Caption, Please

Well, it is baseball season!

Good Times, Great Oldies

Yesterday, I went to Houston to visit an ailing church member. I took with me a man who is a good friend of the patient and her family. It was a day out of the office, on a Monday after a busy Sunday, so I was glad to be out, but also aware of the "while you were out" notes that would inevitably pile up. Amazingly, they did not.

My companion is a deacon in our church and a very fine man. Time passed quickly as we discussed cars, families, work, church, and life in general. He is a very pleasant man with a very generous spirit. (He bought lunch!)

As we traveled along, I thought of similarities between he and my own father. Both were in the same era. Both served in Air Force during the Korean conflict. Both married in mid 1950's and raised families. Both worked blue collar jobs in a manufacturing plant atmosphere. Both had affinities for automobiles. Both were good men, great providers, godly, and moral men. My friend told me he never heard his dad say he loved him. He told me his father would tell his mother he was proud of him and she would pass the word on. I thought of deja vu, since this is how my own father operated. Once, when he was going into surgery, I gathered up my courage and told him I loved him. It was the first time. He managed to murmur that he loved me also. That was a big breakthrough.

Amazingly, both men were extremely frugal. My friend won't buy a cellphone- he chooses to buy airtime to use one when he needs it- usually when he goes out of town. He also doesn't own a computer. My dad wouldn't own one either.

But I couldn't help but think of one difference: My father was a quiet man, not antisocial, but not very social. He worked his job, came home, did a few chores at the house, watched TV and read his paper. Not much conversation came from him. He was fair to me and cared for his family. But I never knew him as a friend I could share concerns with or ask for some advice. I just never felt comfortable doing that.

On the other hand, my traveling friend is very conversational. He noted that his wife said he talked too much. I found myself wishing that my father and I could have had a relationship like my friend and I have. I feel I can ask him for any sort of help and advice (and I have on occasion) and he would be glad to oblige. I thought (perhaps selfishly) "Why couldn't my dad have been like this?" Less withdrawn and a bit more open.

Then again, we could all make our parents over in our own image, can't we?

Ironically, just after I returned home, my own son called me to discuss a big opportunity and decision he is facing. I was glad he felt the freedom to call and get his father's perspective. I was glad I could be to him what I wished my father could have been more to me.

Fathers, take note.

Weddings

One of the things a pastor is often called to do is to officiate at weddings. Over the years, I have had some interesting experiences presiding over them.

...I remember the time the flower girl fainted during a sweltering midsummer ceremony because we turned off the air conditioning in order to get the candles lit. (They never did get them all lit.)

...I remember the time the groom took one of the candles to light his unity candle. It was in a spring loaded case. As he raised the candle, something broke and the spring shot the candle case high into the air. Assault with a dangerous weapon?

...I remember the time both bride and groom wrote their pledges of love to each other. I co-officiated this wedding. I read his letter to her and the other minister read her letter to him. It was very touching and personal. I wonder if they are still married.

...I remember the time the groom was fired up in rehearsal. As his groomsmen arrived on stage, he dropped into a five-point football stance, fired out, and blocked each man almost off the stage. I still think it was the most fun I'd ever had at a rehearsal. There was plenty of energy (testosterone?) in the room. I also loved the song played as the bridal party exited the room- "Lay A Lovin' On Me," by Robin McNamara- a classic!

...I remember the time I performed a simple ceremony in my office on a Saturday afternoon. It was just us three and God. Bride and groom were well into retirement age. I also recall getting a nice tip from the groom!

...I remember the first "real" wedding I ever officiated. It was at a large church up the road. I was nervous. I also thought to myself, "Would I ever pastor a church this big?" NOTE: Years later, that very church considered me for its pastor after a previous pastor resigned. Interestingly enough, I didn't feel led to go there. It is funny how time changes things. Now I serve a church as large, if not larger than that one.

...I remember the time the couple wanted me to marry them- RIGHT NOW! I had to politely turn them down. I insist upon premarital counseling.

...I remember performing the wedding of my sister in law and my future brother in law. As I pronounced them man and wife, I promptly called them "Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Stewart." They were, in reality, "Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Sawyer."

...I remember the time I also pronounced another couple using the name of the bride's father along with the name of the bride. They still haven't let me forget that one.

...I remember the time of my own wedding when the minister forgot to have us kiss. My sister in law took covered that base by having us kiss outside just before we left the church, only to be stopped by the police who were waiting beside the road. My brother in law was a city policeman who put them up to it. They had to give in soon, because they were laughing so hard. We were both scared kids. I also remember that my wife's brother had tied his brand new hunting boots to my car. His father stepped in before we could drive off with them and removed them. One thing neither he nor Dupont's number 7 rubbing compound could not remove, though, was the shoe DYE! little brother used to write "JUST MARRIED" on the side of the car. I sold that car years later with just a faint shadow of those words still showing.

