Tribute to a Mentor

 

In many ways I had lost my way in the winter of 1964.  I had graduated from Lutheran High School East the previous spring.  I did not have much to show for my four years at LHE.  While most of my classmates had plans for college, I woke the morning after graduation with no agenda.  That’s what happens when you are ranked in the bottom 10% of your class.  Other than a varsity letter in cross country, I was ranked 7^th on the team, I had accomplished little.  I was not a bad kid, just one with low self-esteem, who therefore let others make decisions for me.

That is probably why I enrolled in trade school.  My friend, Chuck Denner, was heading there to study electronics and he convinced me to tag along.  It took me six weeks to discover that I had no aptitude for or interest in electronics, and another six weeks to make the decision to quit.  My dad intervened.  The church janitor was having health issues and needed an assistant, and I needed a job.  He strongly suggested it would be a good match.  Hence my career in ministry began cleaning bathrooms, emptying wastebaskets and making sure the church lawn was trimmed. 

Our church had a vicar that year.  Part of my daily routine was visiting his office to collect his trash.  We always had a brief visit.  It did not stop there.  We started sharing our “brown bag lunch” together.  He was a Cardinal Fan and I rooted for the Tigers.  Bob Gibson was his hero and mine was Al Kaline.  We also talked about life.  He was the first person who planted the seed that maybe I could do something with mine.  I had to admit that my past poor choices were weighing on me and I was having trouble sleeping.  At his encouragement, I enrolled in a local college for the second semester.  I did well enough in the two classes that I took that I applied to Concordia Teachers College.  My vicar wrote a letter of recommendation.  Much to my surprise, they accepted me.  So, in the fall of 1965 I headed off to River Forest, Illinois to begin my journey in ministry.  I was motivated.  I wanted to work with kids and help them make better choices than I had.

I am sharing that story now because my first mentor recently died.  His name was Alan Harre.  Dr. Harre served his vicarage at St. James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  He returned to St. James and served as associate pastor while working on his doctorate at Wayne State University.  He went on to join the faculty at Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska and then served as president at Concordia-St. Paul.  He then spent over twenty years as President of Valparaiso University.  It was there that our paths crossed again, when our son Mark, went to Valpo as a student. 

I thought of Dr. Harre often as I worked with students.  He is the reason I always had a heart for the kids who seemed to slip between the cracks.  It was easy to work with the star athletes and the students who were motivated academically.  I sought out the ones who blended in, or worse yet were ignored.  At graduation my colleagues would applaud the honor students, but I always did a “happy dance” for the kids who were just walking across the stage to get their diploma.  Often, I was the only one who knew their back-stories. 

Now you know mine.

Rest in peace, Dr. Harre.  Well done faithful servant.

 

 

 

 

Wilderness Wanderings

 

The Children of Israel spent forty years wandering in the wilderness.  What should have been a one-year journey from Egypt to Palestine was extend because of some poor decisions made by their leaders early in the trip.  At the root of the problem was a lack of faith.  As a result, people were inconvenienced and many lost their lives.  I believe God put the story in the Bible in hope that we might learn from their experience.

I have been focusing on the Children of Israel and their trials in the wilderness a lot over the last few weeks.  I see some similarities in our current situation.  We are now five months into the COVID-19 pandemic and there is no site of the end.  In my opinion, some decisions made by our leaders early in the pandemic has lengthened the journey.  The “promised land” of normalcy seems a long way off, as we wait for a vaccine. Like the Children of Israel, we have no conception [T1] [T2]  of what life after the pandemic will look like. 

As I studied the story in Exodus, I note that two things sustained the Children of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.  God provided for their needs and he was also visibly present in their lives.  On a daily basis he gave them the gift of manna and quail so they could eat.  He also miraculously supplied them with water, even though they were in a barren land.  He also led them throughout their journey with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.  The religious leaders also constructed the Tabernacle where they could worship.  It also served as a “tent of meetings” so Moses could personally converse with Yahweh.

