Major John Cunard - A Tribute

Today I mourn a man I never met. 

Major Cunard died Saturday night at age 86.  He served passionately as a pastor with his wife for decades, built the kingdom of God and served out of a burden for the souls of men.

But his greatest legacy is found in the list of his survivors.  Along with many grandchildren (one who works a few doors down the hall from me) and a handful of great-grandchildren, he leaves behind five daughters with their respective husbands.

Five daughters were raised, loved and nurtured by him through the decades.  Five daughters saw an example of faith and faithfulness through good times and bad.  Five daughters, who, in contrast to this age of skepticism and doubt, love and serve God.

This, to me, is the finest lasting tribute, and the best true measure of John's success as a man.  The professional accomplishments of Major Cunard will fade, but his legacy as a man of God is found in the faith of his children.

King Solomon once said, "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."  Even though Solomon was talking about sons, I believe, like it did for John Cunard, the blessing can come from having a quiver full of daughters. 

I am convinced that John indeed was blessed, and his blessing continues now as he enters heaven.

I write this, not only as a man who seeks this kind of blessing, but also one who has two daughters of my own.  I love seeing them develop in their faith and faithfulness to God.

Five daughters - what a legacy and blessing!  God bless you each as you mourn and lean on each other.  Let your healing tears comfort you as you miss your Mom and Dad and remember their impact on you and your families.

Even though I never met Major John Cunard, I look forward to receiving my 40% portion of his blessings.