A Great Man . . . my friend . . . Frank Roland

We tend to use the word “great” quite frequently and in many different ways . . . we describe a fishing trip as having been “Great” . . . we refer to a ballgame as “Great” . . . we even use it as a way to evaluate a meal. But rarely do we describe a person as being “a great person” . . . and I am reluctant to ever do so, but the simple truth is there just isn’t really a more descriptive term to use in describing my friend, Frank Roland. Allow me to share with you my reference point in making such a statement.

Jesus’ disciples had something of an on-going debate about what position each one of them might hold when the Master came into His kingdom. This debate is referenced in a number of places in the New Testament. At one point Jesus asked, “What was it that you quarreled over along the way?” Of course He knew, but He wanted a confession/admission from them, just as He wants the same from you and me. He told the guys, “You know how it is here on earth, wherein those with some authority lord over those below them. It is not to be so amongst you! If anyone is to be great in the Kingdom, he will only be great by serving others.”  Amazingly, after making that declaration, he took a basin of water and a towel and washed each of the Disciple’s feet.

As humans we tend to be inclined to describe an athlete as being “great.” Well, that, too, could be applied to my friend, Frank Roland. He was such an outstanding athlete that upon graduation from High school in rural Alabama he was selected for a Congressional appointment to the Naval Academy, where he was highly regarded as a running back. A couple of years back, Sandy and I were on a cruise ship to the Caribbean, where we noticed a large group of folks wearing shirts that identified them with the Naval Academy. In visiting with a group of older fellows I learned that they were graduates and were having a reunion. I told them that my friend, Frank, had attended the Academy. The gentlemen smiled as said they didn’t know him but “certainly knew about him!” The rest of the cruise, I would bump into folks from the reunion and some of the old guys would ask me, “You are friends with Frank Roland?” There was a hushed awe and respect. After a few days of this, I got the sense that my friend, Frank, had been something of a standout . . . even amongst a group of young men who were themselves standouts!

Sometimes we refer to soldiers as having been great, and that, too, could have been used to describe my friend, Frank. Upon graduation from the Academy, he became a naval pilot and served with distinction in the Korean conflict; he was quite a decorated combat pilot. I work out at the pool with a guy whose dad served with Frank during that time and he has told me many stories about Frank during those years.

But the greatness of which I speak about Frank is in the same context Jesus spoke of greatness . . . that being in service to others. I served as the Chairman of the Deacon body of our Church a few years back. During one meeting I was trying to challenge the deacons to be more dedicated to the work ascribed to the office of deacon. I recall having said, “We have one man in this Church body who does more to serve others that does this entire Deacon body combined.” I heard a strong “Amen” from a cool baritone voice . . . it was the Pastor, Charles Fake! Frank had personally set up a small group of volunteers that looked after folks who were homebound. As I recall there were something like 50 homebound folks they served. That included making trips to the market to do the homebound person’s shopping, to the pharmacy to pick up prescription medicines, driving the invalid to doctor visits, and such. It oftentimes involved going to the bank to see the folks in the bookkeeping department to help clear up a problem in the person’s checking account. I am certain it would be shocking to learn the amount of money Frank had personally deposited in older folk’s overdrawn checking accounts to get them out of hot water!

To go into the nursing homes with Frank was a humbling experience. As we walked down the hall to go see a sick patient many of the residents called out greeting to Frank . . . calling him by name. That in itself was impressive, but when one of the guys would say something like, “Thanks for the shirts, they fit great,” I was blown away. That happened many, many times.

Frank Roland was a very humble man . . . he loved the Lord and served Him . . . and Frank served The Lord’s people, and he did that in a quiet, respectful manner. Frank went to Heaven last Friday afternoon. There is no question that he heard those wonderful words, “Well done, Thou good and faithful servant!”

Frank was a man amongst men! I don’t suppose I have ever met his equal or that I ever will again. He was an inspiration . . . I chuckled to myself that even at 70 years-of-age Frank was the strongest and most physically fit man in the room! He was, indeed, a splendid soldier!

R. I. P. . . . Faithful servant!

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