Tip: Everyone should be like the Lone Ranger!
When I was a child growing up, I could not wait for Saturday mornings so I could watch the Lone Ranger. Everything about him thrilled me! He was such an intriguing character! He rode a white stallion by the name of Silver, wore a mask that protected his mysterious identity, and was often misunderstood by law-abiding people. He had a side-kick by the name of Tonto, who had a beautiful paint horse by the name of Scout. The Lone Ranger even had special bullets on his gun holster that were made out of pure silver. He was THE MAN!
I suppose the thing I liked so much about the Lone Ranger was the fact that he was such a mysterious character. On one hand, he must have had a huge ego. I mean, think about it. Who would dress in solid white and wear a black mask, ride a white horse, have silver bullets on his gun holster and have a side-kick always there to do as instructed as well as protect and help him when he needed it? He fought for law and order and had a personal goal to single-handedly help get the Wild West under control. There was no doubt about it – he was on a mission!
Yet, on the other hand, he was a humble servant. He never made a big deal out of who he was. He always showed up just in the knick of time to help everyone out of trouble. Then, ironically enough, he would leave early, before anyone could thank him for the important job he had done. He knew how to solve problems, but he did not want to be in the lime-light for his great deeds. He just got the job done and then rode off in a cloud of dust, with the speed of light, and a hardy, “Hi-Yo, Silver, away!” I guess you can tell I was really impressed by the Lone Ranger and everything he stood for and represented.
Since I have grown up, I realize that the very qualities that caused me to like him so much are ones that we should all possess. If a person is going to do anything in life, he must have enough of an ego to propel him into believing he can actually make a difference in this world. I once heard the saying, “I am only one person, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And, by God’s grace, I will do what I can do to make a difference!” That was what the Lone Ranger was all about. He embodied that truth more than anyone else I have ever known.
Yet, all of us should also emulate the Lone Ranger’s deep sense of humility, which was complimented by a servant’s heart. He never really wanted anything for himself. There was no prideful arrogance about him. He only wanted to do good every day and to help others. He was not looking for any personal glory, wonderful accolades, or pay of any sort. He just wanted to help! What an attitude! What a heart! What a man!
I am not sure how to keep that balance in my life all of the time, but I do know that it is a worthy target. Wouldn’t you agree?
Let me encourage each of us to be more like the Lone Ranger. Ego, with humility is an incredible combination. Very few can find that unique balance. He was my hero who left an example that we all can follow.
“Hi-Yo Silver, away!”
Tip: Everyone should be like the Lone Ranger!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
