Our Stories Unleashed

Heroes of Faith

Boo Heflin, Bettye Simms, Charles McIlveene, Helen Waldrop, George Steere, Darryl Totten and Mark Cook. If I were to write a personal version of Hebrews 11, each of these names would be on the list as heroes of the faith. Hebrews 11 is often referred to as “The Faith Chapter.” The writer puts together a long list of the heroes of the Christian faith, listing a name followed by how their faith was displayed. For example, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebews 11:8)

I love this passage from Hebrews, not only for the names listed in chapter eleven, but specifically for the names not listed. There are so many people I would add to this list as heroes of my faith. Believers from throughout the country fill the list because of spiritual investments they choose to make, speaking words of faith, demonstrating relentless hope and personifying Christ’s life. I am sure it won’t surprise you that there would be many people specific to UBC on my list of heroes of the faith, whose Christ-centered lives have always found a way of providing an example of great faith.

Yet I wonder if it is the names and faces I don’t know that are the most important ones. People who choose selflessly to give all to Christ that you and I might know Him more fully, walk with Him more closely. They are the ones who invested in others, speaking bold words of truth and hope in their daily work and business dealings.

Hebrews 12 speaks directly to you and me.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV)

Now it is our time. Not the time to make a name for ourselves, but our time to make much of Christ to everyone He brings our way. These are our days to live out and be vocal about, the hope that all would know "Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” We stay focused, stay strong and not lose heart. Christ has given us purpose. Let’s live in that with all our courage!

 I love ministering alongside you! - Caroline Poe