NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–My first visit to the White House as a religious leader came during the closing months of President Reagan’s last term in office. To be truthful, I was somewhat overwhelmed to be sitting among dozens of religious leaders from across America, individuals whose prominence made them household names in the Christian community. But nothing equaled the feeling that swept over me when President Reagan walked into the room and began addressing the group in his humorous and down-to-earth manner.
My junior high and high school studies in American history and government came leaping to life with such force, I could not help but wish I had studied my civics lessons with a much more determined sense of scholarship!
As the meeting concluded, we had opportunity to greet the president personally ever so briefly. That day, his kind spirit, expression of faith and optimistic vision for this country gave me great hope for America.
I hope I never lose it.
Ronald Reagan was an extraordinarily gifted and patriotic American and a great president. He had a profound understanding of the difference in right and wrong, justice and injustice, strength and weakness, and civility and incivility.
His moral compass kept him “on course” in leading his beloved country. He never wavered from his sense of decency and fairness. His faith sustained him in tough times. His humor caused even his opponents to be enamored with him and respect him. He led America with a strong display of bold, disarming honesty that demonstrated a sympathetic understanding of those who differed with him. His ability to persuade those who initially disagreed with him is a powerful lesson in leadership.
Time and again he proved himself to be a man “bigger” in character and wisdom than those who came into his presence. He was a visionary who was content letting others implement his goals for the United States of America. He seemed never to lose sight of the larger landscape. He did what he did best, and let others do what they did best — another priceless lesson in leadership.
President Ronald Reagan was everyman’s president, and never was it more clearly seen and felt than in the aftermath of the Challenger explosion 73 seconds into its liftoff in January 1986. Who shall ever forget his graceful and compassionate tribute to the crew, including schoolteacher Krista McAuliffe. That evening in a telecast to the nation the president paraphrased a sonnet, “They … ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.’” In times like these, he demonstrated the resolve of a president, the caring nature of a pastor and the love of a father.
With the passing of time, Americans’ admiration for President Reagan is becoming Lincolnesque in its magnitude. His unselfishness was the hallmark of the man. He never appeared to think first of himself, only of others. He was proud to be an American and he loved those who shared this great country with him.
These characteristics made us all better Americans and gave Christians hope that Judeo-Christian values once again would become the standard for morality and ethics in our nation. His legacy will loom large in history and his life will be a lesson in leadership for the ages.
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Morris H. Chapman is president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee.
