THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY
There have always been a couple of ways to rope me into a story; first of all, the story has to be compelling and well told. Although it’s not like I haven’t been amused by the surprise or shocking endings, the two types of stories that find purchase with my soul are the, “they lived happily ever after” stories and, “The hero rides away” type.
Everyone knows the “happily ever after” stories last about has long as it takes to walk from the theatre out to your car to find a new door ding or as long as it takes to lay down the book and walk into the next room to hear a phone ring or a message with reality rearing its ugly mug.
“The cowboy rides away” or the hero that disappears after risking life and limb for the well-being of others is a horse with different stripes. Those are the stories that grip me. The hero rides into the sunset and the legend grows. The ending where good triumphs over evil and prevails against all odds, yet the hero gains little or nothing monetarily, and still keeps his or her humility… and the hearts of the folks left behind as well as the person watching or reading the stories lives are touched forever.
I never wanted the hero to ride away as a kid – I wanted him to hang out in the new found peace and harmony to “live happily ever after.” It was an internal conflict for me at the time. I guess if I’m perfectly honest, it still is. It would be years before I could begin to grasp that the conflict inside of me was similar to the internal conflict the hero was wrestling with that the writers and characters were trying to wring from most intricate places inside me.
Some of the internal matches that couldn’t be seen were much more grueling and taxing than the ones the heroes were fighting on the outside. Even after kicking rocks on this planet for as long as I have – watching the stories, reading the stories, and living the stories, I still love the happy endings… but they’re never the end of the stories… just the end of the chapters in the bigger story of life.
In those years down here kicking up dust with the body given to me temporarily that too will end up as dust, I’ve found that it’s usually easier to be the hero and sacrifice greatly for a season and move on. That’s what legends are made up of. In real life, the hero knows that their faults and shortcomings are usually significantly greater than the beneficiaries of the hero’s courage and honor.
To love and sacrifice for more than a season and stick around through not only the difficult times, but all the seasons of the lives of those entrusted to us, are the actions of the unsung heroes. We all have internal conflicts, but the actions that we take with courage and honor that point to the Origin of all that is decent and good, despite our struggles, is what true living legends are born of.
I’ve come to figure out that riding off into the sunset is the easy way out and only hides insecurity and sadness. I also know that “happily ever after” comes later… We’ve all got a story to write and tell as the days stack up into months, and years… chapters if you will. How our living stories end is up to us… with the free will that enables us to stay in for the long haul or pull down slightly on the brim of our hat, turn, and ride into the sunset…
THE END
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
It’s so true that happily ever after comes later. We’ve noticed that in our marriage. We persevere in the difficult periods of the relationship and then eventually ride into an easier and more fun stage. Giving up is easy but when we do that we miss out on so much growth. On the other foot when we stay with a bad attitude and without pursuing God in the midst of the trial, we also miss out. Some of my best, most intimate times with God have been in the middle of a crisis.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:00 am
I couldn’t agree more, Barb. It is the tough times that bring the most wisdom and gratification. I like that analogy in marriage. It’s so true. Thanks for the wisdom, Barb. It is appreciated.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 6:57 pm
I too, always want the hero to take off his coat and stay awhile! It takes guts, courage and faith to stay in it, just like you said. I look forward to our happy ending, but knowing it won’t be truly found this side of Heaven can get heavy at times. I have to make the effort to choose to look forward with longing and hope, to eternal happy ever after.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:01 am
“Effort to choose.” That is so true and powerful! Our Father has given us so much power with the gift of free will! Knowing the origin of that Power and focusing on it can carry us through the tough days in this flesh as we strive to what’s ahead. Good word, Audra, I’m with you. Thanks.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 7:43 pm
I always love what you have to say, Floyd. It’s always fresh and alive, and I love your innovative twists. Yes, heros do stay, even when unsung, and they don’t ride into the sunset, but stay tough when the going gets tough. And sometimes the heros don’t ride horses and wear boots; they’re just normal folks living day in, day out, doing God’s bidding without fanfare. We need more people like that. Thanks for being one of them.
Fondly
Lynn
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:04 am
“Doing God’s bidding without fanfare.” That is the heart of our Father and the actions of the true heroes! Excellent point, Lynn. When our actions point to the glory of our Father we are honored by Him… not necessarily the world. I don’t think you ride a horse or wear a cowboy hat, but you are an unsung hero. Thanks, Lynn.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:30 am
Well, that it so kind of you, Floyd. But wow. I hardly feel heroic. I do sing….:-)….but not heroically. I had to smile about the horse! Once, we went riding, and I had the pokiest horse in the universe–held everyone up. And sometimes *I* feel like that horse. I need God to give me a swift kick and get me going.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:26 pm
You look after the hearts of others and go out of your way to lift them up. That is the gift of encouragement and the acts of an unsung hero… Even if you aren’t that good a horse rider! (that makes two of us!)
