Darkness Doesn't Discriminate

The following list is pretty impressive:

Martin Luther King Jr. (Minister, Author, Civil Rights Leader)

Mother Teresa (Saint & Hands of Jesus to the Poor)

William Cowper (Minister, Hymn Writer)

Abraham Lincoln (President)

Winston Churchill (British PM)

Sheila Walsh (Author, Women's Speaker)

Mike Wallace (60 Minutes Newsman)

Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky (Composers)

Olivia Newton John (Musician & Actress)

Jim Carrey (Actor & Comedian)

Terry Bradshaw (NFL Great & Analyst)

Florence Nightingale (Nurse, Health Advocate)

Charles H. Spurgeon ("Prince of Preachers")

Robin Williams (Actor, Comedian)

Thomas Edison (Inventor)

Barbara Bush & Betty Ford (Former First Lady's)

Harrison Ford (Actor)

T.S. Eliot (Poet)

Eugene O'Neill (Playwright)

Anthony Hopkins (Actor)

George Patton (General)

Ansel Adams (Photographer)

Emily Dickinson (Poet)

Kirsten Dunst (Actress)

Dolly Parton (Country Musician)

Leo Tolstoy (Author)

Charles Dickens (Author)

Vincent Van Gogh (Painter)

Monica Seles (Tennis Star)

Every one of these famous people has experienced some form of depression. Some were/are professing Christ-followers, some were/are not. Some were catapulted by drugs and alcohol. Others experienced situational depression (e.g., divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, etc.,). Many of them battled clinical depression as the result of chemical imbalances, or mental illness. They represent the church, literature, politics, entertainment, athletics and more. They come from diverse backgrounds in terms of: education; socioeconomic circles; gender; personality; ethnicity; geographic and family of origin issues. Regardless of their differences all share bouts with darkness. Darkness, or as Charles Spurgeon and theologian Martin Marty described it, " the winter of the soul" does not discriminate. Like cancer and addictions it is not a respecter of persons, or our state in life.

Even greats of Scripture, like Jeremiah and King David battled it just to mention a couple. There are many more. The Psalmist wrestled with depression too. Remember, the majority of the Psalms are "laments". And Jeremiah wrote an entire book of laments. In Psalm 42 we find these words of deep struggle, and doubt:

³ My tears have been my food

day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
"Where is your God?"......

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?.....

Some Christ-followers would rather rationalize or harmonize these and other honest words of lament in the Bible for fear of weakening the world's view of the church, or maintaining a facade of perfection. However, some of us believe the presence of such transparent and authentic words only makes Scripture stronger and more relevant. Who can't relate to the words of the psalter above? This makes the Bible even more credible to me because God is not afraid to leave the honest struggles of humanity in Scripture. Since Scripture is ultimately about God's reckless love pursuit of people through Jesus, what better group to drench with this hope continually revealed throughout the Old and New Testament?

Author and Sociologist, Tony Campolo suggest the church and Christ-followers have not always been so helpful or kind to those who battle depression:

As we consider the causes of depression, those of us in the church must face the ways we might be responsible for creating it. Supposedly, we offer a gospel that delivers people from guilt, but often, when we think people do not feel guilty enough to take our gospel seriously, we preach to them in a way that makes them feel guilty. Sadly, we do a much better job of making people feel guilty than we do of delivering them from the guilt we create. We need to confess this and change our ways.

If you have previously, or currently battle depression there is hope! You are not alone! Many of us have experienced it. Some longer than others and no two alike. Some needed medicine, others counseling, or behavior modification, diet, or exercise. Or a combination of several helps and therapy. All of us needed time. While Christ-followers are not immune to "valley of the shadow of death" we are not alone. God's Word continually and repeatedly reminds us of His presence and faithfulness to those who put their faith in Christ. Let's go back to the psalmist and Psalm 42. Look at the strong affirmation of faith and source of hope in the latter part of verse 5:

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation

Fellow strugglers and pilgrims don't walk this journey alone! There are too many helps out there to endure depression by yourself. You are not crazy, you are not without hope and you are not alone! Christ-followers unite, let's embrace those who battle depression. No magic wands, no magic "pastor dust", but instead, let us join them in the darkness. Let us sit with them, hold their hands, hug, and encourage! Let us be honest, quick to listen and careful not to offer trite cliche's that ring hollow. Let us remember, the darkness of the tomb preceded the light of resurrection. Jesus was in both and so should we if we are going to really model biblical community.

