A True Mans' Man

“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

We all need heroes in our lives. We all need to have someone to look to who has come before us and run their race in such a way to mark themselves in such a way that they have grounded themselves in a core set of beliefs. Sadly, many misunderstand the need for a hero in their life and rather practice hero worship which will always disappoint as man is not perfect.

My favorite hero from history is Richard Winters. His exploits were chronicled by Stephen Ambrose in “Band of Brothers” and were later put on film in a mini series of the same name. As I read Ambrose’s tome and the subsequent memoirs that were published by Winters himself, I was amazed at the courage and strength displayed by this man. His actions during WWII can only be described as a man who understood the times and knew what he must do. Winters thrust himself into the situation and became part of the best among the best as he led Easy Company who were part of the Allies march to liberate Europe. To me, Richard Winters epitomizes what it means to be a “Mans’ Man.”

Each generation will have their time and the true men of that generation will need to take their stand by understanding the times in which they live. The greatest example that any generation can take is to understand those who came before them and to build upon the lessons that were learned by the witnesses to times in the past. The “great cloud of witnesses” described in Hebrews were those who faced great strife but were able to muster strength and courage through their faith and create their individual testimony by how they reacted to understanding their time.

As each of us moves forward in our respective walks, never forget those who came before you. Never allow their sacrifice and their courage to go to waste. Build your faith upon that which you have been shown.