Mount Rushmore Part II

My own personal Rushmore. So we all have our own Rushmores: writers, books, teachers/preachers, experiences in life...those that have litterally altered the course of your life, changed the way you think and believe, shaped you as a person and as a Christian.

Today I'll share my Rushmore of People. These are actual people that I have known living and breathing. I am not including "hero" type folks who I may have met, but could never drop in on them at their home. So these people are people I know and they also know me. Here goes...

Oh, and I'm not including Moma or Daddy. I have an awesome Mom and Dad, but for the general idea I didn't think it fit. Parents are the single greatest influence in your most formative years. I am more like my Dad and Mom than I even know (though there are areas that I wish I were more so). So they are the hands down on the mountain. So now to the list...

But you know, your wife/husband is right there with your parents. I mean there is no one who knows me better than my wife. There is no one I've changed for or with as much as her. There's no one who is better for me (God made us for one another). So she would be the cornerstone figure - not really fair to name her in the list. That would be too easy. So, for the moment you've been waiting for...

Then I realize that some of them may read this. So I must say that these are in no particular order. Here they are...

OK. I know that there are people who may expect to be in the list and are not. I do not in any way intend to say that this is exhaustive. I could not possibly list every influential person in my life. So the list is incomplete and in no order. On with it...

Papaw (Doc Smith) - My Papaw is more man than I could say in a paragraph or in a book. I have never seen him angry (really), never heard him speak evil of another person. I have heard him speak of Jesus Christ with words that speak of years of walking with him. He has always been free with words of encouragement - not ever empty flattery, but meaningful heart-speak. I'm not going to go on and on, but I could.

John Yates - Brother John was the first person I knew who was young (probably 18-20 when I met him) and sold-out to Jesus. I learned so much about what a young man could be, but that's not why he's listed here. I will be the first to admit that I walked away from all that he stood for. The reason he's here, is because in a very real sense he taught me how to be a critical thinker. Not critical in a negative way, but learning to think purposefully to learn what to believe and what to do. He helped me by teaching me at an early age some foundational doctrines from scripture. God used those things in my life, and I am grateful to John Yates for being one who sowed those seeds.

Stan Wyant - I remember clearly the first time I ever saw Stan. There are many events since then that I have forgotten (and he should too). I remember the first words I heard Stan speak were a commitment to live for Jesus Christ. I knew then that we would be friends, but I had no idea how close or how important Stan would be in my life. Stan's growth in Christ seemed like a rocket shooting past me as I stood still. He is like the big brother I never had. He has said harsh things to me at times, but always from a heart that loved me and sought my best well-being.

Mark Keaton - Mark is quite a man. He restores my faith in a younger generation. In the short time I've known Mark(about a year), he has been an encouragement to me unrivaled by any other. This man calls me "Pastor", respects his pastor, and loves his pastor deeply - and he makes me feel humbled to be his pastor. Mark's humility and love for Jesus Christ go forth from him like radiant light - you can't help but see it. Mark helped light a fire in my son, Michael, to stretch beyond the limits of where I live. This has had a profound effect on the kind of relationship Michael and I have, and has brought me much joy and fulfillment.

President George W. Bush - I don't know him. I just wanted to make you think for a second that I did. I would like to, so if anyone has an opportunity to introduce...you may be on my Rushmore of favorite people.

I made a list, and I'm not mentioning 11 more people who were on the list. There are atleast that many more. This reminds me of the turtle sitting on top of a fence post - you know he didn't get there by himself...he had some help. And while I'm not saying I am somebody or have arrived anywhere, I am saying who I am and where I am is by the grace of God through the help of a bunch of people.

(With the exeption of Pres.Bush) These are not people who will necessarily be heralded in the paper, magazines, or from any large venue stage. They are people you may not know, and if you don't you probably never will. I don't particularly want to promote their fame by naming them in my Rushmore. I have 2 goals in mind. First, this is a method of saying "thank you" to these people who have given of themselves for me. Secondly, I hope to inspire you to put some thought into the course of your life. To prompt you to realize that you didn't get where you are alone - you are not a self-made man/woman. God has worked in your life, and He has used people to shape you. His grace for caring about you at all, but don't write off the willingness of others to love you in ways great and small.

Post a comment to share your Rushmore People. And then maybe give them a call and tell them how much they mean to you.

Pastor