BOOK REVIEWS

State Missionary Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Other Recent Blog Entries:

A Sincere and Respectful Call for A Great Commandment Renewal
Thursday, June 24, 2010
As I have said earlier, I will do my best not to let disagreements define our relationships. I am praying that The Great Commandment Renewal will begin in me!

VBS Is a Blessing!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
As a pastor, I always felt that VBS was to be a major commitment on my part. I wanted to be in town, involved and engaged in the efforts of impacting the lives of children, youth and adults. It was not a chore for me, but rather it was a joy!

Taking the 'Stew' Out of Stewardship
Thursday, May 27, 2010
At first, I thought I had hurt his feelings. I mean this was a serious project, and maybe I was being a little too cute for my own good.

October 2008

A Living Definition of a Patriot

How do you define patriotism? That question has actually become a frequent talking point in almost every political election-year cycle. It is often used and misused in this context.

Perhaps the best way to define this noble term is to say that "you know one, when you see one." Well, I have truly seen one, and I have known one. Colonel Paul O'Mary, deacon at the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, is the real deal. He is the epitome of a patriot. He truly lives up to his middle name, "Revere," as in Paul Revere.

In his recent book, God and Country Forever, this dedicated patriot has written some compelling observations about America, as one who has known his country and served his country in the best and worst of times. These reflections provide valuable lessons to be learned as we look to the future as a nation.

This is straight talk from a man who has earned the right to be heard. From the end of World War II to the days of unrest during the Vietnam War, Paul Revere O'Mary served his country in the United States Army with distinction and honor.

The most lengthy and possibly the best chapter in the book is "Only One Way to Lead." This material is applicable to anyone in leadership, whether the role of being a leader is in business, politics, education, church life or the home. The entire book is insightful and helpful as well as encouraging and enlightening, but this chapter could be expanded into a book on leadership and become a top seller in that genre.

I am prejudiced because I served as Col. O'Mary's pastor for 15 years, but I admire him as one who has paid the price of sacrifice for his country and one who has gone beyond the call of duty as a soldier and as a citizen. For me, he is the living definition of a true patriot, and his book gives testimony to that assertion. For those of us who enjoy looking into the heart and soul of a patriot, this book is irresistible.

Lessons I Learned from Landrum Leavell

Recently, a legend passed from among us. Landrum Leavell finished his earthly course with the same kind of faithfulness that characterized his 80-plus years. To the very end, Dr. Leavell was steadfast in his service to the Lord. The last occasion I had to visit with him was in San Antonio in 2007 at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. We were both in attendance at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) alumni meeting. I was privileged to be one of the alumni honorees for that year, and I took advantage of the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Leavell. I described him as one of my mentors.

Landrum Leavell was one of my few mentors in ministry. When he was president of NOBTS and I was a student, Dr. Leavell devoted some of his valuable time to encourage me and to offer support to me as a young man seeking to develop my gifts in ministry. That relationship persisted throughout my ministry, and for that I am most appreciative. Therefore, as a final tribute to him, I would like to cite some valuable lessons I learned from this legend and how he has affected me in a most positive way.

1. Dr. Leavell taught me to be pure in my walk with Christ. He had an impeccable reputation, and he sought to encourage those of us who were young and his students to be morally and ethically clean and pure. His example was a powerful testimony for all of us to emulate. For me, I have always remembered his wise words of counsel in this essential area of ministry.

2. Landrum Leavell encouraged me to be a preacher of the Word! Dr. Leavell epitomized Biblical preaching at its very best. He believed the Bible from cover to cover, and he challenged his students to do the same. At a time when Biblical preaching was not held in high esteem, Dr. Leavell demonstrated that Biblical preaching is effective in any period of history.

3. Landrum Leavell encouraged me to be a personal witness for Christ. Time and time again, I heard Dr. Leavell give testimonies of occasions when he shared his faith with others. In a city where Baptists and evangelicals were a distinct minority, Landrum Leavell was called upon to serve in very important positions of leadership, and in these arenas he was a stalwart witness for Christ. He never missed an opportunity to challenge us to do the same.

4. Dr. Leavell encouraged me to be productive in my work for Christ. He was an excellent example of a Christian work ethic, and he strongly exhorted every minister of the Gospel to be the very best worker in the world. Landrum Leavell could not tolerate ministers who were lazy and lacked commitment to the cause. On one occasion, Dr. Leavell called me early one morning at the church where I served and he said, "Well, I am just checking to make sure you are at work on time." That was Landrum Leavell. He believed in being accountable and responsible.

I already miss my friend, my mentor and my encourager. He was one of a kind, and he made a huge difference in my life. I hope I can live up to his sterling standard of faithfulness. He is now one our "unseen witnesses" encouraging us from glory. Thanks, Dr. Leavell, for being my teacher and my leader. You have made a huge difference in my life!