Ureters, Stones and A Red Letter Day!

I just returned from my doctor at Wake Forest University Medical Center.  We are giving praise to God again!  My reconstructed ureter passed the renal gram with flying colors!  It's not just working, it's working pretty well.  Once again, God has done His healing work.  

Had it not been working the next step would've been major surgery to create a ureter from my ileum.  Very rough surgery with a long recovery.   My doctor (God's gift to me) believes I had a rare, atypical peritoneal fibrosis, a condition known to produce tumors in the abdominal cavity and often on the aorta.

This has been an incredible journey.  I'm not done but my remaining kidney issues are small compared to what we've been through.  It has been a topsy turvy six months.  We have been on a roller coaster that included predictions of eventual dialysis, loss of a kidney, lymphoma, and t-cell carcinoma.   Thanks be to God that He had other plans!  And thanks to the Urology team at Wake Forest University Medical Center, specifically Dr's Assimos and Hemal for being God's instruments of healing. 

I would be remiss if I didn't thank the people all over the country (many I don't even know) who prayed for me.  People far greater and more faithful than me.  It's quite humbling and really overwhelming.  I cannot express my gratitude enough to the faithful---Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostal Holiness, Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, non-denominational, but more importantly, Christ-followers who have faithfully prayed for me.  I am deeply indebted to these ordinary, common, precious people! 

Mother Teresa said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.  I just wish He didn't trust me so much." Boy can I relate.  I feel as though I've been entrusted with too much.  But God knew better.  That is sovereignty.  Our faith has been tested and tried, but we have not been moved.  Shaken maybe, but not moved.  Pastor, author and musician, Wintley Phipps said, "It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you have been through." Amen!  

As I drove home from Winston-Salem, the hot sun was burning bright in the Carolina blue skies.  I was reminded of the lyrics to the song Red Letter Day, made popular several years ago by New Song:

Every day before the rush gets started 
I get down on my knees 
And I pray, Lord, I need You here to guide me 
Please speak to me 
And something happens that I can't explain 
His Word starts talking to me and 
I'm out to face this world again 

CHORUS: 
I do believe it's gonna be another red letter day 
I do believe it's gonna be another chance for me 
To take His Word and walk by faith 
I got a smile with every step I take 
Knowing He is here with me 
It's gonna be a red letter day 

I had a friend call me up and tell me 
How he struggles through each day 
I told him that I didn't have all of the answers 
This world's a crazy place 
I 've learned to hide God's Word in my heart 
So I can have it with me when the pressure of the day start 

CHORUS 

So many hidden treasures in God's Word for us to find 
The mysteries and secrets that are there to bring us life 

God's Word, family and friends who love us unconditionally, King Jesus and the small gifts we take for granted every day always make for red letter days.  We choose whether it will be or not.  Thank you Lord, for the promise of your Word and your ever-abiding, never faltering and unwavering presence!  

Governor You Are Forgiven!

Governor Sanford,

Thank you for going public with your affair.  It was the right thing to do.  Regardless of the media spin It took courage, and I'm glad it came from you and not a news photo of you caught in public with another woman .  During your public confessional you asked for forgiveness from your wife, sons, family, staff, and the residents of South Carolina. 

Governor, you have my forgiveness and prayers.   And yes, I am disappointed in this news, and disheartened that you lied about your whereabouts and potentially put your office and state government in jeopardy, but greater men than you and I have let sin cloud their judgment and determine their actions.  But that said, as a Christ-follower I have no choice but forgiveness.  Scripture is clear.  I cannot deprive you of my forgiveness when I have been forgiven so much more by God.  If I have learned anything on my journey as a Christ-follower, it's that we are all broken, fallen, and imperfect. And for those Christ-followers who say, "Well I forgive him, but..." let me simply recall the words of Jesus:  

Mark 11:25                                                                                                                                             ²⁵And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Matthew 18:32-35                                                                                                                                 ³²Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ³³ And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' ³⁴ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. ³⁵ So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."


Governor, I am not asking you to resign from office either.  I believe you will address that matter at the appropriate time after wise counsel, discussions with your family, and thoughtful prayer.  I am more concerned about praying for your marriage and your sons.  You have a tough and difficult road of biblical reconciliation ahead and you need space to do it.  I'm not sure living in the fishbowl of public life and the demanding schedule of leading a state is going to make that possible, but you must come to that decision.  

