacked like never before. The left is making it unacceptable for anyone to hold conservative values based on Judeo-Christian principles. Any attack or censorship of traditional American values is perfectly acceptable, justifiable, and necessary. This is just unsustainable for our country.
This is a dangerous time. Never before has the original intent of America's forefathers been more at risk. The battle for the hearts and minds of all Americans is at stake. The role of the nuclear family, strong marriages, fatherhood, and manhood is being re-defined before our eyes. Will God's people sit back and do nothing because of fear?
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." — Edmund Burke
Will we promote civil discourse when we disagree? Or has our society decayed so much that all we are left with is shouting, division, identity politics, class warfare, disparaging, shaming, canceling, threatening, and violence?
Will we still defend those who are defending us? Our military, our law enforcement, and our first responders deserve our respect and appreciation. They put their lives at risk every day.
Are freedom and liberty worth defending? Is America worth fighting for? Will the church take its rightful place and start praying?
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14
God has given me a new vision: fighting for America, our heritage and our freedom.
I believe that we can be that shining city on a hill again. Despite all its imperfections and challenges, there is no other place on earth like America. If we lose freedom, then all is lost.
What will our descendants say about us? Did we keep the lamp of liberty lit for them? Will we, God's people who love our nation, stand beside her and guide her with the light from above? I am giving you a call to action.
If passion for freedom burns in your heart, it's time to stand proudly and boldly defend the rights that so many men and women laid down their lives for. Join me in fighting for America.
"Live Free or Die!"
Joe Markiewicz
Creator of Defender Gear
2 comments
I wholeheartedly agree with the message within this blog. Not everyone will agree, but that’s alright.
It’s impossible to convey all of the necessary content and context in a text post/blog. Civil conversations and discourse are necessary in continue this dialog, but I believe this is good ground to start from.
It’s time for the the church (not a building or certain denomination, but the assembly of the saints, the citizens of The Kingdom, the children of God) to stand up for this country.
“For freedom Christ freed us. STAND FAST therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage… You have been called to liberty. Only do not use liberty to give an opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“ Galatians 5:1,13
Freedom is a worthy cause and worth the fight.
There really isn’t any more to say. Well stated.