LIVING IN FAITH AND RESPONSIBILITY

        The dawn of a New Year is a hopeful event.  There is something within us that yearns for renewal and new beginnings.  St. Benedict wrote, “always we begin again.” 

        There is a sense of excitement and anticipation when you begin something new.  The first day of classes or the first day on a new job brings a renewed commitment to hard work and discipline to succeed and a resolution to not repeat the unhealthy habits and mistakes of the past.  On the first day of a long-anticipated trip there is a sparkle and excitement that is palatable. 

        I find myself more hopeful about this new year than usual, primarily because the past year has been so very challenging and painful.  We have experienced more turmoil in our life than ever before, actually beginning with the final two months of 2010.  We have had major crises within our family.  Joyce and I both have had significant health issues. (Am I getting old?)  My younger brother died suddenly.  I have buried too many close friends.  Our church has been in a financial crisis.  Even my devoted companion, Little Buddy, died. 

        So many things that happen to us in life are beyond our control.  I am hopeful that the economy will improve, but I can’t make it happen.  However, there are many things I can do to make 2012 a better year.  I believe that the best paths are not the ones we choose, but the ones we make.  So therefore, here are some things I can make happen in 2012.

        I am going to be more disciplined in my physical health.  I know everybody makes a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.  I really need to lose about 15 pounds, weight that I put on during our Sabbatical.  I need to be more faithful to the YMCA and most importantly, I need to eat healthier.

        I need to focus more on spiritual disciplines.  The Bible Studies that I teach each week begin with personal spiritual discipline and preparation.  I am really excited about teaching the book of Mark beginning January 22.  I also want to spend more time on sermon preparation.  I believe that I can make the biggest difference through my preaching and teaching.

        I want to find more time to read.  My Kindle is loaded with exciting books, but I never seem to have the time to sit down and read them! 

        One of the best books I read on Sabbatical was Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.

If anyone practiced the personal and spiritual discipline that we aspire to in the midst of tragic times, it was Bonhoeffer.  A few weeks before he was imprisoned by the Nazis he wrote these words:  There remains for us only the narrow way, often extremely difficult to find, of living every day as if it were our last, and yet living in faith and responsibility as though there were to be a great future.  It is not easy to be brave and keep that spirit alive, but it is imperative.

        As we enter the New Year, it is imperative that we live in faith and responsibility, believing that there will be a great future!   Happy New Year!  

Joe, Mary, the Baby, and the Mall

            This is an article I wrote a number of years ago for The Dispatch. Many people seemed to enjoy it.  The message is one we all need to hear.           

            And it came to pass in those troubled economic days that there went out a decree from all major retailers, discount stores, and malls that gift giving at Christmas was mandatory.  Everyone was required to give expensive gifts to all family members, co-workers (even the ones you don’t like), your hairdresser, the family next door, the butcher, the baker, and—don’t forget—your preacher!  This decree was first made when retirement accounts were depressed and credit cards were at 25% interest. 

            And Joe also went up from the county of Davidson, out of the city of Linwood, into Forsyth, unto the twin city, which is called Winston-Salem, because he was of the house and lineage of Old Salem, to go last-minute Christmas shopping with Mary, his new wife, who was great with child. 

            And so it was that they drove around the parking lot for a long time until they finally parked in the grass, because there were no parking places in the paved lot.  After buying gifts, Mary was standing in the complimentary gift wrapping line, when the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she went into labor and passed out in the line. 

            Upon witnessing this great thing that had come to pass, Joe dropped the gifts and announced, “I must go, even unto the parking lot, and find our car which I pray the Lord will make the location known unto me.”  And he went with haste and found his car which was blocked in by several other cars and then, seized with panic; he sprinted back to the mall and was promptly hit by a car.  He was sore and afraid.

            And there were in the same mall, security officers, who called 911 to assist the expectant mother.  And suddenly, there was in the parking lot, a multitude of frustrated drivers who also called 911 to report an injured shopper in hopes they would get his parking place.  And it came to pass that there was gridlock around the mall and the ambulances could not get through.  Joe was very sore and more afraid and he looked up and saw a star in the east at Baptist Hospital and prayed for help from above. 

