The Measure of a Man

My son, a 15-year old soon-to-be Eagle Scout, is wiser than most adults sometimes. While listening to an NPR piece about the effect the Michael Vick scandal will have on the Falcons team, he told his Dad, "They might not find a better quarterback, but they can find a better man."

You see, David is surrounded by men who live their lives honorably. He has seen positive examples of manhood.

My husband's late father was one of them. He was 20-year Navy man who loved his family more than anything else. He had a sharp temper and a wicked sense of humor. He was occasionally very rough around the edges, and softened by the love and influence of Kenny's mother. He loved being a police officer, but took a job at the post office because he needed to better support his family. He was a man who always tried to do the right thing regardless of the cost or how much easier the wrong thing would have been. He was a man who was changed for the better because of the presence of God in his life.

My Dad is a minister. He was a supervisor in the electrical department at the paper mill to pay the bills, but "minister" defines who he is. He is a gentle soul, kind, compassionate, unwavering in his faith, wise, soft-spoken. I can't tell you how many people I've met, who say, "Yes, I know your Dad. He is such a good man." He lives his life in service to others and to God.

There are others in David's life - scoutmasters, clergy members, teachers, friends - but most of all, David watches his Dad. He sees Kenny's faithfulness to our family and to his faith. He sees Kenny's stubborn refusal to compromise on issues of importance. He sees Kenny lovingly indulge my whims and eccentricities. He is able to articulate his beliefs, and often has discussions with others about what we believe.

I am fortunate enough to now have been married half my life to my best friend. Twenty years ago today, I vowed to submit myself unto him as unto the Lord, and he promised to love me as Christ loves the church and give his life for me. Although I have not always managed my part well, I have never regretted it.

Happy Anniversary, Kenny!

anything but typical



A Few Good Men by Bill Gaither


What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.

God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.

Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.

He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open and He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.

Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.