I did a real estate closing today for a man who embodied courage. He was not a huge or imposing figure physically but the strength of his character filled the room like a balloon blown up inside of a 2 liter pepsi bottle. There was little room weak constitutions or selfishness. I inquired why he was moving and he indicated that he was moving to West Virginia to take of  his sister. I asked rather presumptiously if she was ill and he confirmed. He stated that she was given 2 months to live because she had advanced bone cancer. “She called me a month ago and said, I need your help. I am dying and I need you,” he clarified. He did not add emphasis or hyperbole just a matter of fact statement of declared need. He told me that he decided to sell his house and start a new chapter of his life by helping close hers.  He stated that God knew what he was doing. I asked how.  He told me that his wife died of cancer last year and he would not have been able to move to West Virginia if she had still been sick. “The thing that really concerns me is my sister’s 12 year old son. What is he going to do?” he asked. The enormity of this man’s task and character settled into my chest like double pneumonia. I was awed by the lack of bitterness and selfishness in his heart and perspective.This man’s draft card got pulled. Instead of burning the card or outsourcing the calling, he stepped up and accepted his call to duty. God drafted this man into war against sadness, illness and pain all while knowing the inevitable.  God did not ask him nor consult him but called him up nevertheless because I think God knows that this man has the courage to fight the fight.  As he left my office, he said, ” I know everything is going to be ok.”  I could use some of that courage. AH