Always There #324

Always There #324

I enjoy listening to or watching Shawn Ryan’s podcast on YouTube, where he interviews successful people who made a big impact. Shawn’s style motivates me to do something similar in my podcast. He asks the right questions and allows the guests to speak on what matters most. Two weeks ago, he interviewed Major James Capers, one of the most decorated war combat veterans in our nation's history. I won’t go into every detail but the stories from Vietnam were incredible.

Maj. Capers saw his unit as a brotherhood where he served and cared for each man resulting in their loyalty to him and the mission. His example of leadership should be taught to any young leader. I believe that Maj. Capers lived his legacy in the jungles and at home. Today, he continually wears his three purple hearts, two silver stars, and other medals not out of pride but in remembrance of his soldiers. 

It wasn’t the stories of battles that got my attention though, it was how he spoke about Durawski. Durawski was a 6’5” soldier who was his point man on almost every mission. Even though he stood out, Durawski went ahead of the group directing them to proceed or stop, turn right instead of left, or crawl when they needed to. According to Maj. Capers said his guiding spirit was incredible. 

Shawn allowed Maj. Capers to talk freely about Durawski’s loyalty, during and after Vietnam. After leaving the Marines, the long distance could not stop their friendship. For example, when Maj. Capers’ wife was in the hospital Durawski traveled hundreds of miles to sit alongside him. Later when Maj. Capers’ wife and son passed away within weeks of each other Durawski attended both funerals supporting his friend.

Capers gave the ultimate compliment by saying, “I’m 88 years old and I hope that I can be as good a friend as Durawski was to me. He was always there. He was loyal to me, and the men, and he treated every mission like it was their first or maybe their last.” 

Another example of true friendship can be found in 1st Samuel with the story of David and Jonathan. As Saul tried to sabotage and kill David, it was Jonathan who warned him. Jonathan knew that Israel needed David as King even if that meant going against his father. The Lord knew that David needed someone who would lay down their life to protect him so He brought them together. That’s a brotherhood, not one by birth but one formed by God. Like Durawski, Jonathan was David’s point man, always there.

I think that desire is in all of us, to have a friend or a “brother,” someone who is loyal and sees the best in us. Someone willing to lay down their life to protect us and see us succeed. So ask God to help you be that Jonathan or Durawski to someone who needs a “brother.” You’ll be amazed by what God can do through you both. 

If God’s calling you to be a part of a group of men who love you, protect you, and are centered around Christ, then reach out to me.  It’s been on my heart for 30 years and I believe God wants to remind men who they are, what’s their purpose and the difference they can make. Your best legacy may be found in a brotherhood, let’s find out.

Visit www.lighthouselegacies.com to learn more and listen to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.