20 Minutes with a Hero

In the guide for his memorial service, it says that there are those who know about Chris Kyle, those who know of Chris Kyle and there are those who really know Chris Kyle. While I’m certain I don’t fit in that latter category (I didn’t know him), I don’t think I just knew about or of him either. I find myself somewhere in the middle.

Before I go any further, let me admit that the essence of a man can never be fully understood or grasped by anyone other than those who are closest to him. That is sacred ground for his wife and children, and those select few he chooses to let in. It should never be purported to be understood by someone who doesn’t truly know him. But one thing was clear from today’s memorial service for Chris. The essence of who he was as a man was evident to anyone who ever met him, even if it was just for a moment.

One day last year, I had the honor and privilege of seeing that essence up close. I had the chance to spend 20 minutes with Chris Kyle. No cameras were around (besides my phone). No press was recording the conversation. No one else even knew about it. But during that brief conversation, it was clear that Chris had vitality, humility, and security in his spirit. When you live the kind of life Chris did (and I’m not talking about what he did for a living); when you are the kind of man that Chris was, it permeates every aspect of your life, every conversation you have. It’s clear to anyone and everyone just what kind of man you are. Even if he only spends 20 minutes with you. That’s what I had. 20 minutes.

After he had spoken at our church one weekend, I was asked to walk with him out to his truck. And when I shook his hand, something happened that completely caught me off guard. Chris found out that I had served in the Marine Corps.

Immediately, that contagious, mischievous smile so many talked about today worked its way across his face. There was a squint of his eyes. He winked. And then he said four words I never dreamed of hearing from a hero of Chris’ caliber (pun intended). He shook my hand (again) and said, “Thank you for serving.”

Now, at this point, let me make something very clear. Yes, I served in the Marine Corps. But I was in the Corps during peacetime. I trained. I prepared. I trained some more. I spent time on the range and perfected my craft. But I never went to war. It’s one of the biggest regrets of my life (not that I wish we were at war, but any Marine will tell you that’s what they are there for…to go to war.) I would in no way say my time in the Marine Corps came anywhere close to what the men and women of our Armed Forces today are facing. I certainly wouldn’t begin to put my service on the level of Chris Kyle’s. But he did. In his mind, serving is serving.

When he thanked me, my response was something to the effect of, “Are you &^$%# kidding me?!” Another smile. Then he put his arm on my shoulder and said, “Look, I’m serious. You and I are no different.  I was just in a different place at a different time with different opportunities.” Like I said. Unexpected.

Chris Kyle was a lot of things to a lot of people. There’s no way anyone can put into words all that he meant to them. Me? I think I can boil it down to one word. Hero. Not in the sense of a man who rushed into a hail of bullets to rescue someone (though Chris did that). Not in the sense that his family understands it (no one else will ever know that depth of Chris). Not in the sense that this nation sees his heroism. Though all of that is true about Chris.

Chris Kyle is a hero to me because during that 20 minute conversation, it was clear that he allowed Jesus to shine through him to other people. He truly cared for and valued everyone he ever met. Even if it was just for 20 minutes.

There was no pretense to Chris Kyle. There was no ‘personality’ to Chris Kyle. There was only the person of Chris Kyle…the kind of person who is genuine, real, dedicated. The kind of person that has the sense of security and self-assuredness that are only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

And for that, I can truly say "Thank you, Chris Kyle…"

The Hardest Part of Writing

They say the hardest part of writing is the first line. Well, that’s done. That first line is down on paper…well, you know what I mean. So now what? What they don’t tell you is that after that first line, there’s a second. And a third. And so on until the final punctuation mark is down. And even then it’s not really ‘done’. Because the truth is, writing is never finished. Any artist will tell you, even after—especially after—a work is done, there are a million things they’d do differently. Because when it’s done, that’s when the critique begins. That’s the hardest part.

When Michelangelo finished his work on the Sistine Chapel, I can see him looking up at his masterpiece. And in that moment, amongst the cheering chorus of those blessed enough to set eyes upon it, I promise he saw the flaws. I imagine he looked up at what everyone else saw as perfection and could immediately point out where he would have used a different stroke, or a different brush, or placed a hand at a slightly different angle.

But that’s how it is with art. The artist is always his or her worst critic. So when the first line of any writing is done, that’s only the beginning of the painful process. The hardest part is far from over.

The Dividing Line

As a society, we like to think about all the options and possibilities to a problem or question. We like to dissect it and look at the angles. We want shades of gray, not just black and white, because black and white is just too concrete. We want to include everyone, so we often refuse to draw a line. A hard decision on either side means there will be those on the other side. And for whatever reason, we’re just not comfortable with that. We want to open our arms and say, “Sure. Your point of view makes sense. I can see how you think that. And in fact, I think our different stances can coexist."

But there are times when that doesn’t work. Christmas is one of those times.

“What?! Christmas…a time of division? I thought it was all about family and carols and presents and peace on earth?"

But if you think about it, Christmas is one of the most divisive times ever. It should be. How can I say that? I can’t. I’m simply echoing what Jesus himself said.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:52

When Jesus came to the earth (which, as much as our world likes to try to forget it, is what Christmas is all about), his mission was simple: Usher people into a relationship with the Almighty God of the universe.

That’s not an easy mission, because too many people (for a multitude of reasons) don’t want to hear it. They feel unworthy. They don’t believe. They are angry. They are apathetic. The list is endless. But the truth is that there are no shades of gray with this one.

There’s a reality about this time of year that we often forget. Jesus—our savior, our redeemer, our forgiver, our priest, our king, our Lord—is the most divisive person to ever walk the earth. Our job is not to make him less divisive. Our job is to show people the reality of who he is. Our job is to tell people how he changed our lives; how he brought us from one side of the dividing line to the other. Our job is to tell people how Jesus brought us from pathetically dying to truly living.

This weekend, right now, you have a choice to make. You can look at the birth of Jesus through one of two lenses. Either you look at it as the moment God came to earth to save you, and that you now have a responsibility to tell others. Or you think, “That’s a nice story,” and go on watching your ‘holiday’ specials.

Don’t mistake the message of Christmas this year. Instead, show people how strong the dividing line is…and how much God wants them to be on the side with him!

My Prayer for America

Dear Heavenly Father,

As our nation prepares to elect our next President, I come to you with humility. I pray that over the course of today, you would guide us with your wisdom and direction. We know, God, that no political party holds the key to our future and that no presidential candidate is our savior. Our future, our slavation, our hope is found only in your son, Jesus Christ. I pray earnestly that this great nation returns to that truth.

As you have done so many times before, I pray that you grant America favor to illuminate your truth in the world. Lead us into our future with your hand. Use us as the example of a nation that is surrendered to your will. Instill us with the humility it takes to make a difference. As you say in your word, nations will rise and fall, but your kingdom will reign forever. Help us to fall in line with your will so that we will not fall out of favor in your eyes.

I believe in the greatness of the United States of America. I believe that you have set us apart to be an example in the world of humility before you, trust in you, and reliance upon you. And I believe that if we submit to your will, then you will honor us as we honor you.

Today, God, let us remember who it is that holds our future. Let us rely on you more than any one thing. I thank you for the blessing of living in this country. And I thank you for the grace that you have granted us these 236 years. Lord, grant us your favor once again as we return to relying on you.

In Jesus Christ's name,

Amen