            Upon hearing his prayer, the helicopter from North Carolina Baptist Hospital came with haste and found Joe in the parking lot, Mary in the mall, and the baby due any minute.  As the helicopter landed at Baptist it blew the giant star off of the hospital into the adjoining neighborhood where friendly carolers were singing Christmas carols by night. 

            And, lo, the giant star flew over them and exploded round about them and they were sore afraid.  And suddenly there were with the carolers a multitude of police cars, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles with loud sirens and flashing lights.  And the carolers said, one to another, “Let us now go even unto Baptist Hospital and see this thing which is come to pass.”  And they came with haste and found Joe in the emergency room, Mary in labor and delivery, and the babe, wrapped in a hospital blanket and lying in a sterilized bassinet. 

            And Joe said in a loud voice, “Here we are on Christmas Eve without any gifts!”

            Just then three wise doctors from the east entered the room and said, “But you have the greatest gift of all, a newborn baby boy wrapped in love and joy, and lying in a sterilized bassinet.”  And the carolers joined together with the doctors and nurses and sang, “Silent Night.”

            And Joe, being warned in a dream not to return to the mall, took Mary and the baby and went back to Linwood on Christmas Day, where they were visited by family members, neighbors, and friends who celebrated this new life with great rejoicing. 

            Joe and Mary apologized for not having any gifts, but everyone was so excited about the newborn baby that gifts did not matter.  It was a happy time of love and joy. 

            Perhaps we can celebrate Christmas with gifts of love, happiness, peace and joy.  Could we be so excited about the baby of Bethlehem that ordinary gifts would not matter?  The greatest gift is God’s love that comes to us through the birth of his son.

            Merry Christmas!  Share the love of God and pray for peace on earth.

                                                                       

Good Tidings of Great Joy for All People

      The Angels proclaimed good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  The first recipients of this Heavenly Breaking News were not members of royalty in their regal palaces or religious leaders in their ecclesiastical arenas, but shepherds, lowly shepherds, who were taking care of their flock by night.

        No one wanted to be a shepherd.  Life was hard and unrewarding.  People looked down on shepherds.  They were dirty, unpredictable, uneducated, and irreligious.  They were considered ritually unclean and they were: both liturgically and literally.  So it was quite a shock when the greatest news ever proclaimed came to these guys, the lowest of the low. 

        But the amazing thing is, the shepherds got it!   They left their sheep (their sole livelihood) and went running into Bethlehem to see this great sight, “which the Lord hath made known unto us.”   And later they returned to their fields praising God for all that had been revealed to them. 

        How many people really get it?   Sometimes I think it is still the lowly, the people in subservient roles who understand “good tidings of great joy” more than the rest of us.

        I was over at Baptist Hospital Tuesday morning visiting a church member when a young lady entered the room.  She introduced herself to the patient with a cheery smile and a concerned inquiry into her wellbeing.  When I was introduced as the minister, she said, “I have two children.  My four year old son is named “Blessing” and my 1 year old daughter is “Serenity.”   That’s how I see them.  God is good to me and has blessed me greatly.  Christmas is a time to rejoice in God’s goodness.”

        On the way out of the parking lot a friendly attendant recognized me and asked how I was doing.  When I thanked her and asked how she was doing she said, “I am so blessed.  God is good. . . all the time!”  

        I left Baptist Hospital realizing that I had been blessed by two individuals who have very little materially and serve the public in roles that most people would look down on.  But they get it!   They understand the good tidings of great joy. 

        “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!”

A Heart-Warming Thank You

        Last week the youth went Christmas Caroling.  See the blog posted December 17 “A True Christmas Blessing.”   Today I received a handwritten thank you note from Polly Rollins addressed to “Young Carolers and Leaders.”  It was such a beautiful note I wanted to share it with you”

        “Thank you, young carolers and leaders, for blessing my life so richly with your visit and your singing.  All of you were perfectly beautiful and handsome, as radiant as a new moon.  My heart was warmed, and I could not help from singing with you.  Your smiles and hugs touched my heart, and I could see some of your “parents” among you.  You brought joy to me and to all who heard you.

                Loving Gratitude,

                                                Mrs. Polly

CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT WEEK

        Joyce and I were looking forward to having the children come Wednesday night and see our Christmas lights.  (Thursday night was the rain date)  Unfortunately, the weather forecast is calling for rain the next several days so we have decided to postpone the lights until next week—hopefully Wednesday, December 28.  

