What is “Between the Lions”?

Navigating the Narrow

When I was a kid growing up in West Tennessee, my dad would let me sit in his lap and “steer” the truck on those old back roads in Pocahontas, TN. He’d say, “Son, keep it between the lines.” But what I heard was very different: “Keep it between the lions.”

As a child, I imagined ferocious lions on either side of the road, waiting to pounce if I veered off course. I thought to myself, This is dangerous! It wasn’t until later that I realized he was saying “lines,” not “lions.” Still, the image stuck with me—because, in a way, he wasn’t wrong. Life’s road is lined with dangers. Too far to the right is perilous; too far to the left is just as dangerous. The only safe path is God’s path—the straight and narrow way He has called us to follow.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, KJV)

Now, as a father and a leader, I find myself applying this principle when navigating the challenges that come my way. Between the Lions is about staying consistent with God’s highway—His course and path. There are so many ditches of error, distraction, and compromise, and I’ve lived long enough to see people plunge into them when they didn’t have to.

There’s always a pull—a temptation to leave God’s path for something that looks easier or more appealing. But that pull leads to danger and destruction. My prayer is that this serves as a reminder for me and for you to stay the course, to resist the distractions, and to finish the race on the narrow path God has set before us.

Through Between the Lions, I hope to share insights, reflections, and encouragement to help us all navigate life’s road with faithfulness. I was privileged to be raised and mentored by an older generation. When I was 18 years old, my mentors were my elder grandfather and his friends. I hope to share with you what I have learned from them and what they taught me. They passed from this life many years ago, but I still hear their stories and advice.

Here, I will share stories from my grandfathers, Rev. Jack Chessor and Rev. T.R. Foster. I will also share about their dear friends, Rev. Earl Presley and Rev. Jack Welch. You probably don’t recognize their names, but I want to tell you about them. Their wisdom and experiences shaped my life, and I believe their stories will encourage and inspire you as well.

Let’s “keep it between the lions”—not out of fear, but with purpose, trust, and unwavering commitment to the path God has designed for us. Together, we can stay on course and fulfill His plan for our lives.

.