Covenant Church

“Today you will write an essay of two pages. The theme of your essay is about male heroes. Think about all of history and the person whom you most admire. “For example, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Alexander the Great, or any other person may be the hero that you want to be,” said the English teacher.

I sat there thinking. Who did I want to be like? The teacher said “male hero.” Many names went through my mind. However, to say I wanted to be like the historical “heroes” would have been a stretch.

While others wrote, my pencil did not make any marks on paper.

After a while my thoughts turned to dad—my dad -- father of nine children, with me being the middle child.

Lonnie Bare was his name -- no middle name. Dad grew up in the Great Depression with 11 brothers and sisters. He was fond of saying that his parents were too poor for a middle name.

Yes, I would write about Lonnie Bare. Dad was not tall in stature---might on the short side, not physically powerful, yet handsome, with almost pin-curl hair. He did not attend any university. He did not hold any high positions on boards or committees, nor elected political positions. To my knowledge dad never did any remarkable thing to get his name in papers, on radio, or TV.

Hero? Yes. Dad was not a complainer, nor a shirker. He was a team player and accepted responsibility as fact of life. He went to work at whatever it took to support his wife and children. Dad devoted himself to reading the Bible, caring about others, strict in his behavior to insure his integrity. An honest to God hero!

This past week a professor at Virginia Tech held the door of his classroom against a murderer long enough for his students to jump out windows. He died of multiple gunshot wounds. He is a hero!

Our generation has hastened to strip away honors from heroes of history. Whatever great deeds were done, supposed historians find some flaw or weakness in the life or person that takes away the honor of a “hero.”

I respectfully suggest that all heroes have feet of clay. All heroes are mortals from a world of sin. However, there are heroes who should be applauded. Except for Jesus, there are no heroes whom I want to be like. However, many persons in history have lived admirably and honorably, serving and even dying for their fellowman.

Jesus acknowledged that some men would die to save others. Altruism is a fact, not fiction. Men and women can be driven by love to lay down their lives for others.

God is looking for heroes--for men and women of all ages who are willing to do the right thing. Get up. Stand up. Clean up. Speak up. Walk in righteousness and holiness. Go to work. Work honestly. Minister to others. Go to church. Get involved. Be present. Be compassionate. Participate. Serve. Care. Love. Tithe.

No huff, no puff, no glory seeking. No “me and my,” no big “I” and little “you”--just honest to goodness faithfulness. The right to lead comes with faithfulness in actions and stewardship.

Dad came home from a long day’s work. Seven children sat around the table--three growing boys with bottomless stomachs. One piece of meat was left in the bowl. Dad made a motion the same time as one of his sons; dad deferred. “You take it, son.”
I wondered if Dad was still hungry. He never said a word; he just acted like nothing had happened.

Hero. God needs some heroes.

Thoughtfully rendered,

Pastor Bare

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).