We use the word “love” too losely in our culture. Another word we take for granted is “God.” Some use it in vain and others in the past would not even utter it on their lips because it was too holy only to write it down slowly in reverence of each stroke of the quill to parchment. Another word we toss around cavalierly is “hero.”

One of my heroes in life is Dr Tim Lee a U.S. Marine and now evangelist www.TimLee.org who stepped on a grenade in Vietnam in early 1970’s, and both legs were blown off. I first heard Evangelist Tim Lee preach over 22 years ago and was forever touched. Outside of the call on my life to preach the Gospel, Bro Tim Lee is one of the reasons I felt compelled to enter full-time evangelism. Very few preach with power like Tim Lee in the pulpit. When I was Minister of Evangelism at Dunkirk Baptist Church in Maryland from 1999-2001, I was blessed to book Tim to preach not once but two revivals at our church and we witnessed 101 salvations! For the past three decades, Dr. Tim Lee has preached in a wheel chair (without legs). Truth be told, Tim Lee STANDS taller than me even while sitting down. Not talking about his height but his heart! I will always look up to Dr Tim Lee. He is a patriot to the core (perhaps because of serving in the Corps).

One of the greatest honors of my life is serving as an Advisory Board member with AMERICA’S HEROES OF FREEDOM and we raise awareness and monies for the wounded troops. What a great time to donate a gift to this great group www.AmericasHeroes.us With “Memorial Day” weekend approaching us I thought it appropriate to honor one of America’s finest. Speaking of “cavalier” I learned of a son of Virginia whom nearly a decade ago, Jonathan Faff, USMC was enrolled in college but was called out to fight for freedom. He did two tours in Afghanistan and another in Iraq. I heard the story where his family prayed for him non stop as he helped safeguard our shores overseas. At various holiday festivities his seat was empty while he fulfilled his obligations far, far away.

His family prayed that God would protect him and his platoon as they and all of our armed services protected us. The Scriptures note: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” After serving two tours overseas his family thought he was out of harms way but once a Marine – always a Marine. He thought he was transitioning out but was called back in for one more trip to war. His family gasped and prayed for the best but some feared the worse while on “pins and needles” because in this case three times didn’t guarantee a charm. While America was sleeping safe in bed, Jonathan Faff and his fellow soldiers burned the midnight oil defending democracy while fighting for freedom.

By God’s grace, Jonathan returned home and re-entered classes at the prestigious Virginia Military Institute – VMI. What typically takes four years took this patriot nearly a decade due to the ongoing wars. When most sat down, he stood up and stepped out. When most would have “quit” he quietly did what his country asked of him. He obeyed his orders and served two Presidents of two political parties with two totally different political philosophies but never waivered from the single task at hand.

Some suggest that “heroes” hold a microphone and sing on stage. Others consider those that can hit a small ball over a long fence or whom wear underwear with a colorful cape and save the day in a cartoon world. Heroes for me also come in various shapes and sizes. Some are registered nurses who compassionately care for the elderly and dying. Some are found in classrooms, teachers (public, private and home schooled) who sacrificially instruct our prized possessions (children) to go and grow en route to becoming model citizens. Our first responders (police, firemen and EMT) who walk in when most would run out to ensure peace, safety and good-will to men. Ministers of the Gospel whom could have been anything under the sun but elected to obey a call and forsake a career to point people to a personal relationship with Christ. The list is not endless because “hero” is reserved for the faithful few and not handed out like a government lunch in the inner city.

Two weeks ago, in the foothills of Virginia; Jonathan Faff graduated from VMI and received his diploma from a General and well wishes from the local congressman. More impressive was the fact that the entire auditorium, cadets and his peers gave him a “standing ovation.” One official noted that in his memory he didn’t recall anyone receiving such an honor upon graduation.

