Two books that have had a profound impact on my life were written by men to men.  Wright best known for his book ‘Shepherd of the Hills’, also wrote ‘When a Man’s a Man.’  Speaking of men, he wrote, “There is a land where a man to live, must be a man.  It is a land of unstained skies, where the wind sweeps full and untainted, and the atmosphere remains as God made it – a man’s soul must be as the unstained skies, the unburdened wind and untainted atmosphere.”

Carl Sandberg in his biography of Lincoln describes him as a man of steel and velvet.  The ideal man “has strength, endurance, and is tempered like fine steel.  He is a composite of many sterling qualities.  But he is also a man of gentleness, tenderness, kindness, generosity, and patience.”

Within the family of TOP I find that most men fit the Wright and Sandberg model of manhood.  The lament of Paul to the Corinthians, “ye have not many father’s ”, is not one that plagues this body.  I have benefited as a man to rub shoulders, fellowship, and work along side you in building a part of God’s kingdom together.  Among this body are some of the finest men I have ever known, some of you are young and some are seasoned.  But,  in each of you I have deep respect, admiration, and love.  It’s an honor to be called by you, ‘Pastor’.  Some as yet do not have children of your own, but to the man of you, you are a father.  If not naturally, then certainly spiritually.

Pastor Fuller

 

Last update June 22, 2009