Scoutmaster Minute

From the Texas Episcopalian Volume 112, No. 3 March 2009

Fear and Faith – by Greg Garrett Read more »

A great American, John Wayne, passed away many years ago. One of his last public appearances was at a dinner. The purpose of the dinner was to benefit a land purchase for a Scout Reservation called John Wayne Outpost Camp.

At this dinner, Wayne recited the Scout Law. Then he did something unusual, he said the twelve points of the Scout Law are "nice words". "Trouble is" he continued, "we learn them so young we sometimes don't get all the understanding that goes with them. I take care of that in my family. As each boy reaches Scout age, I make sure he learns the Scout Law. Then I break it down for him, with a few things I have picked up in more than half a century since I learned it."

Then Wayne proceeded to explain the importance of the Scout Law, breaking it down for the guests at the dinner; much like he would have for his grandson.

TRUSTWORTHY - The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look any man in the eye. Lacking it he won't look back. Keep this one at the top of your list.

LOYAL - The very word is life itself, for without loyalty we have no love of person or country.

HELPFUL - Part sharing, part caring. By helping each other, we help ourselves, not to mention mankind. Be always full of help -- the dying man's last words.

FRIENDLY - Brotherhood is part of that word. You can take it in a lot of directions - and do - but make sure and start with brotherhood.

COURTEOUS - Allow each person his human dignity which means a lot more than saying, "yes ma'am" and "thank you sir". It reflects an attitude that later in life you wish you had honored more -- earlier in life. Save yourself that problem. Do it now.

KIND - This one word would stop wars and erase hatreds. But its like your bicycle, its just no good unless you get out and use it. Read more »