... a weekly letter of encouragement.
19 August, 1998
Good Morning!
WHO ARE THE REAL HEROES?
Most of us would like to do something noble or great. Perhaps
have our names in lights...
We are captivated by outstanding speakers, renown scientists,
business tycoons, and athletes who seem to do the impossible.
And we sigh because our lives appear to be so routine. Ordinary.
Unsung.
As I observe the men with whom I am involved, however, I often
see nobility and true character being forged in them as they quietly
work through extremely trying circumstances. These silent heroes
are, for the most part unnoticed...little appreciated. Rarely
applauded.
One man has a son who is severely infirmed with a disease that
will probability take his life within the next few years. The
boy's unimaginable suffering permeates the family. But there
is a calm grace about the way they are handling it. No whining
or grousing with God as they walk through their Gethsemane.
A second man is an executive in a company where top management
steps on anyone who excels or shows any mark of genius. He refuses
however to play the corporate political games necessary to garner
the coveted positions. Brilliant in his field, he purposely
remains understated as he unobtrusively facilitates his subordinates
to help insure their success.
A third friend is enmeshed in an insoluble marriage. Yet I never
hear one word of complaint as he chooses to express compassion
and graciousness toward his spouse.
These men probably will never have their names in lights. But
in my book they are the real heroes of the faith! Heroes who
are becoming like Christ-like.
My guess is that you too have your cross...and it is not gold-plated,
smooth or shiny. Rather, it's rugged and bruising, and with
you all the time.
How you decide to respond to that cross will spell the difference
between a life of crippling bitterness that is diminishing your
inner spiritual life, or a life of praise that is surmounting,
and ascending.
"Every person will have to bear
(be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own little
load of oppressive faults...Therefore, my dear brothers, stand
firm. Let nothing move you...because you know that your labor
in the Lord is not in vain."
(Gal. 6:5 & I Cor. 15:58)
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
1 Coleman Street #02-34, The Adelphi - Singapore 0617
Phone: 337 6498; Fax: 336 9913
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or
use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
