A Jon Post
For those of you who didn’t know, I traveled to the USA about 2 weeks ago to be a part of my brother’s wedding. Paul, the youngest of my siblings, got married to an incredible woman. As part of his ceremony I, along with my brothers and Paul’s best friend, addressed his bride about the man she was marrying. I wanted to take this blog and share what I said to Paul’s wife and try to honor him. Paul has made an incredible difference in my life, encouraging me, strengthening me, and pushing me towards Christ. Here’s what I shared with his beautiful bride last Saturday.
Becky,
Some men strive for great things.
Some men of us love wildly, drink deeply, run hard and live life well.
Some men grow old and wise, living in the broken and the whole.
Some men walk feebly, risk little and live long.
Paul is none of these men.
Some men laugh often, battle fiercely, love their wives with clear eyes and live to be remembered.
These men we look to, marvel at and extol them for their strength of will and arm, their heart of fire and purity, and we remember them well.
These we call Great Men.
Paul is none of these.
For there are yet some…
Some very few…
These hold another title altogether…
These names we men whisper in dark places to find our courage. We read these names in reverent and solemn tones, hushed so as not to tarnish their legacy.
These are the “Mighty Men”.
These are the Heroes.
These of those of whom the world is not worthy.
The man standing before you today…
Here is one of those.
Here is Josheb-Basshebeth, spear in hand, smiling at the approaching 800 enemies.
Here is Eleazar, taunting thousands as his allies retreat, sword frozen in his hand.
Here is Shammah, standing his ground in a field of lentils, roaring to announce his solitary advance against thousands.
Here is Benaiah, laughing at the bad weather, following a lion into an icy pit.
Here is Samson, bone in his closed fist, bringing death at blinding speeds to his enemies.
Here is Jim Elliot, giving what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Here is Horatio Spafford, writing that it is well with his soul as the waves of suffering threaten to crush.
Here is Keith Green, singing and shouting truth to a generation mired and drowning in its own selfishness and greed.
Here is Paul Heller…
Here is one of our Mighty Men.
Here is one of our Heroes.
You tread a path few women are blessed have to known.
We mere men could not be more proud to be at his side today.
I… his brother…
I am proud to be known as the brother of the hero…
I love this man.
I know you do.
Paul Heller…
Your Mighty Man
The Hero of your heart.
Love him well my lady
Love him well.
Hi, Jon.I was just sharing today with a friend about your and Chris’ family, the Williams, about how I respect and am in awe with how many miles can be between all of you and how it doesn’t affect how close you remain. Also about your family’s faithfulness not only to one another but to God. We also have been on the subject of missions a lot lately due to the fact that our oldest children are currently on their way home from being on a ten day trip to Cochabamba Bolivia with a mission team from our church. We realize that they are going to come home changed for God’s glory. We don’t know where it may lead, but we know that wherever that may be is better than us trying to hold them closer when God’s calling. I brought up the heart for missions that the Williams have and told her a bit about the work you’re currently doing and a bit about your upbringing that led to it. We also homeschool our children and seeing your family inspires us and encourages us when we struggle with the unknowns. I think I may need to give Vicki a call and get some advice. Having said all of that, your post about your brother coming after this conversation just totally affirms us two mothers on so many levels. Thank you for sharing. God’s so amazing!!!
Jon, thank you for inspiring that brother of yours to want to smile, taunt, roar, and laugh …. and to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. I continue to pray for you both, and for the rest of us mere mortals, to run our races harder. Why do we so easily content ourselves with just being a bit above average, or, at best, great? This is not what we are called to, is it? Thank you for reminding us.
Love, Mom
Awesome, really beautiful to witness such love,honor and respect between brothers :) The greatest part is that it is all to the glory of God!