...I also remember family dramas, promises from the happy couple that "we just want something simple," and groomsmen showing up for the wedding whose breath indicated they were either still celebrating the bachelor party or starting early for the reception. Who knows- maybe it was both.

...I also remember some moving, touching displays of love, sacrifice and commitment. Those are the best memories of all.

As a postscript, and because wedding season is soon upon us, I offer this link by a pastor who says just what I would say to a couple making wedding plans.

Till death these memories part...

Easter Sign

In previous blog posts, I have shared a number of signs (church and otherwise) that I found amusing.

Because we just celebrated Easter, and because I like the sign, it is presented courtesy of Mrs. Lynn Dent (Our local church association secretary.)

While amusing, this one also makes a salient point.

Huckabee Talks More Than Politics

I have long been a fan of Mike Huckabee. I first met him when we both pastored churches in Southwest Arkansas. I recall writing him then- and that was about 20 years ago- and asking him if I could write his biography! Right!

I recall assembling with a crowd in downtown Texarkana, AR to hear him announce his candidacy for the senate of Arkansas. With typical good humor, he offered "car decals." He called them "car decals" because most people call them "bumper stickers." Huckabee was running against Dale Bumpers, the then incumbent senator from Arkansas.

I also once sent him a get well card when he was sick. He was kind enough to respond. I learned two lessons from his response:

1. Acknowledge those who take time to write you.
2. He has a great sense of humor. He thanked me for the card and mentioned that a poll had been taken. A majority of pastors were also praying for his recovery! (A hint of things to come?)

I could ramble on about Huckabee, but I will simply let moving pictures speak. I was very impressed with his interview of supermodel Kathy Ireland. In this clip, she openly discusses her Christian faith, and her prolife position. You go, Kathy!

Oh yeah. I like Mike, too!

Rick Warren: Perfectly Clear?

In an earlier post, I wondered aloud exactly what Rick Warren was trying to say when he talked to Larry King on CNN last Monday.

I am thankful for his and his church's contribution to the kingdom of God and to the expansion of the gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide. I am certain that he will continue to win people to Jesus Christ and impact lives for eternity. He is in the unenviable position of being a very visible, very assailable representative of conservative Christianity.

That is why when he speaks, it makes news. That is why when he appears to changing his position on moral issues, it is of great concern.

Today a statement offering clarification of his remarks to Larry King has been posted in various locations on the internet. The one I read is here.

I read the article intending to clarify his statements.

Honestly, I'm still not clear on exactly what he intended to communicate.

Resurrection Day

I like the term Resurrection Day better than the term Easter. However, I find myself using both terms.

In honor of the day and the Risen King, I offer this video to all my readers as a Resurrection Day present. I first heard this years ago. I have used it in sermons. It never fails to put chills down my spine.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Rick Warren On What He Said Or Didn't Say On Larry King Live

The past couple of days, I have been hearing much outrage about remarks that Rick Warren allegedly made on Larry King Live last Monday. One national Christian network, who has two stations in our area, has been urging people to return their Purpose Driven Life books to Saddleback Church.

What did Rick really say? I have read several reports, including this latest published interview with Christianity Today, and an item released today by Baptist Press. I discussed his remarks with a pastor friend over lunch today.

What to make of all this? Is Rick Warren backing down from his previous support of Proposition 8 in California? Just what is he saying?

Honestly, I want to understand what he is trying to communicate. But I must confess I don't. He seems to be saying on a video he taped before the vote that he supported Proposition 8 which states, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." But then he told Larry King, "During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never...never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop 8 was going."

I have had a great deal of respect for pastor Warren. I have read his books and attended a few of his conferences. But I have to admit, I'm stumped on this one.

By the way, just because he appears to be backing down off his position on gay marriage, does not invalidate the fact that his books are worth having. I'll keep mine.

Our God Suffers Too- Guest Blogger

Our God suffers too.

I recently received an email from my cousin from California, who was talking about the suffering of God.

In Isaiah: 53:3-4, it says that He (Christ) was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquianted with grief...Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

At different times in our lives we all have suffered. I never thought of our God having suffered except on the cross when He paid the price for our sins. When I began to think about it, I realized that God suffered when a third of the angels rebelled and he had to throw them out of his presence. I know that He must have suffered when Eve let Satan tempt her into believing that she would be like God by eating the fruit from the forbidden tree. I know that He suffered when Adam ate of that fruit freely without thinking. I know that God must have suffered when He had to throw them out of the Garden. I know also that He suffered when Cain, the first born of Eve killed his brother Abel.

I know that God must have suffered when He decided to destroy the world except for Noah and his family because of sin in the world.

I know that He must have had many sufferings when He sent his beloved Moses to help save Israel out of Egypt and Israel continually rebelled against him.

I know also that God suffered as his only begotten Son suffered and died for all of us on the cross on the Friday we call Good Friday.