On the eve entering Memorial Day Weekend, we pause and salute all those whom served and serve in our military. As a kid, a “hero” to me was one who could dunk from the foul line, throw a 52 yard spiral and thread it like a needle between two defenders on a winning drive or an entertainer who could hold an audience in the palm of their hand. Today, as an adult my “heroes” are few and not household names. They may be anonymous to most but known to God and me.

When I think of Jonathan Faff, I think of patriotism, perseverance and pride. He is proud to be an American and he would be the first to tell you that it was his honor to defend our great land. Jonathan would also remind you that some things are worth dying for. The word “quit” is not in his vocabulary and when tempted to throw in the towel; by God’s grace and his resolve he picked up what he started and finished. I believe his veins bleed not just red but white and blue. He not only loves America but was willing to die for her too. Sacrifice and service are MISSING IN ACTION today. However, not with these two giants.

His family were all thankful that “Johnny Came Home.” The family that prayed for him included his parents, extended family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members and me once or twice at our family meals at reunions (Christmas, Easter & Thanksgiving). You see, Jonathan Faff is not only family but my friend and cousin. He was born to the proud parents of Frank & Jane Faff of Fairfax, VA and his brother, Michael is now living in Atlanta, GA. Both boys became Eagle Scouts as kids and now leaders as adults in their respective professions.

Two of my favorite sports movie include “ROCKY” and “RUDY.” In the football classic “Rudy” his teammates carried him off the field following the biggest game of his life on the gridiron. Jonathan fought on foreign bloodied fields of battle and it was ironically, Jonathan who helped “carry” us. In “Rocky” Sly Stallone went the distance against Apollo Creed and Jonathan not only finished what he started but graduated with the respect of his peers. His entire military career he saluted officers during his day to day duties but today it is my honor to salute my cousin, Jonathan Faff, USMC.

SEMPER FI means “always faithful.” The fact is only Jesus can truly wear that title. The Bible says: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The Bible also says: “There is none good, no not one.” True freedom comes not from the gifts of government but the grace of God. What I admire about my cousin is that he was tried and found true. He fought and never flinched and “he fought a good fight and kept the faith.” Over the years, I have met a few folks in life. My entire family agree that very few resemble the courage and convictions of Jonathan Faff. Today, without question he is one of my heroes and if you see a sailor or soldier this weekend salute them because they are heroes too. Some “heroes” may be still found on a baseball card and come with a stick of gum. The “Jonathans” of the world that I admire come equipped with guns and sadly some never came home. These men and women deserve our admiration, appreciation and applause.

It is true, “America is land of the FREE because we are home of the brave.” This post is dedicated to my cousin, Jonathan; my late grand-father, William “Hop” Lomax who served in U.S. Navy, my father, Frank Shelton, Sr who served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, my cousin, Shana Shelton now serving (while playing) on the U.S. Coast Guard Soccer Team and all of your loved ones whom were willing to pay the price that we could benefit our freedoms today.

Billy Ray Cyrus song “SOME GAVE ALL” says it best: “I knew a man called him Sam the Cane few folks even knew his name But a hero yes was he. He left a boy came back a man still many just don’t understand About the reasons we are free. I can’t forget the look in his eyes or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me – All gave some some gave all Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties And recall some gave all”

God has blessed America but if we take for granted our soldiers and liberties we will lose our freedom. President Ronald Reagan was right: “If we cease to be be one Nation under God we will become a Nation gone under.” Fortunately, Jonathan came home but some went Home. Pause and pray this weekend as you are grilling outdoors and remember some soldiers are still half a world away so we can be at home playing with our loved ones. Pray for those spouses who help hold down the fort (literally) to nuture the kids, balance the checkbook and stay faithful while their spouse fight abroad.

It took me a few years, but they (soldiers/sailors) not those on television are worthy of our attention and admiration. God bless America and thank God for Jesus and Jonathan Faff. I worship God but salute our soldiers. Happy Memorial Day and yes, recall “Some Gave All.” May we strive from this day forward to be – “SEMPER FI.”