An inspiration to us all

The article below was in The War Eagle Reader yesterday. My brother read it first and happened to call it to our attention, because the guy in the featured story, Lee Carpenter, was a classmate of my Dad's throughout high school. Dad played center to Lee's position at quarterback for the Childersburg High School Tigers. This is what Dad said when I asked him to verify that:

Yes, I was for three years: B team to A team. Lee was the QB thru most of our years. He was the starter two years and was named super all state as a senior…the best QB in Alabama. He also kicked extra points and punted. He could throw it and ran the triple option well, which meant he would run it as good as anyone. He was also a starter on the Basketball team, a starter on the baseball team, Mr. CHS, and the Valedictorian. One of the nicest guys I ever met…and he had a great laugh. One of my life heroes, but you knew that.

Lee was the kind of guy who made an impression on others, even as a teenager. His character and faith were a strong testimony to my Dad, who was searching and didn't become a Christian until a few years after high school. Lee's life hasn't been an easy one, but God has used him mightily through the trials he's faced. With talent and passion to pursue a career in teaching and coaching, Lee could've been resentful or bitter when he became ill. He could've given up, and not many would've blamed him. He instead chose to continue to live, and to "live a life worthy of the calling," (Ephesians 4:1) to make a difference in his family and others, and I know has pleased his Lord greatly.

When life is overwhelming with small, and yeah, even sometimes large issues, this man continues to be an inspiration to our family. I'm so thankful to know him, and grateful God has given him many years to continue being a light to others. Please read it and let it encourage you, that no matter what difficulties come in your life, God can still use you and will, if you choose to let him. Lee Carpenter may not be able to physically do anything beyond blink his eyes, but the strength he exhibits daily rivals anything I've ever known. It's truly from God, and is just awesome.

http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2009/12/lee-carpenters-wonderful-life/