        We had our grandson Parker, who will be two next month, over the weekend and he was fascinated by the lights.  He especially loves Frosty the Snowman.  Ella Rae, who celebrated her second birthday November 13, has named all of the lighted animals.  We have Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Rudolf’s daddy and Rudolf’s mommy.  One deer is eating G-Mommy’s flowers and Ella Rae will point her finger at it and sternly say, “No, No!”   Parker and Ella Rae both love the cow and the pig who are standing on the front porch bearing gifts! 

        We’ve spent a lot of time in December restringing lights that are burned out.  That means the lights are old—gee I guess I’m getting old too!

        You might recall that two years ago I didn’t have a light display.   Bad weather, conflicts, one thing after another kept me from getting the lights up, but I decided that I would at least light the “Merry Christmas” sign.  After laying all of the electrical cords I plugged it in only to find the “M” was burned out.  The sign was saying, “erry Christmas”   

        Sometimes we feel more like an “erry Christmas” than a “Merry Christmas.”   But this year all of the letters are burning brightly to proclaim a heartfelt, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” 

        Except when it rains, then the moisture short-circuits my lights and trips the breaker! And then I don’t have any lights which is why we will have to wait until next week.  But we will still be celebrating Christmas! (Remember the Twelve Days of Christmas?)  We hope all the children can make it out to our house next week.  Stay tuned to this blog and Facebook for details!

A True Christmas Blessing

        The Young People who went Christmas Caroling this week will receive many nice, and perhaps expensive, gifts this Christmas, but no gift will be greater or more significant than the one they received last Wednesday night at Alston Brook Healthcare. 

        The Youth gathered at the church following the Wednesday night meal and walked across the street to Helen Linder’s house, then went around the corner to sing for Melvin Young.  We made a couple of other stops before heading out of town to Alston Brook where we currently have five of our church members. 

        There are many people who live committed Christian lives, but there are a few whose lives are so full of grace and truth, so clearly defined by selfless service, that we cannot help but see Christ in them.  We might even call them a saint.  If you know Polly Rollins, you know she is a true Saint. 

        It’s sad to see Polly in the Alzheimer’s Unit.  She has had a very difficult journey and at times she is confused, but lately Polly has been very alert.  Polly knew that the youth were coming to sing for her, so she was not surprised when I came in to let her know the carolers would be arriving soon. 

        Polly was alive with anticipation.   The youth gathered and I introduced Polly to them.  She would know most of their parents and grandparents.  “I hope I’m not going to cry,” she said. 

        As the kids started singing, Polly soaked in every word, every note, every chord.  Tears ran down her face as she experienced the glory of the moment. It was over too soon as they ended with, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  

        The youth had prepared gift bags for each person and someone presented Polly with hers.  Then she opened her arms wide to express her heartfelt gratitude and one by one, each young person came up and gave Polly a hug. 

        I realized as I watched the scene unfold, that Polly was not only thanking the youth with open arms, she was blessing them—blessing them as only a true Saint can do.  And Polly will pray for them and lift them up to our Heavenly Father, just as she has prayed for countless numbers of others through the years. 

        The youth received the greatest gift last Wednesday night.  They were blessed by one of God’s special Saints. 

        “God Bless Us, Everyone!”    

OUR CHRISMON TREE

        It was twenty-two years ago in December of 1989 on a snowy Saturday when Joyce and I made our first visit to Lexington.  I will never forget walking into the sanctuary from the vestibule and for the first time seeing the huge and impressive Chrismon Tree.  It was breathtaking!  

        Our churches are full of symbolic visuals.  The open Bible, the cross, communion table, baptistery, the candles, the different colored paraments, even the robes the ministers and choir members wear have a symbolic meaning.  But every year during Advent and Christmas we see the most beautiful symbolism in the Chrismon Tree. 

        The Chrismon Tree originated in 1957 with The Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia.  According to the founding church, “The evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life which our Savior has won for us, is a background for tiny white lights and white and gold Chrismons.  The lights speak of Him Who is the Light of the World, and the Chrismons (CHRISt + MONogram) proclaim the Name, the Life, and the saving Acts of Jesus the Christ.”

