Where have all our leaders gone?  The cry today is for leadership, but what kind of leader are we looking for?

 

John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach of UCLA, went home to be with his Saviour and his dear wife Nell this past Friday night.  He was 99.  Prior to his death he was visited by many of his players and coaches who followed him at UCLA.  All revered him as a humble, godly man who impacted and changed their lives. But none of the accolades and accomplishments changed John Wooden.  He remained the towering figure of character, they all knew and respected, to the very end.

 

Fox News reporter Adam Housley, who knew Wooden from his days at Pepperdine and came to know him personally in subsequent years said it best in his personal tribute to Coach Wooden.  To this day he bears the mark of this man and carries in his wallet a card from Wooden to remind him of what is important.

 

One of Housley's favorite quotes from Coach Wooden is, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

 

Unfortunately for America and for our children, the camera, the spotlight, and the bottom line seem to be far more important to our politicians and business leaders than character.