MY HEROS

We all have our heros. They are the people who have garnered our deepest respect. We admire them for various reasons, usually due to their accomplishments in life. Sometimes it isn’t even the accomplishments we admire so much as it is their heart, desire, and character. Heros are those who inspire us to do greater things with our lives. Heros have a certain vitality, or passion for life that sets them apart. Time spent with these special people always leaves you longing to be more like them.

Clay Dyer My friend and fishing buddy. This guy gets it. Clay knows what life is all about, and he lives life to its fullest. Nobody ever got more out of life than Clay Dyer. Clay hasn't let the fact that he was born without any limbs (save a right arm that ends at the elbow) stop him from doing what he loves to do. Clay is a fishing machine. When he goes fishing the only thing he can't do is zip up his life vest. Clay drives his Skeeter boat, runs his Motorguide trolling motor, casts with precision, unhooks his own fish, even ties knots. He has won more than a few local bass tournaments. What an inspiration Clay is. He never complains about anything. He just looks forward to each new day and each new challenge with eager anticipation. I know of no man who has gotten more out his potential than Clay Dyer. He has that gauge pegged. One day I hope to say the same. I must admit that few things move me as much as hearing Clay quote Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'!

Bill Sedar My fishing mentor and great friend. I met Bill when I was 15, and he was retired and fishing 5 days a week. Our friendship began immediately and we remain like family to this day. Nobody has taught me more about bass fishing. Bill has a passion for life. His zeal and enthusiasm for the people and activities he loves are his greatest legacy. Idling out of the Lake Cachuma harbor to begin a days fishing, his joy and anticipation are irrepresible and he frequently breaks out in song! He has the same sparkle in his eye for his lovely bride, Barbara, that he did in their youth. I have heard it said that you can tell the worth of a man by observing the countenance of his wife. Barbaras' cup runneth over. Their love and romance set the standard for Jill and I.

Ms. Love Ms. Love is one of the leaders of the Christain church in a foreign communist country. She runs an orphanage for little children, and gets them placed in Christain homes in America. Because Christianity is illegal in her country, Ms. Love(not her real name) has spent much of her adult life in prison for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, much of it in a small box in solitary confinement. It is for her safety that her name and country are not mentioned here. Bibles are also forbidden in this country, so she has a handwritten copy of the New Testament she carries everywhere. Talk about a love for the Word of God! Ms. Love is more like Jesus than anyone I know. Persecuted for being a loving philanthropist, she knows nothing but love, peace and joy, even in the face of cruel undeserved punishment. Oh, to be able to totally deny myself and love others like this woman! If you would like to help her help these poor children, write to: Hope for the Children, P.O. Box 2422, Lindale, TX 75771 or call 1-800-252-9419.

Jesus Christ. He is the perfect man, what else can I say? He lived a perfect, sinless life. He is so holy and good. He loves me passionately and wants to spend eternity with me. With me!(and with you) Unfortunately, the only way He could spend eternity with us was to die on a Cross. He paid our debt in full so we can forever frolic in Heaven. Now, son, that is Love! Jesus inspires me to love others passionately. This transcends into super relationships with my wife, kids, family and friends.

David Dykes David is the pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. He is my pastor. David is one the the finest men of God in America, a true spiritual leader of the Christain church. I love watching world-class performers do their thing. Whether the activity is music, sports, painting, teaching or preaching, it is a soul satisfying experience to watch someone who is one of the very best in the whole world perform. It truly is art, poetry in motion. David Dykes on Sunday morning is a beautiful thing. David really inspires me to live the Christain life. And he inspires me to get better at my craft. You can watch David do his thing Sundays at Noon central time on INSP.