        Sometime in the 1970s our long-time Minister of Music Al Martin took a small group of ladies to visit the church in Danville where the Chrismon Tree was born.  They were inspired to return and start working on the beautiful Chrismons for our own tree. 

        The tree that Joyce and I saw in 1989 was a live tree and it was huge.  My first question was, “How did you get that tree into this sanctuary?”   “It’s wasn’t easy,” was the response.

        A number of our men would get the tree and place it in the sanctuary.  Vinnon Williams loves to tell the story of the year the tree was so large that the men had tried several times without success to lift it up in the sanctuary.  Several said, “This simply cannot be done!”  But R. N. Hardin came to the rescue and said, “Why don’t we pray about this?”  And he did.  After the prayer the tree went right up!

        A lovely couple in our church, Henry Lee and Ruby Ann Williams had a beautiful evergreen in their yard that they donated one year for the Chrismon Tree.  They were so proud to have their tree serve this great purpose in their church which they loved and served. 

        At some point in the 1990’s the Fire Department put a stop to live trees in the sanctuary.  (I’ve always held my breath about the lighted candles on Christmas Eve, but so far there are no restrictions)  That was when we went to the smaller, but much more functional, artificial tree. 

        This Sunday we are celebrating baptism, one of the most powerful symbols of our faith.  (Rachel Morgan and Jonathan Leonard are being baptized)  Baptism is in itself a sermon.  I’m going to let the Chrismon Tree preach the rest of the sermon, focusing on the primary Chrismons in the center of the tree on the big circle.  The large circle represents the everlasting God (a circle never ends) and it proclaims the Triune God with a hand coming out of a cloud to represent God, a lamb to represent Jesus (the Lamb of God) and a descending dove to represent the Holy Spirit. 

        One could literally spend hours exploring all the different Chrismons and their meanings.  There are so many little and exciting symbols that most people never know.  For example, on the big circle there are two large Chrismons that have a star as the background.  They represent the two primary ordinances of the church, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  The Chalice represents the cup of communion and is on a six pointed star.  Why six?  Isaiah 11: 2 lists six attributes of the Messiah, “wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.”  A seashell on an eight-pointed star represents baptism.  Of course, the shell is for water, but why eight points?  In 1 Peter 3 there is a reference to Noah and the flood and baptism.  It states that only 8 people were saved by the grace of God in the flood (Noah, his three sons, and their wives), but by the resurrection of Jesus anyone can be saved!  

        This can get complicated!  But there is one special Chrismon that is different from all of the others and it hangs on the lowest branch of the tree, so children can easily find it.  While all of the other Chrismons are symbolic, this one is pictorial.  It is a tiny Nativity Scene, a Creche. 

        Children don’t understand all of the symbols and hidden meanings of Christmas, but every child knows and loves the baby Jesus.  In the birth of a baby God’s love becomes known to us. 

        “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”

        “And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

       

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

   

     We stood in the middle of the Salvation Army warehouse before an avalanche of Christmas gifts.  Games, bicycles, clothes, stuffed animals, books, electronic devices, and toys—goodness, did all of these gifts come from our church? 

        The Salvation Army staff could not express enough gratitude.  “You are our angels,” they said.  “God has used you to bless so many others.”  “Thank you so much for all you have done.” 

        Last month at a Ministers’ Meeting the Salvation Army leaders poured their hearts out to us, telling us about the overwhelming needs facing our county.  They told us the requests for help this Christmas were almost double.  “We need 1,660 Christmas Angels,” they said.  A Christmas Angel is a child who would not have anything for Christmas without help from the Salvation Army.

        I kept thinking about almost 1,700 children who would not even have a toy for Christmas if we didn’t help.  And these were just the families that took the initiative to register with the Salvation Army—my soul, how many others must be out there?

        I couldn’t get those children off of my mind.  How could we celebrate Jesus’ birth and enjoy Christmas with our families knowing about all of these families who would have nothing.  Little children will wake up on Christmas morning to learn the harsh truth that Santa Claus did not come. 

        I called the Salvation Army and talked to them about the process of adopting the angels.  How many should I get, I wondered?   Could our church be responsible for 50?  75? More?  I talked to a couple of people and then decided to step out on faith.  I would get 100 angels and challenge our church to adopt all 100 in a worship service. 

