Big man on a mower, it wasn't his usual place. He worked the dock, inside the warehouse, handling huge loads, but a back problem sent him to a new job. Lay Leader in his church, just a few blocks from the port, L.B. was a good friend.
As I walked across the big lawn to the Seafarer's Center, L.B. drove his mower right to me, got off, walked to me and wrapped an arm around me in a huge hug. "L.B., what's this? We're not huggy, are we?" He said: "See those two boys there?" The two "boys" were in their 20's, body-builders, looking a bit on the rough side. "Wave at 'em, now!" They waved back and smiled.
"They're gang guys. They won't give you ANY trouble now, though." L.B got back on his mower, and went back to cutting grass. He had sent a message to some rough friends, and from that day forward, they were friendly, polite, easy-going.
Strong messages can be sent and received in the mildest manner. But, I suspect the two "boys" knew L.B. was not always gentle, if the need arose. And they knew he would never back away from anything.
Gentle strength, quiet messages, still convey meanings in a world where too many are shouting and too few are thinking. Maybe that's a gift from God. Maybe that's part of what it means to follow Jesus. And maybe you've had a friend stand by you. Give thanks.
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