As I wander through this wilderness of the COVID-19 pandemic I am very much aware of God’s presence.  In many ways this has been a spiritual journey unlike any I have ever experienced.  I am reminded of God’s goodness each morning during my personal quiet time and at night after turning off the light.  I have a scripture verse that I select each day.  Those words sustain me each day.  God is good, and Barb and I have lacked for nothing during this time, aside from the obvious absence of fellowship.  God’s Word serves as my cloud and pillar of fire. 

Aaron’s words still sustain me:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:24-26)

 

 

 

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Is Our Freedom Killing Us?

 

Like most older adults, I do not venture out much these days.  Other than trips to the doctor and dentist, my only times out are to go to the store.  I cannot say that I have adjusted to the new normal, but I usually feel safe when shopping.  The employees are all wearing mask and in general folks seem to be social distancing.  It is difficult to be friendly with people when they cannot see your smile, and even showing gratitude toward the person at the checkout counter is difficult when they are behind a Plexiglas barrier.

I did encounter one exception to the COVID-19 protocol when visiting my favorite Aldi last week.  There was clearly a sign on the door informing shoppers that “face mask is required.”  Normally there is even an off-duty Dallas Policeman stationed on security duty near the front of the door.  In the midst of my shopping there was one woman who seemed oblivious to the rules.  She moved up and down the aisle seemingly unaware of the guidelines that were set down to protect her and others.  She was not wearing a mask and she seemed to be ignoring the directional arrows on the floor.  I would have estimated that the offender was about my age.  The way that she was dressed led me to believe that she led a very comfortable lifestyle.  It was hard not thinking, “she should know better.”

Unfortunately, she represented a certain segment of the population that, A) thinks the pandemic is a hoax or B) believes the requirement to wear a mask is a violation of their freedom.  Either way, I think those folks, estimated to be around 10% of the population, are responsible for the pandemic still being out of control.  It is not just the bikers who recently gathered in Sturgis, South Dakota or the college students who are seen partying on the beach.  There are a good number of older adults who are ignoring the plea to “wear a mask.”

The debate continues on the source of the virus and even whether or not it is part of a conspiracy.  Health experts world-wide are calling it a pandemic.  They are united in their appeal to social distance and “wear a mask.”  In the midst of this the United States seems to be the one country that cannot get things under control.  I believe we are also the only country that has turned the “wearing of a mask” into a political issue.  As a result, our freedom is literally killing us. 

COVID-19 is real.  In April, my 97-year-old uncle died from the virus.  I have talked online with folks who have battled through the virus and their testimony is all the proof I need.  Don’t mess with COVID-19.  Anything you can do to prevent the spread should be a requirement. 

This is especially the case for older adults, who cannot afford to get the virus and should also be taking the lead in stopping its spread.  I do not like being sheltered at home.  It saddened me to have a family gathering where we could not hug each other.  Wearing a mask is not comfortable, but I also know it is the thing to do.  The Bible is clear in the command to obey those in authority.  In this case the voices are unilateral in their plea… “wear a mask.”

 

 

Bible Reading Down During the Pandemic

A good number of years ago I was serving as the head of hotel life team for a national youth gathering.  As is typical, we have a meeting with the hotel staff prior to the event.  In addition to the hotel convention manager representatives from the other departments within the hotel from the front desk to catering were present.  In the middle of the meeting the hotel manager stopped by introduce herself.  I was immediately impressed.  There was something about her that led me to see her as someone who was a cut above.  When she stated, “If you have an issue that you feel is not being handled well, let me know.”  While I would have expected such an invitation, I sensed this person meant it.

We did have an issue, but time has caused me to forget what it even was.  I just remember being frustrated.  One morning I happened to pass by the manager’s office and notice that her door was open.  I knocked on her door and she invited me in with a smile.  As she stood to greet me, I noticed an open Bible on her desk.  She listened and promised to address the concern immediately.  When I commented on the Bible, she said that she started each day with a scripture and kept the Bible open all day as a reminder.

The experience stayed with me.  At that point in my life, my devotional life left much to be desired.  Being a full-time DCE, husband and father were taking its toll on me.  From then on, starting each day in the office in Gods Word became my routine.  During my years as a high school counselor I started the pattern of having my devotional time at home.  The reality of my world at that time was when I walked in the door to school my time was not my own. 

