An ordinary hero is a person who quietly (pastors don’t qualify) and faithfully serves. These are people we should honor. Do you know any ordinary heroes? Send them to me at chris [at] theredbrickchurch.org
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Free-lance author, Shannon Popkin, wrote about this week’s ordinary hero. While Shannon is a bit biased (Roger is her dad), I will personally vouch for this hero: one of my heroes too. May Roger’s tribe increase.
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Roger is my ordinary hero. He’s my dad. Here are three heroic things about him:
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He’s faithful. There hasn’t been even one of my thirty eight-years that my dad sat out of serving as a deacon, a finance committee member, or a Sunday School teacher. Many a late Saturday night, I’d find him asleep at his desk, with pages of a commentary making indentations into his forehead. I knew better than to think he got bored. A more likely cause would be the 4 hours of sleep per night that his week had allowed. But no matter how much his work demanded of him, my dad has always made time for ministry. He counts it a privilege.
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He’s loyal. My dad makes our church look good. My dad has supported our church’s leadership, even when lifelong friends had the door swinging behind them; even when his expertise didn’t seem to be valued quite as much. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
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He Imparts Hope. You might be ready to leave or quit or (worse) stay and make a scene, but after a conversation with my dad, you’ll have neutralized frustration and renewed hope. You’ll wonder how God is going to use this for his glory. You’ll have a smile that you caught from my dad.
When I grow up, Shannon, I want to be just like your dad.
Me, too, Patricia. He’s a hero of the faith.
I agree with Shannon’s assessment of this exemplary man!
We’re already grown up and Roger has been and still is our hero! He took the Apostle Paul’s admonition seriously in 1 Cor. 15:58….”Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”.
I believe this about your dad, Shannon. I only wish that all those yrs ago when I spent those months in your parents’ home I would have opened my eyes and received the grace offered me so freely and lovingly…they both possess true wisdom and godliness. I saw that close up and personal, just didn’t recognize it as valuable then. Now I do. Thank You, God, that now I do!! I remember many things I saw your dad do for me and others. Everything you said is consistent w/ what I observed. “An ordinary hero”, an extraordinary man.
Shannon;
When I grow up, I want to be just like your dad too! I can personally vouch for everything about him that you wrote in your article; I am proud to be called his friend!
Randy
Perhaps a loyal person (#2 above) is rewarded with loyal friendships? Certainly true for my dad, Roger.
Doug & Judy, Randy & Kim, Cheryl & Eric, and others… You’ve each contributed to my dad’s life in very significant ways!
Shannon – What a wonderful tribute to a man who is after God’s own heart — your dad. Roger has been used of the Lord in my life in numerous ways –even to this day: It started as my ABF Class Leader, my mentor & friend, my work colleague — boss, and most of all as my brother in Christ.
When I think of Faithful and loyal servant of God, I think of your dad. I am honored to be considered His friend.
Linda