"Cowboys All"
Down south they call ‘em crackers,
‘Cause they crack whips in the brush,
To drive those Florida cattle,
Use dogs to make ‘em rush.
Cross Texas they’re called punchers,
From when on railroad cars,
The cattle shipped and loaded,
Under sunlit skies and stars.
In that Great Basin country,
They call ‘em buckaroos,
From the Spanish word vaquero,
With reata ropes to use.
But everywhere the horseback hands,
Though styles are theirs unique,
It’s all about the livestock,
And the methods cowboys seek,
To husband all the cattle,
And give the care it takes,
To put beef on the table,
And especially those steaks.
And so when you say cowboy,
It means so many things,
Time-honored traditions,
And the history that they bring.
But it’s more than just a costume,
From hat down to your boots,
And all about the work you do,
And deep down cowboy roots.
Some will say it’s in the blood,
And some a skill acquired,
But bottom line it’s getting done,
What livestock has required.
So if you have a chance to go,
Where horseback men still ride,
Find a way to watch ‘em do,
Or even ride ‘long side,
And get a taste of history,
From the saddle it’s best seen,
And never doubt the value,
Of what cowboyin’ means.
“…and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
What’s in a name? When someone is called a cowboy, it means that they have developed certain skills handling cattle. And especially if the cattle work is done horseback. The believers were first named “Christians” in a town called Antioch, a place where Barnabas and later Saul ministered together. The name was obviously given because of their faith but also because of their behavior. They reminded people of Jesus Christ in how they lived and talked. And this is the essence of authentic discipleship. it’s making our faith in Jesus our day to day lifestyle. People will then know you’re the real deal.
Lord, help us to be authentic Christians, in Jesus’ name.
Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.