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:35 pm
So grateful, floyd. Do you think I could ride a horse in high heels?!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 5:37 pm
Maybe we should just let you ride in the chariot… I think that might be a better fit!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 1:06 am
The real hero stays, they do not ride away
The real hero remains, they’ll be here with the new day
They ride not into sunset, but will be around when dawn rises wet
And muddy and dirty and grey and cold and ugly and spent
Tired before they rise, but rise they do, someone’s counting on you
Not to save the damsel, though they would, but simply to tie the shoe
And tell you why you shouldn’t do exactly what you did, yet
To love you none the less, to push you towards your best
They buck up under the stress, willing to seek your forgiveness
When they fall, because afterall, they’re just as human, just as frail
Just as much afraid to fail, as you are … they already have the scars
No, the real hero stays, they’ll be here today … tomorrow … next week
Because, though we’re weak, what we really seek
What moves our tired and aching feet … is love
Our sunset ride is not of our choosing … it’s His, and when it’s time
It’s not a sunset ride, it’s Son-rise ride…
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:11 am
OH MAN! That is awesome, David! “It’s a Son-rise ride…!” That gives me chills. The true heroes hang in through the ups and downs. The blessing is in the long haul. Was this something you had or did you just come up with this? I hear the heart for your family in this piece. You are the man in the mirror, brother. Thank you so much! This is cool!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 10:00 am
Honestly, it just happened. It wasn’t something I’d written earlier. Now, if only I can live up to being the hero I wrote about …
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:30 pm
Wow! That is the heart and soul of a true warrior poet! May we all live up to the honor called of us… and may we see how much we have done to bring honor to our Father thus far. Excellent work, David. I’m blown away, definitely not one of my gifts. Thanks again, man.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 7:58 pm
Talk about God flooding ones brain with words that encourage. Thanks for letting us all in on that piece of Godly wisdom..
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 8:20 am
Thanks for the encouragement, Betty
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:15 am
I’m with you completely, Betty! David is not only talented, but a good guy.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 3:05 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, I love this!!! It reminds of our Hero who went away only to come back to live in each one of us and eventually to take us home with Him when the sun sets for the last time on the earth as we know it! But what an amazing, wonderful joy we experience daily as He carries us through this dark and chaotic world. Oh Floyd, I am very ill at the moment as you can guess for I don’t write much and yesterday a friend of mine from the Pentecostal church told me that in all aspects I am living a godly life, but not as far as my health goes. She said it us time for me to get up and claim my healing. First I was hurt very much, then I was angry, but then our Lord enabled me to ask for His forgiveness for she didn’t know what she was talking about! Well, to experience His life and Presence on earth is already such an amazing experience while we wait for the happily ever after!
Blessings XX
Mia
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:26 am
I’m sorry to hear your down again. I’m sure that sister was only trying to help, but she doesn’t know your story. I’m praying for you and for a hopeful healing on this side of eternity. All things in our Father’s time… and thanks for using your affliction for His glory through your ministry. It doesn’t always feel like “the twinkling of an eye” while we’re going through tribulation. Happily ever is on the other side of these bodies… Thanks, Mia.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 6:14 am
The hero might ride away at times, but their is more to his or her life. Sometimes the villain rides away, too. The advantage of those stories is that they leave room for something new, future adventures, growth. When someone just walks away from something, it’s usually temporary. The same or similar problems will rear up down the road.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:29 am
Good point, Dan. The chapters continue until a lesson is learned or our Father closes the book for good. Scary thoughts in some cases. I’m also with you in that whatever the issue is, changing locations or characters surrounding the story doesn’t change. It is a bridge that will eventually be crossed or burned… Thanks, Dan.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 6:52 am
Hi oh silver…Away! I hated to hear those words at the end of the story. I hated to hear them as I grew older. When my grandfather went to be with jesus. when my mom did the same. Other I looked up. But their story continues on through me and hopefully when I have breathed my last breath, other will not only say, “There goes one of my heroes,” but they will choose to carry on the flame.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:31 am
Good call and well said, Bill. You’re most definitely living a legacy that will follow you into eternity. The only treasures that we take with us are the ones you’re storing up, brother. Keep up the good race, it’s pacing others along with you. Thanks, Bill.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 8:42 am
Not to be contrary, but I do believe there is a place for both. Some people were built for specific jobs and to bring about certain purposes and then they go do it somewhere else (hopefully). I think it’s the tension between the pioneers and the settlers. Neither group is bad–in fact, we need both for a healthy society. The pioneers are good because they push the boundaries and innovate. The settlers are good because they bring stability and practical wisdom. For either to say to other, “I don’t need you” is to cut off a valuable part (sort of how Paul talks about the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12). I didn’t necessarily want to leave Alaska when I did (in some ways I left brokenhearted), but God was the one who brought me there and He was the one who sent me out again to do something else. It’s hard to say, “the hero always stays or should always stay” because there are more factors involved. I don’t know–just something to consider. 🙂 You stirred a lot of thoughts in me, Floyd! Thank you.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:35 am
