Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9
Frank Loesch. He was not a very imposing looking man, but in Chicago he was a living legend, for he was the man who had stood up to Al Capone.
In the prohibition years, Capone's rule was absolute. The local and state police and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation were afraid to oppose him. But single handedly, Frank Loesch, as a Christian layman and without any government support, organized the Chicago Crime Commission, a group of citizens who were determined to take Mr. Capone to court and put him away.
During the months that the Crime Commission met, Frank Loesch's life was in constant danger. There were threats on the lives of his family and friends. But he never wavered. Ultimately he won the case against Capone and was the instrument for removing this blight from the city of Chicago. Frank Loesch had risked his life to live out his faith.
Each Sunday in his local church he continued to serve as an usher until his death. He was quiet, unassuming, gentle, kind, but with a rock solid backbone. Men in the church would point out Frank Loesch to their sons with pride and tell them "that is what a real hero looks like." Many times, grown men would have tears in their eyes as this humble hero would pass by them gently serving as an usher. For all of Chicago this was and is what authentic courage really looked like.
God gives each of us on a daily basis the opportunity to demonstrate quiet courage. Moments arise constantly when leaders will be born or they will cower in fear. May God help each of us today to be strong in the Lord, quiet in our soul, settled in our convictions, and courageous in our actions! God give us more Frank Loesch's who will just do the right thing no matter the cost! Dr. Bob Jones Sr used to say, "Do Right Til' The Stars Fall." Just do right today and be courageous as you serve the Lord and others. You will make more of an impact than you will ever know!