Atticus, Ronald, and George
The Bailey Family from Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Mothers seem to have a way of saying exactly what you need to hear.
Amidst the continued grind (albeit with numbered days), I recently sent a few messages back and forth to my Mom and Dad about how much I have been looking forward to coming home and some of the challenges I’ve been facing in the final weeks of this chapter of life.
As my good mother often does, she reminded me to think of my family and their continued support, what I owe to my country and myself as I finish this thing out, and threw a few examples from both history and fiction of the kind of man, leader, and faithful servant I ought to strive to be.
Back in high school, I had a rather pensive Language Arts teacher who once compared me to Atticus Finch. I still haven’t quite figured out the correlation, but I’ll take it. No matter what revisionists try to say to slander him, and despite his flaws, my entire family and I revere the name of President Ronald Reagan. I’ll never forget us crowded around the TV watching that man’s funeral on television back in 2004. And who hasn’t had their heart warmed by the one and only George Bailey as he learns the value of his life and what he means to those around him, learning to trust God all the while? My wife loves that movie dearly, and it’s found its way into my top 5, hands down. I adore George Bailey - he sure seems like a swell guy.
Although we are human beings with flaws, struggles, and challenges, we should have those who we admire and aspire to emulate. There are many examples of men and women in history, Scripture, and fiction who exemplify honorable character, even with their imperfections. The three characters my mother mentioned are no exception. An old pastor told me that we ought to accept our friends and family “warts and all.” Our heroes should fall under this rule as well. They all have their intrinsic value; that said, the ones that stand out are the ones on the path toward righteousness.
This subtle reminder of old Atticus, Ronald and George was timed well. Too many times I find myself wanting to become apathetic, throw in the towel, take the low road. True persons of character might get beat up, but they push on and come out the other side with their heads held high. I’ve gotta do the same. We all owe it to each other. We have to cross that finish line, time and time and time again.
We can only hope that our legacies for family, the people we’ve worked alongside, and the people with whose paths we will cross down the road will be of honor and virtue. We won’t succeed on our own. It’s a worthy fight, and one what none of us can do without the intercession of others.
Well, Christmas is coming early this year. My own version of Bedford Falls is waiting with open arms when I get home. Dear Lord, help me finish this race well. Bring me home.
-MJVW