        On November 20, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, all 100 Angels were arranged on a table in the Sanctuary.  I challenged the church to adopt the 100 angels.  At the conclusion of the service, people swarmed the table.  By the time I returned from the vestibule, 98 angels had been adopted!  And the other 2 were adopted that night at Deacons’ meeting.  Monday morning I went back to the Salvation Army and got 20 more angels.  They were all gone by Thanksgiving Eve plus 19 Christmas stockings. 

Yesterday was the deadline for bringing the gifts and by the time the Chili Luncheon was over, the stage in the Fellowship Hall was packed, overflowing with Christmas joy.  This morning a number of volunteers gathered all the gifts, marked them off our list, and carried them to the warehouse on South Main Street. 

        As I was leaving one of the staff members told me, “Your church adopted more angels than any other church or group in the county.”   I believe we have made a big difference for a lot of families in our area.  I am grateful for the generosity and love my church demonstrated.   God is good . . . All the Time!

        Why are these families in such great need?  Many have lost jobs.  Some have been devastated by a medical crisis.  We have homeless families from the recent tornado.  Others have lost their homes to fire and had no insurance.   There are a multitude of reasons. 

        But couldn’t some of these parents get out of the house and find a job?  Yes, I’m sure some can—but whenever I start thinking about irresponsible parents, I remember something that happened to me a number of years ago.

        Late one afternoon I was getting ready to go home when a man stopped me getting into my truck.  He told me that he had small children and a baby, and they didn’t have food to eat.  He asked for money.

        We don’t give people money, for any reason.  But while I didn’t really want to take the time to deal with these people, the thought of a hungry baby motivated me to change my plans.  I took the family to Food Lion and went with them to purchase baby food and supplies.  Then I made arrangements for the entire family to have a meal in a local restaurant.  I helped the father get the groceries into the car and showed him the restaurant.  He didn’t even say thank-you.  I had a few unkind thoughts about that rascal.   

        I was going to get back in my truck, thinking about how ungrateful the guy was when I heard a voice.  “Hey Mister!”

        I turned around to see a little boy, maybe 9 or 10, sticking his head out of the back window of the car.  I walked over to him and the little boy said, “Me and my sister are mighty hungry.  I just want to thank you for what you did.”  And he stuck his little hand out for me to shake it. 

        God taught me a lesson that day.  Children don’t choose their parents.  They can’t help the situation they are in.  But we can help them.  On Christmas morning, there will be joy and delight in the eyes of many children who normally don’t have any joy.   Thank you First Baptist Family!  You have made a difference in the lives of God’s children.

        “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it for me.”   Matthew 25: 40.

(Individuals in the picture from left to right are Ray, Johnny Beck, Joyce, Debbie and Callie Auman.  We had a number of others who helped us, but they had already unloaded their gifts and departed)  

       

I Love Christmas Lights! Don't You?

            I’ve been working on my Christmas lights again this year.  Ella Rae loves the lights.  We have Rudolf, Rudolf’s daddy and Rudolf’s mamma. (Rudolf’s mamma has antlers, but that is just a minor detail—Ella Rae said it’s his mamma, so it’s his mamma) There is one deer eating G-mommy’s flowers and Ella Rae will point her finger at him and say, “NO!”  She helped put the lights on one of the outdoor trees. We have a bright Frosty the Snowman with all new lights, an Angel proclaiming the birth of baby Jesus and Santa Claus with his sparkling sleigh.  I’m planning to spend Friday putting the lights in the trees.  Hopefully, we can pick a good weather night right before Christmas for the kids to come out and see the lights. 

            Christmas lights are more than just a fun thing to do in December.  They have powerful significance.   My newspaper article in Saturday’s Dispatch (the one I almost missed) explains the significance of Christmas Lights. 

                        We are rapidly approaching the shortest day of the year, which will be on December 22 this year.  The darkness has gradually invaded our light since the 21^st day of June when we experienced 14 hours and 35 minutes of light.  Each day since then, the darkness has chipped away at the light, second by second, minute by minute, slowly and gradually.  Without us paying much attention, the light has lost considerable ground to the darkness.  It has happened so slowly that it is hard to believe that we have lost almost five hours of light!  Twelve days from now we will experience 14 hours and 17 minutes of darkness.  

