The Men of Iron Minute
by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation
Phone Calls and Grace Filled Pez Dispensers
My life was significantly impacted by a man named Doug. Doug was a successful businessman who had climbed the corporate ladder into a Vice President position in a healthcare system. Doug was sharp and well respected. His faith was out-front, and his family was right behind. He could think through difficult situations while offering inspiring solutions. In previous years, Doug served on a church staff and as a deacon in a local church, which afforded him both insight and empathy for young and old pastors. He and his wife served young couples offering up their home for bible studies that were as welcoming as informative. Doug’s grey hair was met with sage-like wisdom and business savvy that never defied his faith in Christ.
I met Doug when he was up in years, and he is still making a difference in my life. Just a year or so after I met Doug, he was diagnosed with an uncommon disease with no known cure and very little treatment. Doug’s body went from a tall, robust man to a thin, frail man who couldn’t walk. His body couldn’t capture the nutrients from the food he ate, and his body told the tale of his pain. Doug’s diagnosis was bleak, and the doctor made known that his last days were few. Sure, he struggled to accept the news as any other man would, but he didn’t allow that to define the end of his life on earth. Doug was confined to a recliner for most of every day, so he spent his last month cold calling random churches to encourage the pastor. I had my share of phone calls, and other men in the area had theirs. Doug doled out comfort and encouragement with the encouragement and comfort he had been given from Jesus. Doug encouraged as a grace-filled Pez dispenser with an unlimited supply.
Doug offered advice, mentorship, and encouragement until the day he met Jesus face to face. His homegoing was one of the most moving events in my life. His earthly life is over, but his influence remains. I am still inspired by the man he was and the words he shared. I long to be half that kind of man.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” // 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, NIV
Don’t grapple for what you can no longer do. Instead, ask God what He would like for you to do.
Be a mentor.
Find a mentor.
Be a better man.