Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tapley Holland



Who is Tapley Holland? That's the question that the majority of people who read this are probably asking. He's not a household name. He was not a movie star or great sports figure. He was never elected to public office or nominated for some political post. His chest was not covered with medals, nor was he in command of a great military regiment.

Tapley Holland was born in 1810 in the state of Ohio, the son of Canadian immigrants to the United States. Tapley's family moved to Texas in 1822 as part of the "Old Three Hundred" settlers.

On March 5, 1836 Col. William Travis knew that the fate of the men of the Alamo was sealed. For twelve days they had held off Santa Anna's slowly tightening assault. Now with the Mexican army a mere 200 yards away from the Northern wall, their fate was dim. Col. Travis vowed to stay and fight, but that was his choice. On that day he took his sword and drew a line in the sand. Looking across at the 180 plus men, mostly volunteers he told them that whoever wished to stay and fight should cross the line. No man would be shamed or looked down on for not staying. All the men crossed but two. One was Jim Bowie, who lay sick on his cot. He requested that he be carried across the line and four volunteers helped him over. The other was Louis Moses Rose.

The first man to cross did it as soon as Travis made his charge. The young man was 26 year old Tapley Holland. Upon crossing the brave volunteer stated, "I am ready to die for my country". Over 180 men crossed the line knowing fully that they would die within days, maybe hours. However they took the challenge led by this brave young man.

With such great names as Crockett, Bowie, Bonham, Dickinson and Travis an ordinary soldier's name can get lost in the crowd. Yet what he did on that cold March day of 1836 showed great bravery and love for his country.

Centuries before Jesus stood before a group of hand picked volunteers and figuratively drew a line in the sand. "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." They are told they will face persecution, insults and even death. Yet they accepted the challenge because they knew the cause and were ready to die for their savior.

God needs men who are willing to serve. it doesn't matter to him whether we are a leader or a follower. What matters is are we willing to make the sacrifice. Do we have the courage to say, "I am willing to die for my God?" Do we have the love to say, "I will die so that others can be free"?

When was the last time you stepped across the line?

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down hi life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Thursday, October 1, 2009

What Difference Do It Make

One of the most inspiring books that I have read over the past few years is Ron Hall and Denver Moore's book, "Same Kind of Different as Me." I've just finished reading their new book, "What Difference Do It Make?"

This book tells of how the story they shared in the first book changed the lives of people who read it. In addition it is a heartwarming story of Ron Hall and dealing with a tough relationship with his father. It's another book that you'll have a hard time putting it down.

What I like about it most is how it shows that the principles of dealing with the homeless should also be used in dealing with all others around us. Love, compassion, encouragement, devotion and the like are qualities that should be a part of us no matter who we are around.

Isn't this exactly what Jesus and his follower taught! "Do for others as you would have them do for you." "Love one another." "Let us do good to all people." "For we are God's workmanship created in Jesus to do good works." "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good." "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

It's amazing to see how one woman, Deborah Hall, is changing the world because one day she wanted to go work at a homeless shelter in Ft. Worth, Texas. We just never know how God can use us for His glory.