I recently read a book about former Arizona Cardinal star Pat Tillman. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, Pat Tillman was a long-shot to make it in professional football, but through drive and determination and a rock solid will, he was not only able to make it into the pros, but became a celebrated defensive leader. After a couple seasons, Tillman was offered a multi-million dollar contract and his stardom seemed secure.
But then Muslim terrorists murdered thousands of innocent people on September 11, 2001 and everything changed. Tillman, like most of the rest of free citizens of the world, was deeply disturbed. Unable to let the dastardly events of that day fade from his mind, Tillman made the courageous decision to act on his convictions. He quit the Cardinals and enrolled in the U.S. Army in 2002. He worked very hard in training, and went all the way through the extremely difficult Army Ranger program. Tragically, he was killed in a friendly-fire incident during combat in Afghanistan.
The press has had a field day with the controversy surrounding Tillman's death. Political hopefuls have used the tragedy to advance anti-war sentiment. But what I want to emphasize is the courageous decision Tillman made to throw away a career of glamour and pursue his convictions instead.
What is it that makes a man walk away from wealth and stardom? What is it that pushed Tillman to not only throw away a fortune, but to risk his very life? And why is it that there are so few Pat Tillman stories to be told?
To me, the decision of Pat Tillman to follow his convictions is the very hallmark of leadership. Remember what we have been discussing throughout this blog: leaders of character cannot stand the status quo when they perceive that things could be better or that something is wrong. While others may be able to sit on the sidelines, cling to their peace and comfort, and hope others will do something, leaders are the ones who step forward and risk everything to do what needs to be done. Their example ignites a fire in others who then follow suit.
Pat Tillman is a hero. For whatever reason, his courageous stand ended in a tragic death. It is heart wrenching. But Tillman's decision to defend freedom and the country that had offered him the opportunity to become a star professional athlete, is an inspiration to us all. It is the kind of courage we all hope we have deep inside.
Leaders protect their principles, not their property. Leaders take a look at their privileges and realize that they are not for their own purposes, but for a larger purpose. Leaders make stands, even if they prove costly. Leaders do what is right, simply because it is right, no matter who tries to stop them. Leaders risk their own well-being, peace, and affluence, when faced with a challenge to their principles. And sometimes, leaders die for their convictions.
Most reading this blog will never be asked to die for their convictions. Largely, this is true because hundreds of thousands of others have volunteered to risk their lives to defend freedom for us. Pat Tillman may be one of the most famous casualties in the War on those Who Make War On Us, but he is not the only one. Nor is he the only one to put himself in harm's way to defend our freedom. May we each remember, pray for, and salute the many men and women in the armed services who stand at the gates for all of us. If you see them in an airport, or shopping center, or neighborhood, I hope you take the time to shake their hand and thank them for serving. They deserve so much more.
For the rest of us who are not being asked to risk our lives dodging terrorists bombs, the least we can do is lead, right where we are with the gifts we've got. Muster the courage, fight the good fight, push back on the mediocrity, complacency, arrogance and greed that has engulfed our society. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it looks risky. And when you are faced with the moments of truth in your life, I hope you will remember the example of Pat Tillman, and find the courage to act on your convictions, regardless of the cost.
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