I would be!

Sitting in the basement for the third week contemplating the words of St Irenaeus, “The glory of God, is man fully alive”, while I’m wrapping my noggin’ around Wuhan, China and COVID, reading a book about a hero who was a missionary in China in the 1930-40’s and was killed in a concentration camp. The Irony is everywhere.  Back in 1981, when the movie ‘Chariots of Fire” came out it became a favorite of mine.  The movie is the Olympic story of the Scotsman – Eric Liddell; who, in 1924, won a bronze medal in the 200 and set an Olympic record winning the Gold in the 400 – A race considered beyond his ability.  What captured me the most reading Liddell’s biography by David McCasland, titled “Pure Gold”, was a small but enormously meaningful note he gave to his niece before he departed on his one of journeys to China.  The words stemmed from a verse in a hymnal song written in 1906, by H.A. Walter, titled “I would be true”.

It captured my thoughts because I think of “dads” and the impact they can have on their sons and daughters, if they choose.  Don’t be afraid to tell your kids things with deep meaning, don’t believe the lie that they’re too young.  Children sniff out what is authentic and store it away for a time when it can reemerge. (I can hear the laughter) But it’s true. 

I want my grandchildren to hear these words from a sincere heart, much like Eric Liddell’s niece read them from her uncle’s note.  “I would be true, for there are those that trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare.”  Why not make it your aim all through life, it is such a fine aim to have (Pure Gold, by David McCasland).  Ain’t it so!

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