Passing the Baton

“Every man is born twice. Once when his mother gives birth. The second time is when his father dies.” – Anonymous

I am a blessed man.

Ten days ago my father passed away. He was 93 years old. He lived a long and healthy life. He was in control of his mental and physical faculties until the end. He simply took a nap one afternoon and woke up in heaven. What a way to go!

As a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, I am confident that my dad is in the presence of God. He is walking hand in hand with my mom on the “streets of gold” (Revelation 21:21). I look forward to seeing him again one day. That’s what we followers of Jesus Christ call the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

My dad set a good example of how to consistently live out one’s faith in Jesus Christ. He left a legacy of integrity and an example that all of his children, grandchildren and those he mentored would be proud to emulate. He was the epitome of Proverbs 20:7: “A righteous man who walks in his integrity – How blessed are his sons [and daughters] after him.”

To “walk” in integrity means to be a sincere, honest, and truthful person. That was my dad. What you saw in him was what you got. He never tried to be someone he wasn’t. He was the real deal. Genuine. Guileless. Sincere. And he was also an honest man. In fact, he was even honest when it cost him. If he made a promise and he later found out it was not to his advantage to follow through on that promise – he did it anyway. His word was his bond. As Psalm 15 says he was willing to “swear to his own hurt.” He kept his word even when it cost him. And my dad was also a man of truth. He loved the truth – and was never at a loss for words to tell it. Sincere. Honest. Truthful. That was my dad. And I loved him for it.

My prayer has been for a long time now that my example would bless my children and grandchildren and those I mentor. I want that to be my legacy – just like it was for my father. And when I lay on my death bed, I want to be able to hear my children say: “We are blessed because we had a dad who was a man of integrity.”

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; Favor is better than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

Thanks for your example of integrity, dad. Love you “Pops”! Celebrate well in the presence of our God. Looking forward to seeing you and mom again and sharing in that “glorious, inexpressible joy” you are reveling in together (1 Peter 8:1 – NLT).

Read more about Living a Godly Life in my book Every Man Jack available on Amazon(www.amazon.com/Every-Man-Jack-Becoming-Wants/dp/1973680386) and Westbow Press (www.westbowpress.com), and wherever books are sold.