A team of friends from our community traveled to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum this Saturday for a journey of discovery to uncover the rich history of the Lone Star State. A highlight of the trip was a series of stirring lectures on honor, providence, and manhood delivered by Wesley Strackbein, Vision Forum’s own resident Texas historian.

Wesley brought to life the remarkable history of Moses Austin who deeply loved his son Stephen Austin, who is known today as the founding father of Texas. Moses discipled his son and later commissioned him to complete the mission of building Texas. The vision of Moses Austin and his relationship with his son is depicted in one of America’s great monuments to visionary fatherhood found here in San Antonio, Texas, not far from the Alamo. (Conceptually, the monument appears to have some similarities to the SAICFF Jubilee award.)

Also stirring was the story of Sam Houston, a wayward and honorless young boy who became a man of great courage and ability. Indian agent, lawyer, general, governor of Tennessee, president of Texas, and much more, his life was marked by significant victories, losses, despairs, and joys. His life is an example of the power of redemption. Once an honorless man, Houston’s life was transformed into a testimony of unflinching honor and integrity and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Later in his life, he married wisely—a woman whose gentle counsel and undying love stirred him in his devotion to Christ. Houston was mentored by Andrew Jackson, a man he deeply loved and defended. Houston named his son Andrew Jackson Houston after his beloved mentor. The boy went on to live a distinguished life, became good friends with Theodore Roosevelt, and ultimately lived until the onset of the Second World War, even serving in the United States Senate for a brief time at the age of 87.

Our day began with a message that Wesley and I brought on Mayan, Aztec, and Inca civilizations, early Spanish exploration, and the conquest of Texas and Central America.

Jeff and Doris Horn joined us.

Texas men.

Noah brought a masterful message on the history of the Texas Rangers. One of my favorite quotes that Noah shared with us about the Texas Rangers was this one:

A large proportion ... were unmarried. A few of them drank intoxicating liquors. Still, it was a company of sober and brave men. They knew their duty and they did it. While in a town they made no braggadocio demonstration. They did not gallop through the streets, shoot, and yell. They had a specie of moral discipline which developed moral courage. They did right because it was right. - John Ford

Our team listens as my son Joshua gave a lecture on the history of Davy Crockett.