October Newsletter
Peter Wilson.
Bill O’Neill.
Bruce Stucker.
Rick Petzolt.
Mars Webster.
Lyle Randles.
Sean Spearman.
John Velasquez.
Parker Nugent.
Larry Eissler.
Have you heard of any of these men? Did you KNOW any of them?
They have all gone into eternity. One as young as 17. One by suicide. One died of covid. One died as a result of a motorcycle accident. Some died with opportunities to say goodbye. Others did not. Most I had known for years. One I only knew through Zoom Bible study twice a week.
One of them helped me discover Jesus when I was in high school. One of them was my prayer partner after I fell. One of them my kids called “Uncle.” One of these men required me to drive him to the City of Hope for cancer treatment. One of them asked me hard questions in public places. One of them visited the sick that were hospitalized.
They are all gone.
But they are not forgotten.
Legacy is a funny thing. Sometimes, I think it is the ultimate form of vanity; other times, it is the ultimate form of sacrifice. Perhaps it depends on the foundation of the footprint we leave behind, on the trajectory we leave for others to follow and inherit.
I have seen too many crabgrass-covered gravestones to believe everyone will remember me.
This brings up THE QUESTION of us as men.
What do we want our LEGACY to be…the lasting impact of our short time on earth?
I often ask this question at Celebrations of Life, and I ask it to my aging, eternal self. The answers can sometimes keep me awake at night and drive me to my knees in the morning.
(Beat)
When Peter and John were used by the Lord Jesus to heal a man at the Beautiful Gate, a chaotic scene erupted. Ultimately, the two of them, along with the man who was healed, were made to stand before the authorities and give an account of their “actions.” What they had done. How they had “done it.” After some verbal sparring, prompted and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the fisherman, formerly known as Simon, gave an answer that stopped in their tracks.
As they considered the man who stood before them healed and the potency of the words that had cut them to the heart…the leaders took note that “these men have been with Jesus.”
That’s it.
They had been with Jesus.
That explained EVERYTHING. These unschooled, ordinary men had “been with Jesus.”
Brothers, it is my hope (and prayer) that when my name is added to the list at the top of this email… you, my wife, kids, grandkids, and neighbors will say…”Chris Cannon…he spent time with Jesus.”
May it be so. May OUR lives, in the living years, be the signpost that directs all we know and meet to the redemptive and restorative power of Jesus Christ. And as we decrease and are forgotten, may the saving power of our Savior continue to draw all men unto Himself.
Pastor Appreciation
Did you know? Yes…there is a month of the year dedicated to appreciating the men and women who shepherd the flock—aka, the Church. On October 17, we gathered 24 pastors and leaders to let them know, on your behalf, that we honor the work they do of boldly teaching the Word, accurately sharing the Gospel, and courageously leading His people. Each pastor was given a gift card to the restaurant of their choice for a date night.
After all, the best investments we can make in our pastors are twofold: Pray for their spiritual protection AND invest in their marriage.
We also gave our first Sword & Shovel Award for Courage and Humility at the Pastor’s Lunch. This year’s recipient went to a local hero and a worthy recipient. Palos Verdes Estates Police Chief Luke Hellinga has not only served his community with unwavering integrity; he raised his three young children while his then-wife was suffering from a terminal illness. After she passed, Luke continued raising his kids as a single while becoming the interim police chief. He did both of these “jobs” with excellence, diligently caring for his family while also leading a police force.
For these reasons, Sword & Shovel is honored to present our first award to Chief Luke Hellinga! Congrats Luke…the bar has been set!
Save the date & register today!
Join us for a special event for men and fathers! If you’ve ever felt unseen, lost, or lacking purpose—even while being successful in your career or family life—this free virtual event is for you.
When: This Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm ET
Speakers: Bret Magpiong, Steve Campbell, Dave Richards, and me
We’ll uncover what’s holding us back and share frameworks to help you find purpose and reignite your passions.
Register here: https://forms.gle/ePfLCnpXnQQ9XpPB8
My 5 Favorites For October
Quote I’m pondering:
“Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.” Theodore Roosevelt
What I am reading: The Psalms of Ascent
I am captivated by these songs of remembrance the Jews sang and recited as they made their way to the Temple three times a year.
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like men who dreamed.” Psalm 126:1
What I am watching:
The Dodgers. More specifically, Dave Roberts. He is changing the way managers will manage and how teams are put together. It is like watching a shrewd general lead an army into battle.
Something I am trying:
To be more INTERESTED rather than being INTERESTING. As I move from player to coach in the game of life, this shift has helped me become relevant to younger men.
Discipline I am re-engaging:
Walking. As much as I enjoy pickleball and CrossFit, I find the time I have to walk and think to be VERY refreshing. I am somewhat surprised by the balance an hour of walking brings to my psyche and emotional balance.