Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth:
John 5: 19-20a

Over the course of my very short life I have listened to and benefited from the instruction of many great and godly men, but no matter how deep, rich or powerful their message its effect has been insignificant compared to the instruction of my father. For the last several generations parents have sent their sons out into the world, encouraging them to make their mark, to distinguish themselves and to “change the world.” To most people that meant four or six years at college, so they could get a high paying job and climb the social ladder, struggling to win their way to the top. Little did they realize that to really “change the world” they must first change themselves. However, by the grace of God, this was not the case for my Dad. He heard the call of God, he accepted the vision he was given, and in doing so, he realized that instead of focusing on having a career he needed to focus on raising a family. He came to understand that there is no better or faster way to make a difference than the one that was laid down by God Himself. To raise up after him godly seed, training them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thus preparing a way for the torch of faith to be passed on and to grow in the next generation.

In the church of our time, there has been a huge emphasis on evangelism, and spreading the gospel, but along with this has gone a phenomenon, which in like circumstances has filled the pages of history. Men have spent their fortunes, their energy, and their lives trying to “save” as many as they can, only to wake up in their old age and realize they have “lost” their children. This will not be the case for my Dad, for although he has shared his faith with many over the years, he has made sure that above all he has shared it with his family; with his sons. Because of this, my father’s faith has become my faith, and my father’s God my God. Therefore, the faith of one man has become the faith of two, and by the grace of God will become the faith of fifty and a hundred.

I am sure you’ve heard it said that no child can ever express the appreciation due his parents, and this is true in one respect, but not so in another. Yes, no son could ever verbally express sufficient thankfulness for that which he has received from his parents’ hands when on their part it has taken an entire lifetime to give. However, though words can provide but meager returns, I believe that as sons our actions, yea our lives, may prove this saying to the contrary. For a father’s true reward is seeing his labors and his vision lived out and carried to completion in the life of his son and yet furthered in the training of his grandchildren; thereby raising up many generations of mighty men and women capable of shaking the very roots of our nation and our world.

A Son’s Most Precious Inheritance

You got it from your father.
It was all he had to give.
So it’s yours to use and cherish
For as long as you may live.

If you lose the tools he gave you
They can always be replaced,
But a black mark on your name, son,
Can never be erased.

So make sure you guard it wisely
After all is said and done.
You’ll be glad your name is spotless
When you give it to your son.

My name … how can I thank my father for that, and yet how can I not, for it is through a name that the “heroism of the father” becomes the “legacy of the son.” And my Dad is my hero! I don’t have to trace my lineage to see if I am related to William Wallace or Stonewall Jackson. No, the farthest I must look back to give meaning to the history of my name is to my father. For long after he is physically gone, the spirit and banner of his vision shall live on, as his sons and grandsons for generations shall proudly carry it into the frontlines of the battles of their day wherever and only shall it wave.

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord!

Psalm 128:1-4

I Love You Dad!

Tyler