Monday, April 14, Garland, Texas

There were many things I thought I might do this week as I readied for Easter Sunday, but sitting in an ICU room at Baylor, Garland was not one of them. However, now that I am, looking about this room and my Mom - struggling so to live - I am reminded of many things.

Mom has lived most of her adult life here in Garland, Texas (save a family sojourn to Kansas for Dad's job, ca. 1964-72).  She and Dad bought their first home here when I was a toddler - sometime around 1952 - and each of my brothers and sisters, along with me when young, lived a substantial part of our lives in this place. Like many other Garland-ers, Mom worked for Kraft Foods. Here we attended public school, church, and frequented her ballparks and skating rinks. For a short time, Dad moved us 'up and out,' to the White Rock area of Dallas, where we attended Wilshire Baptist Church just down the street from our home. But in his heart of hearts Dad was a 'Garland man' - and so we returned for those years prior to our move to Kansas. When my family did move back to Texas, some years later and after I was grown and on my own, there was no question as to where they'd live. It was Garland!

Not far from this Hospital room is 'Duck' creek, which meanders through the heart of the town. As a boy I would play and fish in this creek for crawdads. One summer I carved a boat from a piece of wood, painted it and fashioned a 'made with a stick' mast and handkerchief sail. Then, with my boat tied to a string, I spent hours watching as it floated down the creek only to be pulled back to me time after time. The summer before we moved away my string broke, and I could not catch it because of flood waters. I stood resigned on the creek's bank and watched as 'my' boat floated away, like an old friend, wondering of Kansas and growing up.

Thinking further back, there were many Saturday's I would ride my bike north up First Street, to the town square, where with my 'Fifty cent' allowance I could watch a movie and buy a candy bar and coke. Just as good was my other option - which was riding my bike to nearby Kenwood Shopping Center and Woolworth's, where I could saddle up to the soda fountain and order a "3 Scoop" Banana Split. With this option I'd have money left over. Not a lot, but enough to leave a tip - like Dad, which made me feel good and so grown up.

In my memory Easter was always a happy day. At Easter-time I'd get a new shirt and tie - usually from Sears or J.C. Penny's, and, once in a while, I'd also get a new 'store bought' suit. My sisters always got new dresses, and we'd take a family picture all dressed up 'to the nines'.  I was careful to want my ties to look just like Dad's and my shoes to shine like his, too.  So he'd help me with both as we sat on the porch to talk while the girls finished dressing. Mom always looked so pretty. She'd wear both a hat and summer gloves - and I felt we must have been the handsomest family around - or at least at our church, so I thought.

But now, as I sit here quietly watching Mom, I am grateful for something other. I am grateful that Easter for my family was more than new clothes and a picture.  For, for us - Mom included - it was a day of worship and celebration that Jesus had come and that victory over sin and death was real. Confessedly, I didn't think much of death then. In fact, I did not really think of it at all. Death was for old people and people who were sick. Not for me! Not for my Mom, my sisters, or Dad! Not back then.

Of course so much has happened since those days gone by. Did God know I'd be sitting here today, less than 2 miles from where I once played?  The answer is, 'yes, He did!' And... He also knew that the boy of then would be both a pastor and son today. A man, now ever so grateful for this Easter, which represents much more than wonderful memories. One so grateful, today, for the cross and the truth - that because He lives so too will Mom, Dad, my family and me!

Happy Easter, indeed -


Pastor Sam










http://open.spotify.com/track/6jgDhbzfHWmQoVlUvDoaWX

are not alone.

Remembering Mike

One of my heroes in the faith, Mike Fechner, http://mikefechner.com/ went home to be with Jesus Wednesday night. He suffered from the physical devastation of cancer, but nothing else. His reward is now complete.

Mike was a man who lived his faith large. He was visionary, inspiring, and one of the most genuinely passionate men concerning the gospel and those in need than any person I knew. He was the founder of H.I.S. Bridgebuilders - a ministry of the gospel of Jesus with the added blessing of hope, help, and on-going love to those in need and at greatest risk.  I will miss Mike, but smile knowing that Heaven is one 'Saint' sweeter today. He is with Jesus.  What more might he want.

The first time I met Mike was on a visit with Molly Breitenfeld, who took me to his Bridge Builders Headquarters so that I might see what this ministry was all about. Through this union, Molly led our youth ministry to partner with Mike and Bridgebuilders and its work in South Dallas. There I met this one time businessman called by God to make a difference in a ministry that did not seem to so readily resonate with what one thinks of for a person of his background, talents and gifts. To this end, Mike inspired me - reminding me that when God calls us to do something He also enables us with the tools and wherewithal to get it done. Yes, Mike was the perfect person to brdge the wealth of north Dallas with the needs of its south.  From that short meeting a mutual friendship and respect was born - not one of frequent contact but one of partnership - a partnership in the gospel that makes one a life-long brother. A common, glorious bond connecting us with an ageless line of others who have also known and followed the tug of God upon their heart and said, 'yes, send me.'

The last time I saw Mike was as he was sitting next to me at a meeting on DBU campus this past winter. We were serving together on a steering committee team to fill tables and seek support for the university while honoring Gil Strickland at a coming banquet. I mentioned to Mike that I had an idea for a church revitalization project in near East Dallas. I said, 'Mike, this area and work are right up your alley.' 'I'd love to show it to you.' 'Let's get some lunch!' he said, and so, our schedules were set - but... that lunch was never to be, as Mike's health worsened and we had to cancel.

With the passing of someone like Mike it's easy to wonder who will take their place. I used to worry over this, feeling as if I had to do something personally in order to insure this happened. But no longer. For I see God doing the same thing as he did in Mike's life in the lives of people every single day. I see Him calling out the called.  Speaking to hearts, planting dreams, and casting forth vision of what it is He wants to do as he inspires a new generation to, by faith, live life large.

Mike said, yes. He lived large and saw God change many lives - including his own. Will you?  

For a beautiful look at Mike and the victory he found, even in the midst of this last earthly battle, check this out.  http://vimeo.com/90788853


Pastor Sam