"To the battlements! With stalwart step we march to the ramparts--we do battle, I, with honor, will be the Victor!" Okay, maybe that's just the battle cry I imagine Doug shouting in his recent and self-motivating moments. But that should also be our rally cry, now, as we support a man who is in the greatest battle of all. Doug McKnight will prevail for he is stalwart: a person who is loyal to his allegiances; strong, and steadfast. Doug, like his name bears, is a warrior. A knight who is strong and resolute in his passion for life; a life that embodies the very fiber of a dedicated fighter--a fighter for what is good and exemplary. From his past example, his strength and vitality sustained his pursuits with his teaching. Students have learned much more than science, they have taken with them the knowledge that opportunities can be open to those who are eager to make their lives better through education. Doug, as a stalwart, has brought teamwork to his colleagues with his humor, social acumen, and indomitable spirit. We have missed his distinctive, baritone voice leaning down when talking with you with that impish smile and sharing something fun or noteworthy. Those "Doug moments" sustain our connectedness. As a young squire, this knight was obviously taught the Diamond Rule by Mr. McKnight Senior and his beloved mom. In the book of Micah 6:8 it is asked: "...what is good?--what is required of you?-- To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." This is required of a noble knight. Doug McKnight and his very character has kept his own family safe, and strong--has shown his children what is good, what is fair, and what is kind. His stalwart example as father and husband has and will keep the hearts of his family both valiant and true during this battle. And of course, Doug is stalwart and loyal to his allegiance to all things sports, in particular, to the University of Michigan. I think Doug has the inheritable remnants of a true Medieval knight who is inured to fatigue or defeat. He enjoys the tournaments, the competitions, the battles where the victors take the spoils. We know the Michigan Fight song, mostly the well-known verse, "Hail to the Victors"--but in the first stanza there is a line that says, "with stalwart step they're nighing." This is how Doug lived his life and is now living, battling, fighting with "stalwart step"---showing his true mettle. Following the leadership and example of Doug the Victor, let us carry a collective banner forward. Oh, hail to this stalwart for he will conquer...Oh, hail to Doug McKnight! |
4 Comments
Grant Rushing
1/21/2016 08:18:51 am
Amazing work! Couldn't of described him any better:)
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Murph
1/21/2016 08:42:47 am
You are so awesome:) :) :)
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Gayleen
1/21/2016 12:21:35 pm
Excellent tribute to Doug. Praying for him.
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Dianne Evans
1/29/2016 09:05:23 am
Brilliantly written. You put into glorious words the feelings and thoughts of many as Doug battles his biggest challenge. So many are pulling for him.
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JCBeaversI don't live to teach, I teach to live. My life has been sparked by the constant craving to write...to pause and ponder. Archives
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