I recently finished reading Chuck Swindoll’s excellent book, Hand Me Another Brick. I’d heard of the book before, but had never taken the time to read it. It was released in 2007. So, why now? Quite frankly, I saw it at a second hand bookstore and decided to pick it up. I’m glad I did. It’s a phenomenal read!

One of the last chapters is titled “The Willing Unknowns.” Although I’ve now finished the book, I keep pondering the content in this chapter. Near the beginning, the author talks about being on a family road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles when they approached the crest of a hill and saw thousands of white crosses in the field adjacent to the highway. Their youngest asks about the meaning and as Dad somberly explains that this is a military graveyard, he is also quietly aware of the many unrecognized heroes whose bodies lie there peacefully.

The entire book is based on the Biblical narrative from Nehemiah, and this chapter is one that focuses on Nehemiah’s leadership after the wall was built. He was busy establishing order and organizing the people for sustainable governance. Nehemiah was recruiting volunteers and developing leaders. This stage of work is often forgotten, but it is critically important.

However, in this chapter of the book, Mr. Swindoll decides to pause and reflect on the importance of the people behind the scenes. The captivating twist to me though wasn’t JUST that he wanted to reinforce recognition for these folks. He also calls the reader to make a commitment to the Lord to be as unknown as possible in their position of influence. This thought hit me hard and made me think. How often have I wanted to be “known” for my accomplishments? How often have I longed for words of affirmation from those around me?

“Two dangers lurk in the shadows of leadership. One is the reluctance on the part of the leader to become virtually unknown, forgotten, and overlooked in the accomplishment of an objective. The second is the negligence of strong natural leaders who fail to recognize others who deserve much of the credit.”

Today is a vacation day for me and I’d made plans with a few friends. Coffee with one and lunch with two others. As I write this I’m realizing that the friends I met today are true “willing unknowns.” They love King Jesus with all of their heart and they sacrifice to fulfill the call He has on their lives. I love each of them dearly. In so many ways, they are my heroes.

I’m asking God for strength to submit to His plan for my life and to resist the temptation to fuel my ego. Will you join me?