            So, how will we commemorate this time of great darkness?  By celebrating the light, of course!

            In the opening words of the Bible, we are told that before creation, the world was without form and empty and darkness covered the face of the deep.  But into this blank, lifeless, gloomy, and dark emptiness, God thundered the words, “LET THERE BE LIGHT!”

            Light was the first word of creation.  When God saw the light he announced that the light was “good.”  Good is the word most translations use, but scholars tell us that “good” is too tame to capture the emotion of the Hebrew word.  A better word is “awesome.”   God saw that the light was awesome and he was thrilled!

            The amazing thing about the Genesis account of creation is that the Biblical writers were not scientists.  The word “photosynthesis” didn’t even exist.   They had never heard that light is essential for the process of life.  They didn’t know about the power of the sun.  Nor did they understand the psychological power of light and darkness.  A study was conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska where there is almost 21 hours of darkness this time of year and it was discovered that over 25% of the population suffered from sometimes disabling seasonal depression.  The same study was conducted in Sarasota, Florida and the figure was less than 2%.  

            The Biblical writers were men of faith who didn’t know all of this, but they did know that if you don’t have light, you don’t have life.  They knew that darkness had a negative effect on people.  Therefore it is no wonder that they understood the very first word of creation was light!

            Centuries later John the Gospel writer told of the true light that enlightens everyone coming into the world.  This light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overpower the light!  Jesus is the light which makes it fitting that we celebrate his birth during the darkest time of the year. 

            Darkness is real and powerful.  We have struggled through too much darkness in our community.  The Salvation Army is trying to provide Christmas for 1,660 children, many more than ever before.  Unemployment continues to be in double digits.  There are people who have been out of work for 2, 3, 4 years and more.  And most recently a rare November tornado devastated parts of our county leaving dozens homeless. 

            Yes, we understand the power of darkness, which is why the true light that shines in our darkness is so incredibly awesome!  No amount of darkness can diminish or overcome this light.  The Psalmist proclaimed, “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”  (Psalm 139) 

            In God’s kingdom, the night is light.  In two weeks we will celebrate the birth of Jesus who is the light of the world!  The dark streets of Bethlehem were illuminated by the everlasting light!   Which brings me back to Christmas lights that are so important and appropriate.   The more Christmas lights the better because every light proclaims the coming of Jesus who is the true light conquering the darkness of our world. 

            I love Christmas lights, don’t you?

After Twenty Years I Almost Miss A Deadline

        I’ve been writing a Religion Column for the Dispatch for almost 20 years (It may be 20 years now—I’m not sure when I actually started). 

        Lee Jessup was the religion writer prior to me and he wrote a column every week.  When Lee left, Chad Killebrew asked me if I would be interested in writing the column.  He told me the paper wanted to change it from one writer each week, to four different writers.  That way, I would only write a column every four weeks.  I agreed and have always enjoyed the opportunity.

        The column runs in Saturday’s paper.  The deadline for submitting the column is Thursday morning.  I immediately set my own deadline of Wednesday morning, rather than Thursday, and until this week, had always been able to meet my deadline, sometimes even submitting the column on Monday or Tuesday. 

        In the early days the column would be typed and I would deliver a hard copy to the paper.  I would usually bound up the steps sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday and give Chad, or Vicki, or Jill the copy.  Then as technology improved, we had the option of emailing the column.  I remember the first time I emailed a column.  I didn’t trust the technology so I delivered a hard copy anyway.

        Even now when I email my column, I ask Jill or Chad to confirm they have received it.  If I don’t hear from them I will call.  

        In twenty years I have only missed one column.  When my father died suddenly I had a column due.   I called Chad and asked him to rerun an old column, which I think he did.  With that one exception, I have never missed a deadline---until this week.

        I always write after Randy Hall, so when I see his column I know mine is due the next week.  But somehow I got confused and convinced myself my column was due next week for publication on December 17.  I made a note this week to get my column written next Monday.   

        Around 11:30 Wednesday morning I got an email from Jill.  She said that I always had my columns in by Wednesday morning, even though the technical deadline was 7:30 a.m. Thursday.  She just wanted to make sure everything was all right.  I couldn’t believe it!   I panicked!  We had Charlie Parks’ funeral Wednesday afternoon, then Joyce and I were going shopping, along with Ella Rae, for our two Salvation Army Angels.  At 9:44 Wednesday night I emailed Saturday’s religion column to Jill and Chad with a big thank you to Jill for saving my neck.  After twenty years, I almost missed the deadline for my column.  Mercy, I must be getting old!

