We all have our heroes. They come in all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities. The typical hero is perhaps one who is well known or someone who puts their life on the line for others. Someone may be called a hero for a one-time event that made an unforgettable difference in the life of another. There are many in my life that I would call heroes today, even though I didn’t recognize them for their impact at the time.Then, there are the more obvious heroes. Among them are the firefighters, the police officers, emergency medical teams, and, of course, those who serve our nation in the military services.
Another of my personal heroes finished his course in mid-December. My dad’s younger brother, born fifth out of six boys, Glenn Peters moved into the glorious presence of Jesus in Heaven, joining Dad and two other brothers, their parents, and countless other believing friends and family members. Uncle Glenn was heroic to me in several ways. When I was much younger and the Peters clan got together at our annual Thanksgiving reunion, I would always eagerly watch for his arrival. You see, Uncle Glenn had served in the Army during the Korean War. One morning as his squad was engaged in battle, carrying and armload of ammunition, he stepped on a land mine. The scene was perhaps not unlike the dramatic representation in the movie, “We Were Soldiers”. While Uncle Glenn was a survivor, he lost most of his left arm, and his right leg was amputated just below the knee. So when his family arrived, I was always intrigued by how well he got around on his prosthetic leg, including playing in the yard with us and even kicking a football.
There is another element to Uncle Glenn’s heroism. After his Army discharge, recovery, and re-entry into civilian life, he answered God’s call and received his training for the Lord’s Army. He spent many years as a pastor, and a portion of his ministry career was as a chaplain for the Women’s Correctional system in the State of Missouri. He lived with a positive spirit and inspired many to rise above difficult circumstances and make a difference for the pleasure and glory of God.
This past February, almost 11 months ago, my son Daniel and I had the privilege of eating dinner with Uncle Glenn at his home in Missouri. Daniel had just graduated from his Army training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and it was a great honor to share that meal together.
While we can all identify and honor a few heroes in life, I want to remind you of the difference you make in the lives of others around you. When you give selflessly of your time, giftedness, and your testimony of life in Christ, you have a chance to be a hero for some young believer who is looking for people who run the race and finish the course for the pleasure and glory of God. So in your lifetime, with your lifetime, be someone else’s hero. Know Jesus with them and help them to discover the joys and hopes of God’s unfailing promises. And just so you know, Jesus is my greatest hero. He laid down His life in my place and now He stands before the Father in my behalf. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Looking for a Great New Year!!
PS (Pastor Steve)
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