A couple weekends ago at the Food Drop, Mayor Rea pulled me aside to inform me that he had nominated me for the Martin Luther King Drum Major award. This award, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Foundation, City of South Bend, City of Mishawaka, and the Chamber of Commerce, is given to six people each year from Michiana who are recognized for their dedication to community service.
The Drum Major award was inspired by Dr King's speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4th, 1968
"Every now and then I think about my own death, and I think about my own funeral...I don't want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long...Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize...Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards...I'd like somebody to mention that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life to serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to love somebody...Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was drum major for peace. That I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter...I just want to leave a committed life behind."
Here's what I said this morning:
On behalf of Granger Community Church, I am privileged beyond words to receive this great honor that carries the name of Dr King. He is one of the brightest lights in our country’s history. On this day, we all find our lives elevated by his great faith, his great work and his great vision. Especially in light of tomorrow’s inauguration, it is right for us to pause and recognize what a an emotionally powerful and historic moment this is. One that goes beyond the ordinary politics that we are all accustomed to. In large part due to legacy of Dr King, the whole world will now see an idea of American Leadership that reaches beyond white males. Tomorrow, the whole world will see the American ideal of racial equality realized in a whole new way.
Regarding the Drum Major award, I stand here merely as a representative of the people of Granger Community Church. As is true of any great endeavor, the work that Mayor Rea described as our gift to this community extends so far beyond the gifts and talents and devotion of any one person. If it weren’t for the willing hearts and hands of the people called Granger Community Church, if it weren’t for the support and brilliant leadership of our Senior Pastor Mark Beeson, a much smaller story would have been told this morning.
On behalf of Granger Community Church, I want to say, it is our commitment to continue the great work of service that Dr King has called all of us to. These are his words..
“.. Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness… by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”
Some of my favorite people in the world were there. Let me say, this award belongs to them even more than it belongs to me.
To God be the glory! If it weren't for Jesus, I would still be stuck on the smallest thing in the world: self.
PHOTOS: R Mark Beeson (My Favorite Photographer)
Rob,
What an incredible honor. You are such a great person to represent GCC. We are incredibly thankful for you and your family.
Your family is beautiful. I saw you the other day at Sofa Select ,but, didnt get a chance to pop over to day "hello" I didn't realize the girls were so grown up. I recall when they took dance classes from my daughter Mo.
Steve and I are blessed to belong to Gcc and it is the leaders who demonstrate Gods love that make us want to serve along side you.
Bless you and Congratulations,
Chrissy Michael
Posted by: Chrissy | January 19, 2009 at 02:37 PM
That is so awesome! Can I have your autograph?
Posted by: Kathy Friend.com | January 19, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Hey brother - Congratulations! I know you would probably say that you do not deserve to have such an honor representing MLK. . . . and you're probably right. . . but none of the rest of us would ever deserve that honor either.
However, the King of kings that you are humbly representing and serving does deserve it - and you have been so faithful Rob in being His hands and feet to this community AND beyond.
So, even though it is not place to judge, I will still say - "job well begun!"
Posted by: Ted Bryant | January 19, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Congrats Rob!
I am very pleased for you but this is no suprise for me.
Your servants heart is one of the things I love about you most.
I love you Rob,
Dad
Posted by: Papa | January 19, 2009 at 04:07 PM
How cool is that?!! Thank you for not only being a faithful leader at GCC but also an inspiring leader in our community!
Posted by: Sherry Ingle | January 19, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Rob! this is so so so cool and I am so proud of the way you turned it around and pointed everything back to Jesus. You always do that! I am inspired by you. I am proud of you. I think you're really something.
Posted by: Amber Cox | January 19, 2009 at 04:46 PM
Roberto, well done! Way to represent. I'm proud of you brother. Keep banging the drum for the Cause, for the King and for the Kingdom. Love you guys.
Posted by: Judy Gregory | January 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Congratulations Rob! God does deserve all the glory and praise for this reward and because of your awesome leadership and using the gifting that He gave you you have made an impact on the community. I feel so humbled to be a small part of what GCC is doing and thank you for your wonderful leadership. Of course, though, you have a wonderful wife and kids that help you to look good!
Posted by: Ruth | January 20, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Rob, the moment I saw a twitter from Michelle about the award, from what I know of you, I knew you would say somewhat what you said. We are all privileged to led by "real people" such as you, Beeson and the remainder of the gang.
Thank you for working so hard to provide opportunities for people who may not know how to serve otherwise. You are an example to all of us!
The DeJesus family loves you a lot!
Posted by: Bruno | January 20, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Rob, Thank you for representing Jesus with your life and service. I pray he will continue to bless you and the work of GCC.
Jane
Posted by: Jane Compeau | January 20, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Awesome!
Posted by: John Stark | January 20, 2009 at 07:19 PM
So proud of you and our church, my friend. What a great example of servant leadership you are. You continue to bless our family and this church by simply being you. I'm so happy that you had the chance to receive this reward on behalf of GCC. Your speech did us, and Jesus proud!
Posted by: Dan Vukmirovich | January 20, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Congrats buddy. Wish I was there to take it in. I'm proud of you.
Lets do lunch again sometime soon.
J
Posted by: J | January 21, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Rob,
So very proud of you and all that Jesus is doing through you - well done
Love you,
Your big sis
Posted by: Lisa Wegner Morris | January 21, 2009 at 08:52 PM