I hear you, Jason. I appreciate your heart and perspective. It seems to me from my perspective you didn’t ride away from Alaska, but were used to blaze a trail and bring new and exciting chapters to others along with your family for the eternal purposes of the Almighty Author of all. Besides… I can’t really see you in a cowboy hat! Thanks for sharing your heart, Jason.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:01 pm
I did think about (after I responded) that there are certainly people who should stay but move on, whether due to insecurity, selfishness, or whatever else. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule as much as it has to be born of who God created us to be and what He’s leading us in. Thanks for the conversation, brother. 🙂
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:34 pm
You’re right. Sometimes people that move on knowing that it is best is a sign of true character, but the battle in them is far from over. Good call. Now you have me thinking! Thanks, Jason.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:24 am
I love this line, “In real life the hero knows that their faults and shortcomings are usually significantly greater than the beneficiaries of the hero’s courage and honor.” Our church has established a culture of humility and honor. Your line encompasses that culture beautifully! Real life is honoring one another and accepting each other’s weakness knowing that we too have our own set of weaknesses. That give me the freedom to live in who I really am and not have to pretend I am perfect when I am not and not be afraid to expose my weaknesses. We are all someone’s imperfect hero and we will all ride away into glory in His time. Thanks Floyd!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 5:41 pm
That was wonderfully stated, Rachael. Your church sounds amazing. Why is it Christians think they have to be perfect when the Word along with our lives tells us something radically different? It really is freeing to be able to say it’s not about our weakness or goodness, it’s about our Father’s love and grace. Good word, sister. Thanks, Rachael.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 10:02 am
The best compelling story has to be the Bible. There is adventure, heroes and mighty men. Damsel’s in distress, wars, humour and fear. The best part is even though the main Character rides away we know He is coming back and when He does it will be to set all things in their rightful place. The best story ever written is still being revealed and as we live through these last days we can be so excited watching prophecy being revealed right before our very eyes. *feeling excited*
Blessings brother.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
Amazing analogy! He is coming again and His spirit is here in the interim to guide us along the path He carved for us. Well said, and I like the perspective! Thanks, sister.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:09 pm
Good stuff Floyd. I like you said about the unsung heroes – those who show up & love in all seasons of life.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:35 pm
The perseverance we use to do the will of our Father says a lot about us. The gratification gathered along the journey is one of the treasures that we get to take with us to the other side. Thanks, Dave.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 6:33 pm
floyd, you got me to laugh aloud with that chariot line. That sounds like something Mike and/or Sheridan would say, and they’d be right. Ah, a chariot. Just my style!
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:13 am
See there? You think I don’t know you by now?! Too funny!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 8:19 pm
When I was young I wanted a hero to take me away from our abusive home. I attended several churches with my friends and the grownups would pray for my Dad. Nothing changed though so in my lack of knowledge and wisdom I just figure he was not the hero they all talked about. Fast forward a few years and I got serious about this one called Jesus and of course learned He was not the hero of the Jews either, they wanted a King to do away with Roman rule.
Here goes my missionary heart. There is a video put out my New Tribes, called E-tow. When they (Mouk people) heard the stories of the one called the Redeemer in the Old Testament and then met Him in the New Testament they fell in love with this Jesus. He was their hero. The missionaries stop at the death and burial of Jesus to return the next day and teach on the resurrection. The Mouk, name of people group were crying, sad and despondent that they killed their hero. The next day, early morning, everybody and I mean every body came to the teaching.
You see they had no hero who ever rose from the grave. They begin to shout, E-tow, E-tow, it is true, it is true, our sins have been forgiven by the one hero who rose from the grave.
Again you captured our hearts and took us straight to the hero, Jesus. Because He lives we can face tomorrow with all it’s hardships and troubles. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He hold the future and life is worth the living just because He’s lives. Great post brother.
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:18 am
What a wonderful song to be stuck in my head!!! It’s supernatural how our Father pours words through us and fills our hearts with what comes out of us and then also fills the souls of others as they partake in His gift and provision that strengthens our spirit… Thanks for spreading that gift of joy and peace here, Betty. Bless you, sister!
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 10:58 am
I HATE it when I watch a movie and it ends depressing. I get enough of “Reality” in real life, when I watch a movie I want a “happy ending”. When I watch a movie I want to escape reality for a moment.
Your post reminds me of the new book I’m wanting to read, “George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution”.
These six men were unknown until recently. They changed history but never demanded that they be recognized. They were and are heroes.
