A Tale of Two Lives

Whether a traditional two parent home or a home with a surrogate parent, children will never grow to acquire these virtues if visible, caring, supportive, faith inspiring, and loving adults do not instill them in the kids. These adults can only model these values. Adults—please hear me—what you are speaks so loudly that your youngsters can’t hear what you are saying to them. This is the tale of only two lives, each one with uncommon valor. Please listen as you read it.

He died of a brain tumor on February 21, 1945. His biographer, Sally Magnusson, wrote that most people who knew Eric, “observed the consistency of his life.” In the research she did for the biography of Eric’s life, she thought she had found some flaws in this stalwart character. She came across an eyewitness to the behavior of the missionaries who were incarcerated with Eric during the last days of his life. The eyewitness had nothing good to say about the Western missionaries in the Japanese internment camps—just reports of tempers lost, heavy moralizing, and selfishness. The eyewitness, however, had this to say about Eric. “It is rare indeed when anyone has the good fortune to meet a saint, but he comes as close to one as anyone I have ever known.” He, of course, was referring to Eric Liddell.

Maybe you’ve heard Liddell’s story. If not, listen up. In 1924 at the Olympic Games in Paris, he refused to run a heat scheduled on a Sunday. According to Liddell’s convictions, he would have violated the Sabbath by running on Sunday. Not to worry though. Liddell managed to negotiate an unheard-of switch from the 100-meter race he had been scheduled to run to the 400 meter, for which he had not trained. The 400-meter race would not be run on a Sunday. On July 11, 1924, Lidell won that race and was showered with Olympic glory. In stead of cashing in on the fame, Liddell followed in his parent’s footsteps, becoming a missionary in China. Before Japan invaded China, Liddell was able to get his wife and daughters out of the country to Canada. His wife was pregnant with his third daughter at the time. He never got to see her. He died in a prison camp. He was a man who did not compromise his convictions for a life of ease. And his convictions stayed with him until his death. Where are the Eric Lidells of today?

Once again, I remind you that this is a tale of only two lives. His name was Pat Tillman. He turned his back on fame and fortune to serve as an enlisted man in the United States Army in Afghanistan. I’m sure you’ve heard his story. Have you heard, however, that his honor has been impugned and trashed by an American journalist? After all it’s a free press in America. And any idiot can say anything. Someone once said that it’s better to remain silent and let people think you’re ignorant then to speak and remove all doubt. Pat Tillman was so far advanced in virtues that some journalists have had a difficult time grasping the depth and beauty of his heroism and impeccable valor. So they’ve chosen to spew trash about him, calling him a chump. But this isn’t about the spineless naysayers, This is the story from which legends are made.

I ask you. Where are the Pat Tillmans? Many no longer exist, having laid down their lives for their fellowman. At a time when America could benefit greatly by the stories of men like Tillman, America is having to endure the force-fed-slop of journalists who are looking to make a name for themselves, even if it means trashing men like Tillman. Shame on them. They, by their self-promoting, are driving this nation to despair. Because of men like Tillman, I feel good about America, my faith, and my service to this country. It is men like Tillman that make me want to reflect goodness instead of evil, character instead of wrongdoing, blessings instead of denunciations. I pledge to honor Tillman’s sacrifice and thank God for his selfless devotion to my country on every occasion. So help me, God.

This is the tale of only two lives. I could have included yours. No, you probably aren’t a world-class athlete or a war hero, but nonetheless, you are virtuous. The fact that you support you community, family and God, while others harbor disdain and contempt about America, tells something good about you. The fact that you can read a paper like this and be moved by it speaks volumes about your pride and character. You, the everyday person that prays and works for the good of others, you are the one who carries this nation. If the country were left to naysayers only, it would become yesterday’s news overnight.

In each of these stories, I named an individual who turned his back on the good life to serve his fellowman and who ultimately gave the supreme sacrifice---his life. Please be advised, virtue can not be found in every person because it’s a rare gem and costs more than some are willing to pay; however, for those who do possess it and share its value willingly, I think America would do well to learn from these beautify people and esteem their heroism above all else. What is needed in America more than greater material possessions, more than the “right” politicians, more than the harangue of Hollywood’s elite, is more Adults modeling virtuous lives before the little ones. If we lose this generation to their self-interest, we will lose, period. I think America is at a crossroads in history. She can move forward and change the world by current world events, or she can move into isolation and despair, hoping the world goes away. The later choice is weak and unrealistic. The times are not going to get easier, according to the Bible; therefore, we need to batten down the hatches and sow seeds of true character and virtue, to harvest the New World that’s soon coming. Remember, character still counts. May America count on you?

Terry Dashner.

FFC…PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013…918-451-0270…Terry Dashner…