This is my hero...

This is James Land. He is my hero. From honorable service in the Vietnam conflict to a lifelong passion for changing people's lives, my father has inspired me.

In 1968, my father served his country with honor and integrity in MACV Headquarters in Saigon. He was in-country during the Tet Offensive.

My father spent the rest of his years ministering to people in the US. He preached, yes. However, more importantly, he ministered one-on-one to countless people through the years... helping to mend relationships, heal broken families, comfort the sick and bereaved, and guide people toward faith, truth, and integrity.

Throughout my youth, I resented the sacrifices my dad made in time and energy as he invested himself into the lives of others. I thought it was unfair that he seemed to have time for everyone else.

At his funeral, when I saw the outpouring of love from people he'd reached decades before, I realized what an investment he'd truly made. I saw lives enriched by his love and gentleness. I saw families sitting together instead of destroyed by divorce and division.

And then I realized what an amazing legacy he'd left behind. A man of honor. A man whose word meant more to him than material gain. A man whose integrity was unmatched. A man who taught me how to be a man.

Thanks, Dad. I miss you. I love you. I live to be worthy of your example.