“Lower Than a Whale in the Deepest Part of the Ocean”: Finding Strength for Recovery and Hope in the Poetry of King David and General Patton

The Warrior Poets

Sunday, November 15, 9 am in CLEAVER Hall

During WWII, General George S. Patton, Commander of the extremely successful 3rd Army in Europe, would often recite poetry to himself during difficult times. Sometimes he would do so for up to five hours, according to his wartime journal.

When he left his command at the end of the war, he said to his troops he was feeling lower than a whale in the deepest part of the ocean. These final words echoed Psalm 130, “Out of the deep I cry to you, O LORD.”

Patton first heard the poetry of the psalms at Church of our Saviour, and he recited them for the rest of his life. These ancient poems of the warrior King David cover every human emotion and experience. Patton turned to them for understanding, strength, and comfort in times of stress, often caused by his own indiscreet words at the wrong place and the wrong time. He also wrote poetry, comic and serious, that can offer a window into his reflective soul.

I have been reading and reflecting on how his poetry helped Patton find strength in difficult times, and how poetry can help each of us when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Poetry, and especially the psalms in the Bible, can be a tool to help us in recovery as we lament, and find hope and strength for the challenges we face in 2026 and beyond.

I look forward to sharing how you can use poetry in your healing, recovery, and life of faith.

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A special guest at Church of Our Saviour, David brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences as an enlisted Marine, an Army chaplain who deployed to Iraq in 2005, and an Episcopal priest. Currently serving as a middle school teacher, David lives in Austin, Texas, where he is the father of three sons and a cat. He is the author of several books exploring theology, war, and the spiritual wounds of human experience, including his latest, Post-Traumatic Jesus: Reading the Gospel with the Wounded.

Come enjoy breakfast, fellowship, and meaningful conversation on Sunday, November 15, at 9 am in Cleaver Hall as David guides us through the poetry of King David and General Patton, exploring the enduring power of faith, reflection, and hope. Together, we'll honor those who have served, those who continue to struggle, and those who have found new life in recovery.