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Story One: During World War II, Butch O’Hare served as a fighter pilot in the South Pacific. One day he discovered his plane hadn’t been refueled and turned back toward his carrier. On the way, he spotted a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading for the defenseless American fleet. Alone, he dove into their formation, guns blazing until his ammunition ran out, then continued his assault by clipping wings and tails. His daring attack scattered the enemy and saved the fleet. For his heroism, Butch O’Hare received one of the nation’s highest honors. Today, Chicago O’Hare Airport bears his name.
Story Two: Years earlier in Chicago, “Easy Eddie” was Al Capone’s lawyer. His legal skills kept Capone out of jail, and Eddie lived in wealth and luxury. Yet he had one concern: his son. He wanted to give the boy more than money—he wanted to leave him a good name and a good example. Eventually, Eddie made the costly decision to testify against Capone. Within a year he was gunned down on a Chicago street. He gave his life trying to offer his son integrity.
The Connection: Butch O’Hare, the WWII hero, was Easy Eddie’s son.
One of the top things I love about the Gospel is this: It’s never too late to change course, or change ways, or change names, or even change family legacies.
It’s incredible the difference one person sold out for the Gospel can make.
In Exodus 20, we see how a father who hates God can pass that punishment onto the third and fourth generations.
But for the father who loves God and keeps His commandments? His favor extends far beyond three or even four generations… his blessings of obedience extend to thousands of his descendants! Another way to state it: only one person stands between covenant curses and covenant blessings. Be that person!
His life could not have been going any better:
He was an evangelist who preached the Word with Spirit-filled power. The most sought-after in his denomination, churches booked him years in advance—sometimes waiting four years for an open date. God’s favor was evident in his life and ministry.
But the invitations pulled him away from home. To keep balance, he and his wife agreed on a simple formula: two weeks on the road, then two weeks at home. It worked. His marriage was strong, his teenage son thriving in school and athletics, and his ministry soaring like a rocket.
And then the phone rang.
It was a short call from his wife. She had just clashed again with their sixteen-year-old. This six-foot-two boy’s strong will was wearing her down. After he flatly refused to obey her, she called her husband and, after describing the incident, ended with three words: “I need you.”
He immediately replied that he would cancel his remaining meetings and drive home. Neither knew their son was listening from the next room, curious to see how his father would respond. He would soon find out.
Within days of arriving home, a “For Sale” sign went up in the yard. The evangelist canceled every scheduled meeting for the next four years and accepted a small pastorate in another state. For two years—until his son graduated and left for college—he pastored the little church and poured himself into mentoring his boy.
When his son left for college, he prepared to return to evangelism. But the landscape had changed. Younger pastors, unfamiliar with his ministry, now led many churches. Invitations were fewer. In terms of career and calling, he would never fully recover.
The decision had come at a significant personal cost. Yet, because he made it—choosing family over fame—years later, his son would launch a ministry known as Focus on the Family. The son’s name? James Dobson.
Wow! What a difference one person’s sacrifice can make.
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