David Niven Had a Dilemma

Radio 4's daily prayer and reflection with Father Dermot Preston
Good morning.
David Niven had a dilemma.
It was Christmas Eve 1939; Lieutenant Niven and his new platoon were due to be sent across the Channel on Christmas Day to help block a possible German attack on France. A few months earlier, just as his film career was taking-off, Niven had exited Hollywood and had re-joined the British Army which he had left in 1933.
Niven and the platoon found themselves in a run-down barn near Dover. His men were unhappy: they felt the expedition was a waste of time; their leave had been cancelled and the fact that they were being commanded by a Hollywood actor made everything seem somewhat ridiculous. Niven was aware of their hostility to him and the sarcastic whispers about his fictional bravery in various movies.
Then came his dilemma. Every night of his life it was his practice to kneel and say a simple prayer by his bed. But, on this night, he realised that if he knelt in the barn – in front of the men – it would be the final evidence of his Hollywood showboating and it would be the end of any lingering respect they might have had for him.
He took a deep breath… and knelt by his bunk and said his prayers.
When he finished he laid down on his straw billet and looked around rather sheepishly… and saw at least a dozen soldiers kneeling quietly and praying. As Niven later reflected, “It was not the first time God had entered a stable and had touched the hearts of men.”
Lord, in the sight of others give me the courage to hold fast to my beliefs this day. Amen.