Maverick

I am a subscriber to the “Merriam-Webster Word of the Day.” Occasionally the entry of the day will spark a thought for me, which ends up in one of my blog posts.  Today is one of those sparky days.  The word for today is “Maverick.” Before I give you Merriam-Webster’s entry, let me give you the images which came to mind when I read the word.

1. The television series, “Maverick,” starring James Garner (1957 – 1962)

2. Sara Palin announcing to America in the 2008 presidential campaign that she and John McCain were atypical politicians

3. The Ford Maverick in production from 1970 to 1977

4. The 1994 movie, “Maverick,” starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner

Here is the Meriam-Webster “Did you know?” entry under their definition;

“When a client gave Samuel A. Maverick 400 cattle to settle a $1,200 debt, the 19th-century south Texas lawyer had no use for them, so he left the cattle unbranded and allowed them to roam freely (supposedly under the supervision of one of his employees). Neighboring stockmen recognized their opportunity and seized it, branding and herding the stray cattle as their own. Maverick eventually recognized the folly of the situation and sold what was left of his depleted herd, but not before his name became synonymous with such unbranded livestock. By the end of the 19th century, the term maverick was being used to refer to individuals who prefer to blaze their own trails.”

I searched for the Origin of the name “Maverick,” and all I found was it came from England but no explanation of the word itself. Every entry seemed to refer back to Samuel A. Maverick.  If you find an etymological account of the name, please guide me to it.

It was the last sentence that caused me to ponder the course of my life: “the term maverick refers to individuals who prefer to blaze their trails.”

Sitting in the back row of the Madison Funeral Home Chapel, I listened to the pastor deliver the words typically offered at a funeral service.  Just as the speaker bent his knees to sit, the final song began.  It was Elvis Presley singing, “I did it my way.” Yikes!!  This ballad crescendos and decrescendos beautifully and emotionally.  I love the energy of the melody and orchestration of the composition. The lyrics are the testimony of a bold maverick that lived life their way.  The words are not the testimony of a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I grieve when I realize I have “blazed my trail” and found myself at a distance from my Creator.  There is a profound mystery that accompanies the art and science of discerning and obeying the will of God.  Uncertainty often precedes the decisions we make in an honest effort to follow our Savior and Lord.  But that is why there is compassion, mercy, and grace flowing from the Origin of life to us. 

Anyone who has become attached to and enthralled by Jesus Christ does not want to be a maverick. It’s impossible to enjoy His love and blaze your trail at the same time.  He has blazed His trail for us, and we know that trail will be steep, but it will be even more spectacularly joyous and meaningful. The trailblazer, the way maker; Christ, makes the celebration of Easter happy and Christmas merry. My prayer for you is to have a happy Easter!  I will.

P.S. Like Jesus, each believer should strive to be a maverick to the world and a follower to the Creator.

Photo – I an nor sure where or when I took this picture.