The spies who saved America

Tom Brady is likely the most effective quarterback in NFL history. He completed his 600th touchdown pass last weekend. That's a lot of throws, not to mention touchdown passes! Can you name the front line of Tom's team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? These are the men who stand between the master quarterback and the players on the other side, determined to thwart his efforts. Without these behemoths, Tom would be smashed in short order.

Bruce Springsteen is one of rock and roll's great frontmen. He's been cranking out hits for decades.  At 72, he can still wow a stadium full of fans for several hours. Can you name the other members of his band? I'm sure a few of you can, but most of us have no idea who plays bass for the E Street Band.

Daniel Craig completed his last James Bond film, which is presently in theaters. As always, it's an exciting flic. Bond movies are known for action and amazing stunts. Daniel does a few of his stunts, but his stunt doubles do most. The stuntmen assume the risk of doing incredible feats that make Craig look invincible. Can you name any of Daniel's stunt doubles?

The speech known as "I have a dream," delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is noted as the most remarkable speech of the 20th Century. Millions of people have been moved to action by the powerful words spoken by this master of communication. Two of King's aids helped write this speech which developed over time through several iterations. Do you know their names?

The most famous line in the speech, "I have a dream," was not in the original draft. As Dr. King was nearing the end of the address, a famous voice shouted out from the audience, saying, "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" At that point, King departed from his script and extemporaneously started the most memorable segment of the speech. Do you know who urged Dr. King to tell the world about his dream?

I just finished reading an excellent book called George Washington's Secret Six – The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution.  Brian Kilmeade explains how Washington understood that the Continental Army was no match for the most powerful fighting force on earth, the British Army and Navy. America challenging England to war would have been like Cuba declaring war on the United States. It was a no-win situation. But Washington was an astute strategist. He understood that his troops could not outfight the British, but they could outwit them.

Washington commissioned a spy ring of six people who fed him a steady stream of information about the movements and intentions of the British occupying New York City and Long Island. The "Culper" spy ring, as they were called, was ultimately able to thwart Benedict Arnold's attempt to turn over to the British the fortress at West Point, an essential American stronghold. They also provided false information to the British occupying New York, making them think the Continental Army would lay siege to the city. In reality, they were marching south to Yorktown, where they defeated General Cornwallis and ended the war. Washington outwitted his opponent and won the war through the efforts of a handful of patriots whose names most Americans will never know. Do you know the names of the Secret Six?

The world is filled with unsung heroes. These are the people that make things happen for the people who make things happen. One of the common pitfalls for leaders is that they come to believe that they are responsible for their success. Not so. I remember numerous times that I would receive credit for the achievement while leading our church in some significant effort successfully. I was the point man, the quarterback, if you will. Though I appreciated the recognition, I regularly reminded myself that I was only the face of many others who made the accomplishment happen. Without my "front line," the ball would have never gone down the field.

Most of us will never receive the accolades afforded our leaders.  Yet, there is beauty in this position. If I do something well for which I know I will never receive recognition, I am revealing integrity. The quiet hero is motivated by something more significant than fame. These people do the right thing simply because it is the right thing.

I have a close friend who worked for many years at the church I pastored. Few people in the church knew that he was an employee. Every Friday night, after working 8/9 hours at his regular job, he would show up at church and clean the entire children's area of the building and other parts as well.  He did excellent work. A clean, orderly children's department is vital in a church building. I never had to be concerned about this matter because I knew that Rick would quietly do his job and do it well. He didn't make a lot of money. He was rarely recognized for his work, nor did he expect to be, and he did not complain about the unnecessary messes church people leave in their wake.

He reminds me of an old Jimmy Buffett song I always liked. It goes like this.

In the middle of late last night, I was sittin' on a curb
I didn't know what about but I was feeling quite disturbed
A street sweeper came whistlin' by
He was bouncin' every step
It seemed strange how good he felt
So I asked him while he swept

He said "It's my job to be cleaning up this mess
And that's enough reason to go for me
It's my job to be better than the rest
And that makes the day for me."

My friend was not motivated by recognition. Instead, a ministry for the Kingdom was his purpose. His grandfather had also cleaned a church for many years while his grandson was growing up.  The same attitude and example were passed down to the grandson, who performed the same simple, but necessary task for many more years. Few people will ever know of his labor, but of course, the One who matters most does.

Perhaps you are one of those unsung people. There are lots of you out there. Your attitude and labor make the world go round. Thank you.

Thank you for showing up.  Many these days do not.

Thank you for doing quality work even in a job that doesn't seem very significant.

Thank you for parenting well, even when the job is thankless.

Thank you for volunteering while others sit on the sidelines complaining.

Thank you for holding deep convictions about quality in the face of mediocrity.

Thank you for continuing to work hard amid the chaos of a pandemic.

If you are a leader, I encourage you to ensure that your "front line" is recognized and appreciated. There are dozens of ways to accomplish this vital matter, and it deserves your attention. The measure of any organization is how well the person at the bottom of the totem pole is treated. Interestingly, considering real totem poles, the lowest figure on the pole is the most prestigious.

Jesus put it like this, "He who is last will be first, and he who is first will be last."