The quality of the word you devour will determine the quality of life that you live.
Sarah Pearsons
There are people the masses will never know and will never receive accolades. Even if you are called to the masses, your success depends on those called to the trenches with you.
Some people silently watch in the background, helping and teaching you as you cultivate a life worth living. We all have mentors like this who go unnamed yet are giants in our lives, heroes who show up to lend a helping hand or talk us through a difficult decision. Teachers who wrap their arms around students or preachers who show up when we need them most. Or what about the Sunday school teacher who rarely graces the pew because she is needed with the little ones, week after week. Then there is the grocery attendant who sees your full arms with babies, and they brave the rain to come to your aid with an umbrella and an extra set of hands, only to serve.
There are silent heroes like this all through the Bible, like the women in Exodus 1:15-21, Shiphrah and Puah, who refused to kill the Hebrew babies at Pharaoh’s command. Or what about Timothy’s heritage of faith? His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, brought him up to fear the Lord. His mother never had a bestselling book, nor did his grandmother have much more than a highlight in Timothy’s writing, but their tenacity to raise and teach him the truth changed his life and those who read the words he penned.
I keep many gray-haired people around me or on speed dial, including my mother (my mother dyes her hair—wink), mainly because I don’t trust my judgment. Although it may be well thought out, I need their advice; they have walked this way before me. Now, that’s not to say I can’t decide alone. I can, but I know in a multitude of counselors, there is safety. I like safe.
I recently had an opportunity presented to me that seemed precisely where I needed to be. It was perfect. Yet, I didn’t have any vision for the position whatsoever. But I didn’t think much about it; it was months before the position needed my attention, and current summer plans were calling my name. Besides, I enjoyed serving, and I was happy to fill the spot if needed.
A few weeks passed, and the same lady who had offered me the position came back. She sat at my table and spoke honestly. My mother and father have always taught me that your kitchen table, if used, will be one of the most treasured happenings in the home; leave the conversations there; you will need them later.
She stared at me point blank over a glass of ice water and summer salad. She said, “I don’t think you’re right for the position. I keep hearing the Lord telling me, No.” She went on to say that, even though this was a volunteer position, it would require more of me than she thought I could handle with three little ones. She knew my commitment to my home, which gave her great pause. But she wanted me to pray about it. I replied, “I will do as you have asked, but really. I don’t need to pray. The Lord sent you. He is heading off a problem before it starts.” Her counsel and wisdom in my life over the past years have proven trustworthy.
If someone dares to back up, we need to listen. God knew something I didn’t at the time. I would not be able to take on the load of that position, and he sent a hero to tell me.
When training young colts, my father will only ride them once he has taught them to back up from the ground. Not all trainers do this, and it is a grave mistake. It is fundamental; without it, a wreck is inevitable. People who are willing to back up or step in front of us and offer counsel are heroes who go unnoticed.
The key to quality in my life is the Bible. It gives me great peace and power. The promises of God’s word will always fulfill the power of His word. Story after story in the Bible shows God’s goodness upon His people. God’s blessings were here before the curse. It is God’s delight for us to walk according to the blessing, not the curse. In order to do this, we must heed and listen to those who have a voice in our lives.
Spiritual Giants are those who continually say yes to God.
Dr. Annesley – Susanna Wesley’s father.
(People don’t just become great. A hero paves their way.)
I had to take the phone call. The conversation in front of me would have to wait a minute. I took the call, beaming inside and out because they called only to tell me how much they loved me. When I hung up, I looked back at the lady who had stopped to browse my table. “I’m sorry, I said casually, but that was my little girls. It was a call I couldn’t miss.” She smiled, saying nothing, and walked away. Not long gone, she stopped, turned around, and said, “No matter how old they get, it will always be an important call. Take it.”
She will go unnamed in my life, but her willingness to stop and speak to a young mother became a heroic moment. Silent heroes are all around us. Watch for them.
I said let age speak, and a multitude of years teach wisdom. Job 32:2
