Monday, August 15, 2005

"The House of the Heroes" (Nehemiah 3:16)


My Uncle Jim was a pilot who flew off aircraft carriers during World War 2 and married my grandparent's youngest daughter in 1944 just prior to being shipped off to the Pacific theater.  After the service they settled to raise their family in Lincoln, Nebraska. Uncle Jim is now the oldest living male member of our family (actually he has been for the last seven years since my Dad died). I just returned from a family reunion in Oklahoma and what a joy to visit with this hero of a life well lived.

Last year he and my Aunt Frances celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and now have two new great-grandchildren added to their tribe since last year. Uncle Jim's had some health problems lately but he has not missed a single family reunion since the tradition began in 1975 following the deaths of my grandparents. He's still quite a tease, carrying around a sack to entertain children with his "sack trick" and famous for his pancake breakfasts at the reunion.

Our culture is obsessed by heroes.  Just consider the typical hero in the sports or entertainment world. Although having great talent in their field, so often they have poor character and little in time-tested faithfulness. I recall many years ago we began to teach our children of the dedicated service of missionaries by distributing cards similar to baseball cards with a photo of the missionary as well as biographical information.  I am not sure whether or not this ever caught on, but actually I rather doubt it.

Today's Scripture verse is intriguing.  It's found in a rather matter of fact description of the city of Jerusalem as it was being rebuilt after the exile.  I was unable to find any information about this "House of heroes" in the reference works I have. I suppose it was some type of memorial to honor their great leaders.

I want you to consider the "Uncle Jim's" in your life today. You all surely have some folks you know like this. These are the people who have lived faithfully and demonstrate character in the long haul of life. Today, let us remember who these real heroes are, both living and deceased and let us honor them.  And finally let us consider what constitutes real heroism and live our lives in such a manner that by the grace of God we also might leave a legacy of faithfulness and character to those who come behind us.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Uncle Jim and his "sack trick" that has entertained several generations of children.

This morning I snapped this photo of an injured butterfly in my back yard. This poor critter is unable to fly.