“A Tale of Only Two Lives”
It will take more then the hanging of the Ten Commandments in schools to acquire these virtues. As a matter of fact and please indulge me as I make this statement—radical as it is no politician whether Democrat or Republican can instill these values in America by mere legislation. The values I’m referring to are illustrated in the tale of two living stories. The virtues of these two men did not originate with government nor legislation nor did they nurture them. They came by another source.
Whether it's a traditional two parent home or a home with a lone surrogate parent, children will never grow to acquire these virtues if visible, caring, supportive, faith inspiring, and loving adults do not model them before the children. Adults—please hear me—what you are speaks so loudly that your youngsters can’t hear what you are saying. This is the tale of two lives, each one with uncommon valor. Please listen as you read.
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 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 Sunday.
On July 11, 1924, Lidell won that race and was showered with Olympic glory. But in stead of cashing in on the fame, Liddell followed in his parent’s footsteps, becoming a missionary to China. Just 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 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. But have you heard 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 virtue obviously some journalists have had a difficult time grasping the depth and beauty of his 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 today? Many no longer exist, having laid down their lives for their fellowman. At a time when America could benefit greatly from 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-promotion, 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 on 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. But I could have included yours. I'm sure you're probably not a world-class athlete or a war hero, but nonetheless, you are virtuous. Why do I say this?The fact that you support your community and trust God, while others harbor disdain and contempt about America, tells something 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 sacrificehis life. Please be advised, virtue won't 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 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. I ask you, can America count on you?
Terry Dashner.
FFC…PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013…918-451-0270…Terry Dashner…
About the Author
Pastors a small church in Broken Arrow, OK. 918-451-0270