Life - Leadership / Workplace

This story is continued from "A Hero, A Villain, and God"  

     Easy Eddie was Al Capone’s lawyer and he was very good at what he did. He was quite skillful at keeping Al Capone out of jail. To show appreciation, Al Capone paid him handsomely. He not only earned a hefty salary but received extravagant benefits, like a home that filled an entire Chicago city block. The house had wrought iron fencing and live-in help and all the conveniences of the day.

        Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son deeply and gave him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, toys, and a good education. And because he genuinely cared for his son, he knew deep in his heart that he should teach him right from wrong. He was painfully aware that the one thing he couldn’t give his son was a good name or a good example. These eluded him, but in time, Easy Eddie decided that his son’s future and a good name were more important than riches or power.

       A short time later, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he had to testify in court against Al Capone and he knew Capone would make every effort to have him silenced. Nonetheless, Easy Eddie wanted more than anything to be an example and to do the best he could to give his son a good name. He came to terms with the weight of his marred legacy and he testified against Capone. The authorities finally convicted Capone and within the year, Easy Eddie was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago. He was survived by his wife and teenaged son.

        These two stories may seem unrelated, but Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
Eddie O’Hare loved Butch so much that he laid down his life to offer him hope for the future. That’s what Jesus did for you and me. He laid down His life to give us hope for the future. My history, the good and the bad, pales in contrast with the wonderful plans God has in store for me. What a relief. What a joy. What anticipation.

        I am not aware of Eddie O’Hare’s spiritual condition when he met his earthly end, but I can’t help but believe he had a personal encounter with the maker and lover of his soul. When Eddie repented of his wrongdoing, he had no idea that the name he sought to restore to his son would likewise be restored to himself. Nothing is too difficult for God! He is in the miracle business and we must never underestimate what He can create, heal, forgive, reconcile, and reconstruct.

        What needs to be “made right” in your life this day? Lay the broken pieces down at the foot of the Cross. You will be amazed by what God can accomplish when you surrender your reputation, your resume, and your rights. Jesus promised that when you lose your life for His sake, you will find it.

• Leadership / Workplace

Author

Ellie Lofaro

Ellie Lofaro’s message is a wonderful blend of plainspoken truth, common sense practicality, and disarming humor. A serious student of Scripture and a keen observer of the culture, Ellie has developed a unique teaching style that touches the heart, stimulates the mind, and nourishes the soul— thus inspiring her to found Heart, Mind, & Soul Ministries. Completely convinced of God’s love and His mandate to “go and tell,” Ellie has committed her life to sharing the Great News. She speaks internationally, has authored six books and teaches a weekly interdenominational Bible Study. Ellie and her husband, Frank (CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance), reside near the nation’s capital. They have three “almost grown” children.

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