Here’s the link to the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/George-Washingtons-Secret-Six-Revolution/dp/159523103X
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:21 am
Why am I not surprised to find that we are on the same page here as well?! Too funny. I know exactly what you mean. As a kid when the saber tooth house cat kicked Fred out of the house then locked him outside at the beginning of the Flintstones, it bothered me to no end… I’ll bet it did you too… I sensing a blog in here somewhere! Thanks, TC, I’ll check that out.
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 3:51 pm
It won’t be me writing a post on this- I’m so far behind in my reading and blogging, I can’t add anything else on my plate. Maybe you can write it, Floyd!
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
Oh sure, pawn it off on me! “Wilma! Let me in!!!” Okay, maybe I can pull it off… !
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 2:08 pm
I think in the end we’ll find that the real heroes are the ones who were faithful over the decades, who never lifted their hand from the plow or turned back despite the difficulties. Those are often people who don’t get recognized for what they do and honestly could care less if someone did recognize them. When they get to the other side they’ll hear “Well done my faithful servant”! Oh how I would love to hear those words!
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:23 am
I’m with you, Caleb. Well said. Keep the faith, brother. Those words are already written on your behalf in the hereafter… Thanks, man.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 5:44 pm
Hello Floyd….It has been so long since I could just sit and read…
I know its never about me. Jesus made of himself no reputation… He is my hero. If “obedience is better than sacrifice”, then I know His expectation of me is to live and to apply the Word to my daily ins-and-outs of Life. When I look unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, I will know when to stay and when to go. Often anonymity is my cloak.
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:24 am
I just read that verse in the last few days of weeks. It’s about the heart and when it’s focused on Him all is well with our souls. It’s always good to hear from you and read the words of wisdom you share. Hope all is well with you and your family. Thanks, Nancy.
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 6:10 pm
Floyd,
Your lines here: “To love and sacrifice for more than a season and stick around through not only the difficult times, but all the seasons of the lives of those entrusted to us, are the actions of the unsung heroes. We all have internal conflicts, but the actions that we take with courage and honor that point to the Origin of all that is decent and good, despite our struggles, is what true living legends are born of.” — yes, that is true. What I want in my life too.
Thanks.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Saturday, November 9, 2013 @ 9:04 am
Funny how when our priority is our Father our legacy builds itself… You and your husband are the foundation of our Father’s heart and church. “What I want in my life too.” Amen, sister. Amen. Thanks, Jennifer.
Saturday, November 9, 2013 @ 2:39 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVFPjIp6nkk says all I’m going to say 🙂
Sunday, November 10, 2013 @ 8:51 am
Great song! I’d never heard it before. I have to admit the old George Straight song of the same title has been on the mental turntable with the arm up! Thanks, Rick.
Sunday, November 10, 2013 @ 7:02 pm
The real hero or leader knows the work is never finished or done. They know getting rid of the bad guy or solving the solution is only the beginning and not the end. Great post and thoughts!
Monday, November 11, 2013 @ 10:08 am
I’m with you, Dan. It is the beginning and there’s always another antagonist, isn’t there? The story isn’t over till it’s over. Thanks, Dan.
Sunday, November 10, 2013 @ 8:17 pm
There have been times I wanted to ride off, not necessarily into the sunset, but just ride away. I’m glad God has always been there to lift me up, and help me get turned around, and just fight the good fight.
Monday, November 11, 2013 @ 10:10 am
I hear you, Mike. Leaving is easy, the strong ones hang in till the end. The unsung heroes don’t ride away unless it’s for the better good of all. Keep up the fight, brother! Thanks, Mike.
Monday, November 11, 2013 @ 7:44 am
Were you watching Shane? LOL It always made me sad when the hero left – not having found his place, a place to grow some peace. While I think challenge to challenge can take us from glory to glory – so much of important stuff happens in the daily – just like you describe. Yes – the unsung heros who stick it out for the seemingly insigificant of the daily – where the happily ever after grows – ’cause I beieve it’s an ever-growing thing – not an arriving thing.
Monday, November 11, 2013 @ 10:21 am
I’d say you summed that up perfectly and caught me with that amazing prose. “– where the happily ever after grows – ’cause I beieve it’s an ever-growing thing – not an arriving thing.” I can hear the heart of a true hero in that voice of wisdom. Thanks for the comment and thoughts. Great ones!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 @ 2:51 pm
What hits me as I read this, for some reason, is that God has placed us all here for a purpose. And we are to live out that purpose until he calls us home.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
For whatever reason, I like it, Loren. Wise observation. Thanks.
Thursday, November 14, 2013 @ 1:22 pm
Courage, honor, conflict, sacrifice, struggle… our everydayness of life. I sit in the house far more often than before. My body may not function as clearly as it did in the past, BUT my heart is out and about and around the world constantly. Truly understand the options you explained and shared so clearly. Thanks.