But Lester’s most distinguishing feature was best illustrated by the picture that graced their living room wall, in which he was holding his 7 pound, 6 ounce, newborn daughter. She was sleeping contentedly on his massive outstretched hand and forearm. Her little head lay in the palm of his hand and her feet barely reached the crook of his elbow. For the first few weeks of her life, she was so small and light that it required a great deal of care on Lester’s behalf just to handle his new bundle of joy safely.  But he did.

Lester’s daughter would grow up in the shadow of her “mountain” knowing that he father’s strength was not something to fear, but something that provided a place of safety and comfort. With great restraint her father would always consciously soften his touch when his little girl jumped on his lap or ran into his arms for a hug. Even as a teenager he could easily lift her off her feet with one hand, but his power was so consistently used on her behalf that she had nothing but respect for her father, affectionately calling him her “gentle power.”

This powerful image reminds us of another mountain who can be described as gentle power – God almighty. God towers above his creation. He could crush us accidently if he was capable of having an accident. Some would argue that he should crush some for their evil and hurtful behavior. Instead, He has been gentle. Jesus (God in flesh) said it like this: “I am humble and gentle at heart.” (Matthew 11:29 NLT)

Mankind has a history of lamenting, “If God is so powerful, why doesn’t He do ______?” But God’s power is actually better demonstrated by his restraint than by His action. The fact that God does not make mankind obey him or love him, proves that God is not only powerful, but that He is loving and gentle. When mankind disobeys God’s moral laws, the ramifications of those bad behaviors are punishment enough. But God is so confident in who He is that He rarely responds with demonstrations of power. He usually only demonstrates His power to reassure us that he is our gentle power.  The problem may lie in the fact that many people have only met God in theory or by means of religion or philosophy. They may have an idea of His power, and that is good. But only when someone becomes acquainted with God on an intimate, personal level, can they experience His gentleness and grace.  When someone comes to know Him as their gentle Father, His power will be of great comfort and they will be forever grateful that He restrains Himself as He gently deals with mankind. Ultimately, mankind will reap what he sows, but for those who respond to God’s invitation to make Him their Savior , He will be their Gentle Power. 00000000000000

Lester’s friends called him “the mountain.”  Standing 6’7” tall and weighing in at 300 pounds guaranteed that he would stick out in most crowds. And, the fact that he was a ripped, professional, linebacker increased the intimidation factor. Thus the nickname.