John McCain | R.I.P.

statue of John McCain in Hanoi (c) 2018 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

John McCain is a true American hero. He is also considered a hero by the people of Vietnam. Captured when his plane was shot down over Hanoi, he endured five years at the prison American POW's dubbed the Hanoi Hilton. He withstood the years of torture, rejecting the offer of early release (because his father was a four star Admiral in the United States Navy). He chose instead to remain in solidarity with his fellow POW's. The statue pictured above was erected at the location where McCain was captured. Perhaps the lowest moment of his life, out of this tragedy grew his heroism and his career of devoted service to America and to the world.

McCain is beloved by the people of Vietnam. He took the lead in bringing about the normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam. Our nations today co-exist in peace and friendship, due in no small measure to his leadership. Vietnam has become a quite popular and worthwhile tourist destination for Americans.

The true measure of his faith is the life he lived. Faith, in my opinion, is neither about doctrinal orthodoxy nor positions taken on divisive social issues. John McCain practiced grace. He rose above personal resentment to forgive the very people who had treated him with such cruelty. His leadership helped bring about true reconciliation between former enemies. This is what greatness looks like, the selfless service our world so desperately needs.

Rest in peace, Senator John McCain. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2Tim 4:7).

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