We Will Never Forget Charlie

        There are some people you will remember.  There are other people you will never forget—this was Charlie Parks. 

        My first contact with Charlie was through the Lexington Civitan Club.  The club has a clergy appreciation day each year and I recall meeting the vibrant and charismatic man who may have been limited in his ability to walk, but was unlimited in his enthusiasm, optimism, and joy.  The year Charlie served as Civitan President and presided at the clergy appreciation meal was one of most delightful events I’ve ever attended.  We were doubled over in laughter as Charlie told jokes about Billy Joe, Beamer, Lip, and the funeral home boys.  There were no serious preachers emerging from that meeting!  

        I would often see Charlie on Mondays as he arrived for the Civitan meeting at the YMCA.  He would never park in the handicap parking because "that was for people who needed help!"  Charlie would get out of his car with great effort; make his way from the car to the entrance.  I’ve never known a man with greater courage or determination.  Just watching him was an inspiration and Charlie was an inspiration to countless numbers of people.

        I don’t believe that God causes bad things in life, like Charlie’s illness of 52 years, but I do believe that God can bring good out of bad situations.  Charlie’s unquenchable optimism, his contagious laughter, his dogged determination, and his victorious spirit touched 100s and 100s of lives.  

        Charlie was a lifelong member of Heidelberg United Church of Christ in Thomasville.  His grandfather was not only one of the founding fathers of the church, but literally built the church building.  Charlie and Ann’s son Chuck was not only raised in the church, but he and Melissa were married there.  Then came the apple of Charlie’s eye, his grandson and namesake, Charlie. 

        Charlie loved his family, provided for them, and planned ahead for their well-being.  He had a special bond with grandson Charlie.  To show how much Charlie loved his family, even with his lifelong family ties to Heidelberg Church that he deeply loved, he realized that Charlie would not have the opportunities there that could be found in another church with more children and youth.  So he encouraged Chuck and Melissa to find a church that would be right for Charlie and their family.   That is what led them to First Baptist of Lexington. 

        Charlie and Ann were present the Sunday they joined the church and would often attend special events.  One day Charlie told me that he and Ann wanted to join our church also, so they could be together as a family.  I know it was a difficult move with his ties to Heidelberg, but his family was more important.    

        From the Sunday they joined, Charlie and Ann were right at home.  Charlie quickly became active in Sunday School, Wednesday night activities, and was always faithful to be in worship.  He was a gifted Sunday School teacher and would sometimes call me to get my perspective on a passage or check out the pronunciation of one of those impossible Biblical names.  Charlie always had great insight and I usually didn’t know how to pronounce those names any better than he did.  “If you and I don’t know, Charlie, no one else will know the difference!”  I would tell him.

        Charlie would listen intently during the sermons and never failed to have a positive comment.  Goodness, I thought, here is Charlie encouraging me when I should be one who encourages him.  But that was Charlie. 

        Last February, Charlie’s health had deteriorated to the point he was not able to attend church anymore.  It was the first time I really saw him down.  I went to see him and Charlie told me, “I don’t think I can live much longer like this.  I’m ready to go.”

        Last Thursday night Joyce and I went to the hospital ED when we learned that Louise Tate was rushed to the hospital.  (She is improving, by the way)   Jim and Debbie told us they had run into the Parks family.  Joyce and I found Charlie, Ann, and Chuck in his hospital room.   Charlie was ever cheerful, positive, and encouraging.  We were laughing and joking.   Once again he was telling me how much he enjoyed last Sunday’s sermon.  Gee Charlie, I’m supposed to cheer you up! 

        But then Charlie looked at me and said, “If this is it, I’m ready.”  

        “Oh, you will get through this Charlie,” I told him.   But he didn’t—or maybe he did.  

        Early on Sunday morning God’s Angel of mercy and healing came and took Charlie by the hand.  For the first time in decades he did not feel any pain or limitations.   For the first time in years, Charlie started to walk, and then he ran. 

      Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40: 31)

            My life has been blessed because of my friend, Charlie Parks.  There are some people I remember, there are others I will never forget.  

One Year Ago Today

        It was a year ago today (December 5) that I heard the news.  It’s strange how you remember little details in a time of grief.  It’s like the world slows down and you experience everything in slow motion. 

        December 5 was the Second Sunday in Advent.  It was to be a full day, the beginning of a busy week.  I rushed back into my office after the worship service.  We were going to eat lunch, then meet our youth at the Civic Center for the first of the Christmas Candlelight services.  The youth would be collecting canned goods for Crisis Ministry.

        I hung my robe in my closet and grabbed my cell phone before heading out the door.  Glancing at my phone, I saw that I had a text message.  It was probably one of the youth, I thought.  I had discovered that texting was the best way to communicate with them.  But a closer look revealed that this text came from by youngest brother in Alabama.  It was unusual for him to text me at all, much less on a Sunday morning when I knew he would be in church. 

        I have two younger brothers.  Jon is nine years younger, Robert three years my junior.  Jon told me in the text that Robert had been taken to the emergency room.  They were not sure what was going on.

        Robert and his wife Vicki live in Muscle Shoals, Alabama on the banks of the Tennessee River.  They have three sons and two grandsons.  Robert had a successful landscaping company.  He and his sons also had a racing team and traveled all over the southeast racing cars. 

        I tried calling Jon, who lives in Huntsville, a good 70 miles from Muscle Shoals.  Jon is the EMS Director for Huntsville.  I left Jon a message and went to eat lunch.

        “I wonder what’s going on with Robert?” I said as Joyce and I ate together.  “I’m sure Jon will call you soon,” she said.

        Jon did call and told me that they were airlifting Robert to Huntsville.  Huntsville has the best hospital in the region.  He said Robert woke up complaining with severe stomach pain.  “We’re not sure what it is,” he said.

        Joyce and I went to the Civic Center to meet our youth.  Soon we were busy greeting the cheerful holiday crowd who were attending the first Christmas Candlelight performance.  Most everyone brought canned goods.  I received another text from Jon telling me that Robert had internal bleeding.  They were running tests. 

        As soon as they find out what it is, they can correct it, I reasoned. 

        After what seemed like a long time in which we exchanged several texts, Jon called me.  “Ray, this looks serious.” he said.  Jon knew many of the doctors at the hospital and Carol, Jon’s wife, is an executive at the hospital.  They had the best surgeon looking after Robert. 

        The doctors determined that Robert needed surgery, but they felt like they might not be able to take care of the situation in Huntsville.  They felt like he needed to go to Vanderbilt in Nashville.

        Tests determined that Robert had an Aortic Dissection which is a very serious, life-threatening condition.  It is essentially a rupture in the aorta.  The plan was to fly Robert to Nashville and perform surgery. 

        Robert arrived in Nashville and specialists evaluated his condition.  Surprisingly, they informed the family that they did not feel immediate surgery was necessary.  Late Sunday night I had a conversation with my mother.  I told her that if the doctors didn’t feel they needed to do surgery right away; that was a good sign.

        I didn’t sleep well Sunday night.  I kept waking up and thinking and praying for Robert.  I got up around 5:00 a.m. and looked at my cell phone to see if I had missed any messages during the night.  As I was holding the phone, it rang.  My brother Jon was on the line.  “Ray,” he said.  He could barely get the words out.  “I don’t think Robert is going to make it.”

        Jon and Carol headed to Huntsville to be with Vicki and the family, but they never made it.  Before they got into Nashville, Robert died.  Jon and I talked on the phone.  We agreed that he needed to head back to Alabama and go tell my mother in person.  We didn’t want her to hear the news on the phone.  But it would take them over 2 hours to get there.

        I talked to mother a couple of times.  I knew what she didn’t know and it was agonizing.  When Jon was about 30 minutes away, my mother called me. 

        “Do you know something I don’t know?” she asked.  I think she knew.  I could not lie to her.  I said, “Mother, where are you.  I want you to sit down.”  When I said that; I heard her scream.  I felt helpless, so many miles away.   I tried to keep her on the line.  I was afraid she would fall. 

        It’s been a year now.  It still doesn’t seem real.  My little brother Robert is no longer with us.  Death can be very cruel.