Patterns, Examples and Legacies

Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.

Easy Eddie had met a lady, fallen in love, gotten married, and they had a boy, they nicknamed Butch. Butch was a harmless infant, but he had a big impact on Eddie. Fatherhood made him sit up and look at what he was doing, and what it would be like to raise a kid. He decided he was going to do the right thing by Butch, so he turned state's evidence and testified against Al Capone. Snitching against your boss usually might get you fired, but this was the mob he turned against. Pretty soon, Easy Eddie got fitted for some cement shoes, and there was no more Eddie.

Butch saw all this, knew what his dad died for, and it made a deep impression. He grew up and became a pilot, flying a fighter during World War II. It came his turn to do something heroic. He did it, and the film on his warplane's camera bore it out. Chicago named an airport after war hero Butch, O'Hare Airport.

The life you are leading is an example. The pattern is being set, your legacy is being lived, whether in broad strokes or little moves or words. What conclusions will be drawn about what is important to you? What will it motivate others to do? Will you be Easy Eddie before Butch, or Butch after Easy Eddie? You decide.

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud.