Measure of a man

They can I.Q. you and run you through
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate you
And they'll place you on the charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what you're worth
Than their human eyes can see
Oh, I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
'Cause I've found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

I've always felt that music communicates to the deepest part of who we are, so I have chosen the first verse of this song by 4Him to say what I feel is a summary of who Ralph was. As I've read everyone's memories and tributes to his life I realize there is nothing of significance that I can add. Yet, I also add my words of thankfulness not only for a living example of Jesus' love and passion for the lost, but also for the amazing legacy he has left behind; not only to his family but also to those whose lives have been forever changed because of his obedience to the call of his Savior. Only now at his passing do we begin to see the overwhelming depth and width of his impact on the lives of those he came in contact with, not even scratching the surface of those who found what they needed in some crisis or low point in their lives by reading some article he had written. These things speak volumes about where the heart of the man was. Having been in the family for only 24 short years I have certainly been both honored and blessed to have been a part of his life. As Jesus continues to shape me into the one He has intended me to be I have a great example to pattern my life after. It warms my heart to see that the passion that kept Ralph true to the course has been successfully passed down to next generation of young men and women who in turn are even now working to pass that vision for the lost and the passion for Jesus to their children so that the legacy continues to be passed on from one generation to the next. This I think, more than any words we might say testify to the success of his life.