I had the privilege of photographing Bob Lepine yesterday. In the process of arranging this session, I ran across many roadblocks. I first had this scheduled to take place in October, but due to some unfulfilled promises by some other than the two of us, it didn't happen. After some more setbacks, my persistence paid off. We arranged this session to take place at Cross Mountain Church. Danny was very gracious to allow me to use their facility. One of the reasons Bob Lepine is one of my men of influence is his steadfast, consistent, and transparent faith. He is the co-host of Family Life Today, with Dennis Rainey, as well as the host of Truth for Life. Both of these are national radio broadcast shows that have been on the air for a long time. I began listening to Bob on the radio in the late 1990s. His consistent, steadfast, and respectful approach to educating, and helping others is simply remarkable. Earlier this year, he produced a movie in theaters called Like Arrows (very good by the way, you should rent it when it comes out). His stance on truth is ever growing in grace. He used to live in San Antonio, so he has a particular interest in the San Antonio Spurs (even though he now lives in Arkansas). While I was photographing him, he shared with me the turning point in his life. It was when a man sat him down and questioned his knowledge of sin. He realized what he thought and what the Bible says were two different things. It was at that point that the Gospel changed him, his desire to know God's word was ignited, and he's never looked back since. He also told a funny story about his son, when he was about 1 1/2 years old. He was driving in the car and someone came close to cut him off, so he honked the horn. Right then, his 18 month old son yelled out, "Jerk". Bob's wife looked at him, and he admitted that he had said "it" once. His honesty, and willingness to share life experiences are what makes him so influential. He's not afraid to talk about his failings, which tends to lower the walls of resistance when it comes to communicating and forming relationships with people. He has a rapport that puts people at ease, and yet speaks the truth in the process, something lacking in today's society. Bob is a great guy, but he's so much more than that. If I were to be in a heavily sparked conversation about a controversial issues, I'd like Bob's presence, because he can handle the heat, but do it with gentleness and respect. This is something I still need to work on. Bob's consistent example in living out his faith has been more than influential to me (as reason to be in my Men of Influence Project), but I'm sure to millions of other listeners over the years as well. When it comes to the Christian faith, he gets it. And he's willing to share and give of himself, so that others "get it" too.
