He didn't realize a photo would be shared when he sent the text, he just wanted to encourage a fellow pastor as their church plant launched this morning.
I am grateful for the understanding that others may not see: it's an authentic love.
It's not some shallow attempt at networking or building a bigger platform.
Here's how I know:
Once upon a time, my pastor and I shared the same pastor. And he will always kind of be our pastor- he's our dad.
If you've never heard NeedToBreathe's 'Washed By The Water', go now, listen. It explains the backstory well enough.
** If you are a fellow PK who finds this song relatable, you are my tribe. I love you. While it is sad and a shame there are so many of us, it is not a waste, my dear friend. And I'm here for you **
God has taken a season of hurt, betrayal and dismay in our family's life and turned it into a harvest of love, multiplied.
Just like actual seeds, that stormy season scattered us into the presence and lives of others- only then did what would grow "for the good of us who love Him" begin to take root.
One painful event, multiple rows of growth.
Twenty years have passed- at least.
Today, we had a meeting after church. Some matters of gossip amongst the Body needed to be addressed (our elders did a wonderful job).
One of the underlying complaints of those who had begun to speak out of turn was that they wanted more transparency in the reasons why certain staff members transitioned out. They'd heard maybe some negative details were left out.
How could my brother send them off with a blessing and a smile if there were disagreements or differing ideas ?
I can tell you how. Love has grown through the torn out places in our hearts. He has learned to be gentle and graceful from a time when people were not.
And he got it honest; he's a lot like our dad.
My dad is a quiet and humble man. He wouldn't brag about the ways he reaches out to encourage fellow pastors because he doesn't do it for credit... but love grew like kudzu in his heart, too.
I've observed both of these men be graceful to those who are committed to misunderstanding them.
As I sip my tea and listen to the falling rain this Sunday evening, I am steeped in gratitude for those who are just trying to make the world a little better, you know, shine a light.
Especially my own pastors: my dad and my younger (smarter, better-looking) brother- not to mention their long-suffering, good, good wives. (one each)
"Even when the rain falls, even when the food starts rising ..."