Governor, if you are like me, you married way above your head.   Your wife has publicly stated that she wants to pursue reconciliation.  Despite the critics and pundits, having counseled many couples in your situation, you are fortunate to have such a mate by your side.  In this day of self-centered preservation that seeks retribution, such a response is indeed rare!  I pray with all my heart that you will not be another statistic and that you will fight for your marriage with more energy and passion than you have fought the legislature, or courts in any previous battles!  And may the news media, legislature and my fellow citizens give you and your family some privacy to work through this "family" matter.  May God's grace, wisdom and abiding love be upon you and your family as you make this difficult journey.   

In Christ,

A Recovering Sinner Saved by Grace

A Missional Community

The Schraugher Story: Tragedy & Hope

Go to the link below for an incredible story that, I promise is worth your time.  Click on "Part 1: The Story" and then watch "Part 2: The House" to see how community really works.  This is an amazing story of hope born out of extreme tragedy and grief.  This is the heart of the missional church and community.  Click here for more: Oakland County Michigan 

Afterward click on the Steve Brown link below to hear Steve's interview with Cliff Schrauger, a man, who in Brown's words, has "raw faith in the face of unimaginable grief."  Click here:  SBE

My Dad

F-aithful
A-ltruistic
T-rustworthy
H-umble
E-thical
R-espected

B-uddy
I-ntegrity
L-ove
L-augh


Happy Father's Day Dad, You Rock!

Our Super Glue God

As we wrapped up a five-week teaching series on Sunday, we considered God's faithfulness.  We looked at just a small sampling from God's Word that backs up His never-forsaking presence toward His children, those of us who call Jesus, Lord.  Someone has said, "God is most attentive when He seems most absent."  

If the history of God's people proves one thing, it's that God is not an abandoning God.  He is a God of presence, even when the journey seems dark and uncertain.   Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, David, Esther, Joseph & Mary, and Paul are just a few of the biblical examples of God's constant presence in tough circumstances.  There are too many biblical examples to mention here.  

Need a more recent example of God's faithfulness?  There have been some dark days during my medical journey the last four months and God was as the psalmist put it: "a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46).  Bookshelves are filled with stories of people who testify to God's presence in good times and bad.  God's people know it full well, it's just that sometimes, like the prophet Elijah standing on a mountain (1 Kings 19), we need to be reminded of God's presence.

Late Sunday afternoon, we were once again reminded of God's presence and protection.  This is my friend Callie.  She is three years old.  I've had the privilege of being a part of her life.  I was there for her birth and remember the day her parents and I stood before God, and our faith community to dedicate her life to God.  Callie, had slipped into the pool without her life vest and was floating when her big sister alerted everyone.  She was blue and full of water.  Quick thinking parents and family were able to revive her and help her to begin throwing up the water before EMS arrived.  She was taken to ER and was kept overnight for observation.  When I left the ER she was eating some hot french fries and feeling much better.  

Pastor's are to provide comfort and steadiness in times of crisis.  I was able to do that at the hospital.  However, as I was driving home I was overcome with tears at the thought of what almost happened to Callie.   Immediately I began to thank God for His presence and providence.  As I said to Callie, as she sat in her Mom's arms in the ER, "God has big plans for you Miss Callie."  I believe that with all my heart.  Thank you God for watching over Callie and her family Sunday.  Thank you for your presence that doesn't waffle or wane when our lives are in trouble or unmanageable because of choices we've made, or the result of someone else's choices and behavior.  Thank you for being a God who sticks to us better than Super Glue!   

Secular Shapes With Spiritual Applications

Some Christ-followers get real uptight when the church uses secular resources to effectively communicate spiritual truths to 21st century culture.  However, the church is simply being smart and taking a cue from Jesus with such an approach.  Jesus repeatedly used images (many of them agrarian) from every day life to teach deep spiritual truths.  Think about it.  Bread, vines, light, sheep, shepherds, seeds, sand, rock and other secular resources were used by Jesus to bring the gospel to life for First Century seekers.  

Art, media, and literature have been used by great theologians and bible teachers to communicate spiritual truths for a long time.   Secular songs have long been used by Christ-followers to bring glory to God.  Here are just a few from the past and present that enjoyed success outside of the church before they were used by the church:

• God Bless the Broken Road
• You've got a Friend
• You Raise Me Up
• Lean On Me
• What the World Needs Now Is Love

Country vocalists, Lady Antebellum's hit song, I Run To You is a perfect example of lyrics that Christ-follower's can joyfully proclaim.  Read the excerpts below and substitute "Jesus" wherever you see the words baby.

