Hats and Crowns



Al's outback hat! (photo by Al Lowery)





Several years ago we happened to be looking around the gift shop at a hotel in Yosemite National Park when Al noticed a brown leather hat on display, the kind cowboys wear in the outback of Australia. He had been looking for something to provide protection for his face and ears from the sun and also had in mind the style that he wanted. This one was pricey, but perfect!

    

Al’s rugged outback hat has gone through all kinds of weather and mistreatment, being sat on, scrunched up and left behind more than once. As he now describes it, “That hat is old and beat up, like me!” However, it is tough, sturdy and will probably be around for a long time. It has great character, just like its owner who has persevered through many trials of life.  

    

There are a few other special hats around our house, like the green military cap with the officer’s badge which was worn by my dad as he served in the Marine Corps at the end of World War II. That cap also symbolizes the character and perseverance he demonstrated when he had to leave his new bride, my mom, in order to serve his country in Japan.

      

In a letter, he told mom how hard it had been to say good-bye and how he had wanted to chase after her car! But dad carried out his commitment to the Marines and came home to her, living a happy and full life with her for fifty-eight years before his death in 2003.

    

There is also a musty wool fireman’s cap which belonged to Grandpa Fred, who proudly served as a fireman in Oakland for many years, his claim to fame being the time he helped put out a fire in the Claremont Country Club.

    

A 1920’s newspaper article recorded that “Firemen L.J. Arthur and Fred Cochran (aka Grandpa Fred) plunged through a wall of fire to carry two girl employees of the club to safety.” There was also a picture showing a smiling, youthful Fred wearing his fireman’s hat and uniform, next to the photos of two very pretty girls.

     

I remember that once while we were on a rock hunting trip near Porterville, Grandpa pulled the car over to the side of the road and jumped out to help fight a brush fire. Our whole family watched with mouths wide open in astonishment.

     

How thankful I am for the men in my life who not only have been wonderful, loving fathers and grandfathers, but also men of strong character, men who have persevered. I am proud of them all!

      

Hats off to all of you men who have determined to serve the Lord and are doing so faithfully. Thank you for building your homes upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and for persevering through the trials of life. Know that you are appreciated, loved and respected. May God give you the strength and grace needed to love your families and to lead them into a closer relationship with Him. Happy Father’s Day!

  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV

(published in the Porterville Recorder on 6-15-13)