Because we are born sinners, Christ was sent from the Father to pay the price of suffering and death for us. His blood was shed for our sins. That is why we are buried with him and raised with him on Easter Sunday.

by Roger McIlwain

NOTE: Roger is my friend, prayer partner, and a deacon at my church. He wrote this piece and I offered to place it on my blog- with a few minor edits. It comes from his heart to yours.

Roger is right- God suffers too. One of the great philosophical questions of all ages concerns the mystery of suffering. Why must people suffer? One clue to the answer comes when we realize that our God suffers too.

For Holy Week 2009, that thought can be mind boggling.

Something I've Never Seen At A Concert

Last night, our church hosted the singing group, Gold City. Over the years they have been a premier group in Southern Gospel, with classics like "The Midnight Cry," "I'm Not Givin' Up," and "It's Still The Cross," among many over the years. Chances are you've heard a song in a worship service that Gold City has helped to make popular.

Aside from its longevity- the group has been singing in its various incarnations since 1980- Gold City has included a number of talented singers and artists who have gone on to various other artistic careers and found great success. I have been amazed at how they have seen many personnel changes and still managed to maintain a great sound and message. In fact, I asked Danny Riley, baritone singer and business manager, how they accomplished this feat. He replied to the effect that Gold City has always been about quality in sound and ministry. Simply put, they strive for the best. Note: I'll post this interview soon on my "Conversations With Dr. Dave" podcast. I also got to talk to Bruce Taliaferro, the newest member of the group, whom I found to be quite thoughtful and reflective on his career and ministry.

The concert was even better than I anticipated. I've not hosted them in about three years, but had heard that they were sounding better than ever. I've heard this before with just about every group out there, but I've long been fond of Gold City. In fact, it was their music that convinced me that Southern Gospel wasn't all twangy singing and steel guitars. There have been a few changes in all of us since I last saw them live. We had a great enthusiastic crowd who Gold City had eating out of their hands from the very first note they sang. The crowd got their money's worth, too. The concert lasted over 2 hours.

Not only was the spirit of the concert outstanding, but so was the singing. I have had unfortunate incidents when I get complaints about a group being too loud. Not this time. Some people seem to get bored and leave early. I didn't notice much of that this time. I honestly think most folks would have stayed all night. Danny Riley has really grown in his role as emcee. But besides his singing, managing, and emceeing ability, there is one more quality that deeply impressed me last night.

It was his evangelistic heart.

I have been to a number of concerts where the artists said, "We're here to lift up Jesus," and then spend the evening lifting themselves up showing off talents, showmanship, and "look at me" cleverness.

This was different.

Danny told us how he became a Christian. He spoke of his desire to share Jesus with people on the streets of his hometown as a youth. He spoke from the heart about everyone's need to know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. He offered an "altar call-" an invitation to come to the front of the auditorium and talk and pray with someone about becoming a Christian.

As he offered the altar call, it happened.

As Steve Ladd sang "I Surrender All," a man came from the audience and knelt at the front. Nothing really unusual about that.

But what was unusual was that Bruce Taliaferro, lead singer, jumped off the stage, knelt down beside the man and spent several minutes with him talking and praying. I saw no one prompting him to do so. It was just in his heart to do it.

I asked him later in the interview about it. The context of the question was why he leaves his young family every week to sing to strangers. He said that it was because of things like this evening- a burdened man who came to have his burden eased. Bruce said that only eternity would reveal how he was able to touch that man's heart. The reward is knowing that he's made a "forever" kind of difference in someone's life.

I agree- that's the only thing that keeps me going sometimes.

In all my concert going days, seeing artists of many genres, talents, and popularity, I do not recall even one -ever- leaving the stage to counsel a member of the audience. If it is done at all during a concert, it is usually left to a pastor, staff member, or host.

I was so moved by this genuine, spontaneous act that I told Danny Riley after the concert how impressed I was. He responded that this is what his group is all about. Entertainment, yes, but ministry mainly. I also complimented Bruce, who was willing to leave the role of performer and become a fellow struggler alongside another.

That is something I've not seen at a gospel concert. May Gold City's tribe increase!

On a final note, a very generous member of our church offered to buy a ticket for anyone under 30 (up to 50 people!) who wished to attend the concert. A few of our youth took him up on it and came to the concert. Judging from their Facebook comments, they had a blast! These teenagers found they could dig this music! It's not "your father's music anymore!" I think they even bought a few CD's and DVD's for later enjoyment.

After the concert, I noticed the group had left an item behind at our church. Breathlessly, I tracked them down just before they retrieved their bus driver at the motel. As I was leaving, Steve Ladd, tenor singer and awesome guy, came out of the bus and visted briefly with me. As we parted, he stopped to hug me and say, "I love you, man." He meant it and I was moved.

If you're not careful, you could love these guys.

I know I do.


P.S. The bass singer looks like Elvis! Not as much these days since he's grown a goatee. Maybe he's trying to play down the comparisons. I know he does have a wonderfully smooth and rich bass voice. (Sounds like a cappuccino ad, doesn't it?)