| A True Man of Honor |
|---|
| A true Man of Honor |
| is not a perfect man |
| for it is not in his own strength |
| that he's able to stand |
| But he worships and serves |
| a perfect God--for it is He |
| who gives him the courage |
| to stand against all odds |
| He's totally committed to God's impeccable truth |
| and ready to defend at any hour |
| consumed by His majesty and glory |
| and confident in His divine power |
| Though recognized for his tenacity and unfailing loyalty |
| his reputation stands on the foundation of divine grace and authority |
| his greatest attributes are integrity and humility |
| for these are the pistons that drives his powerhouse of ability |
| Carl Jones |
| Portsmouth, VA |
| Carl Brashear |
|---|
| January nineteenth nineteen thirty one, |
| McDonald and Gonzella Brashear gave birth to a son. |
| He was one of eight this little boy, |
| he would swim all day that was his toy. |
| Growing up in Kentucky during this time, |
| no running water or electricity but still happy times. |
| In 1948, he enlisted in the Navy, |
| a black man in diving people said he was crazy. |
| His shipmates were against him and called him names, |
| his challenges were different so an unfair game. |
| He never let words get in his way, |
| he pushed forth and became better every day. |
| His father was his inspiration, his guidance and strength, |
| He said, "Never give up Carl, go the extra length". |
| By 1965, he became the Leading Diver, |
| soon to follow up as Acting Master Diver. |
| In 1966, a bomb lost at sea, |
| caused an accident that took off his leg, |
| just below the knee. |
| This little set back never got him down, |
| his willingness to dive astounded all around. |
| The Navy said, "Carl you can't continue like this, |
| a one legged diver is strictly nonsense". |
| His strength and willingness was stronger than all, |
| he got back up every time he would fall. |
| He proved to the Navy he was good as could be, |
| He said, " Tell the others to try and keep up with me". |
| He retired from the Navy as a Master Diver, |
| he proved to them all he was a Survivor. |
| The first black man to ever receive this award, |
| his accomplishments taught others to keep pushing forward. |
| Carl saw his dream come true before he died, |
| As Jesus called him home at the age of seventy five. |
| He walked into Heaven with a smile on his face, |
| as Angels saluted his work of Grace. |
| And when he met Jesus I'm sure he heard, |
| Carl Brashear your legacy will live forever, |
| with those on earth. |
| So come now my child and walk with me, |
| together we will keep watch over those, |
| still at sea. |
| Russ Acree |
| Morrow, GA |