I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late
I run my life
Or is it running me
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems
When lies become the truth
That's when I run to you

[Chorus]
This world keeps spinning faster
Into a new disaster so I run to you
I run to you baby  {Jesus}
And when it all starts coming undone
Baby {Jesus} you're the only one I run to
I run to you

Running from lies, prejudice, hate, pessimists and running to Jesus is sound teaching.  I love the imagery of humanity's need to run toward Jesus.  Who doesn't need something or someone to run to?  Why not encourage the world to run to Christ?  Now that's a song worth singing.

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

A powerful expression of praise and worship. Enjoy Kari Jobe's gift!

The Brat In the Room & Our Sarah

I was sitting in Starbucks, putting the finishing touches on some teaching notes when he arrived with all the subtlety of a bulldozer crashing through the foyer of a mortuary moments before a funeral.  Actually he ran by screaming at the top of his lungs, with toys in tow as his mother and grandmother chased him and further enabled his obviously established role as the "spoiled brat".  Trust me, it wasn't just my take.  After he screamed his drink demands toward his mother, the barista's behind the counter looked at one another with an expression that ought to be framed for future employee training.  The expression was as if to say, "Here is the appropriate facial response when someone let's their child disrupt an entire business and thinks it's cute.   The guy across from me, previously engrossed in his Blackberry was clearly annoyed at the afternoon distraction.   He frowned with every high-pitched squeal before finally surrendering and walking out the door.  His drink was still full when he left it where he sat.  I should probably point out that this particular Starbucks is very "kid friendly". However, this little tyrant probably ruined it for anyone else walking in with children after his much welcomed and "not soon enough" departure.  

Why don't parents discipline their children anymore?  The restroom was only several feet away and a private attitude adjustment could've been accomplished in a matter of minutes.  It was obvious that the mother probably spends the greater portion of her day chasing him, while trying to gently refute his running, screaming and selfish demands all of which increased with each attempt of parental correction.   The doting, enabling pair validated his control of the situation by noting how cute he was with each verbal demand.  Funny, no one else in the place was laughing, or even smiling.  How sad because who among us hasn't smiled at a young child with their parents in public?  His behavior could only be contrasted by the toddler who followed the "wild child's" exit and was a model of cheer, manners, obedience and restraint, but was still all child.  

It's been many years since we had a child his age in our house. But thanks be to God that when we did, neither of our children had a pattern of such behavior.  And no, neither of our children was, or is perfect!  We had one public episode with each child.  A quick trip outside, or to the restroom insured that such outbursts would not be tolerated in the future.  And with much love, consistent correction, respect, creativity and the grace of God, we didn't have to fight the battle that comes with strong-willed children and parents who refuse to lead.  Oh yeah, both of our children had strong wills, but we knew we were the parents.  And we made a lot of mistakes they accepted with much grace.

This week our baby girl graduates from high school!  Congratulations sis!  Congratulations on a 4.0 senior year and your admission to Winthrop University!  Mom and I are so proud of the young woman you've become.  Since your birth (the same with brother) when we dedicated you to the Lord, we have always thanked God for you and prayed that you would do more than profess Him as Lord, but that you would follow Him.  You have always been a source of great joy and your presence has enriched our family.  You made us better parents and people!  Your zest and passion for life encourages us.  Your strong commitment to live out your morals, beliefs and values is a testimony to your character.  One of the greatest things we could say about you is that we trust you deeply.  We marvel at your ability to keep confidences.  You are indeed special, and as you know it's not because of us, or your own merit.  It's always and only been because you are a "gift from God".  My how many years have you heard those words now?  

We are so grateful to God for the gift of YOU!  As you begin your final journey into adulthood, remember a few of our favorites through the years:

• Be a lady in ALL circumstances.
• Never be fooled by a kiss, and never let a fool kiss you.
• LOVE people, even the difficult ones.
• Your are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139).
• You are a gift from God.
• Remember WHOSE you are.
• Please God, not people.
• Always do your best even when you don't feel like it, or no one else is doing it.
• SERVE more and take less.
• Live, Love, Laugh and Learn.

We love you very much little PK, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for your future and His purposes.  With much love, Mom and Dad

P.S.  Oh yeah, thanks for not being a brat and making our job as parents easier than most!