The importance of my private devotional time has become vital during this pandemic.  Like most home-bound folks, I have struggled to stay productive and positive.  My search to find some spiritual support has led me re-read some of my favorite devotional books by Max Lucado.  I have also discovered the writing of Robert Farrar Capon.  I am weathering this storm because I am into God’s Word on a daily basis.

I share this in light of a disturbing new report.  The American Bible Society, in cooperation with the Barna Group, does an annual State of the Bible survey.  According to their newest data, Bible reading as sunk to an all-time low since the beginning of the Pandemic. The percentage of Christians who read the Bible on a daily basis has dropped from 9%, down from 12% a year ago. 

I really view this as a challenge.  It is a personal challenge to ramp up my own study of God’s Word in preparation for my personal walk of discipleship.  It is also an encouragement to find ways to encourage others to come along side me in this walk.  If we are to survive this difficult time and come our strong on the other side, we need to rely more on God’s power and less on our own planning and busyness.

 

 

Angry Americans

If it seems as if the level of anger in our country is at an all-time high, you are correct in that assumption.  A perfect storm of a national pandemic, racial tension and a contentious political climate has raised the level of angst to an explosive level.  As a person of faith. I struggle daily to remain hopeful and positive.  Like John in his closing thoughts of Revelation I find myself saying, “Come quickly, Jesus.”

A recent report from Pew Research has helped me understand not just the source of the anger but the alarming intensity.  Over 70% of those polled were “angry” about the current state of our country.  Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of those who took the survey were “fearful” about the state of the country.  Probably, the most surprising thing was how universal the feeling of “dread” was across generations.   Anger was strongest among young adults ages 18-29, 76% “very” or “somewhat” angry, but all other generational groups were in the 65%-67% range.  The feeling of “fear” was also consistent across all generational groups, 65%-67%.

The degree of anger is rooted in the fact that the level of “satisfaction” with the direction of our country is at an all-time low. Just 12% of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in this country today – a 19 percentage point decline in national satisfaction since April. Nearly nine-in-ten (87%) now say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going.

While it can be disheartening to live in a culture where negativity seems to run so high, it really underscores the higher calling for those of us who know Jesus.  The history of God’s people is full of examples.  The wanderings in the wilderness, and the Babylonian captivity come to mind.  The New Testament church lived under the constant threat of persecution.  There were plenty of reasons for anger and fear.  Instead, the early disciples were moved all the more to share the message of grace and hope.    

The church was created for such a time as this.  “God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  (2 Timothy 1:7) There should be no room in our lives for anger and fear.  We need to be people of hope and encouragement.

Being a Christian in a World of Gender Options

In the world I grew up in, boys were boys and girls were girls.  I was taught the Biblical principle that there were two sexes and we accepted that.  My first real experience with someone who lived outside those boundaries came during a summer job when I was in college.  I was working in a natural gas testing and research lab on the west side of Detroit.  It was strictly a male world, the only female being a receptionist in the front office.  One particular employee was the target of ongoing teasing and ridicule.   I knew that unlike my other colleagues he was not married but instead lived with his mom even though he was in his mid-forties.  We had a one-hour lunch break and he was the only employee to leave the building during that time.  Rumor was he went home to check on his mom but one day I observed another man dropping him off after the break.  The way they parted shocked me.  I never mentioned it to anyone because, quite frankly, you did not talk about such things.

  

How different is our world today?  Not only has being gay or a lesbian become an acceptable behavior, but now same-sex couples can marry.  A recent article that I read on the dating app Tinder opened my eyes even further.  If you are not familiar with Tinder, it is a popular dating app.  In the contemporary world, it is not just a matter of matching up males and females.  According to the report, those who complete a profile on Tinder can choose up to three of nine options with identifying their sexual orientation.  The choices include: asexual, demisexual, pansexual and questioning.  It seems to me that it gives young folks the option of changing their sexual preference on a daily basis as their needs and mood change.

I recall a time a number of years ago when we had a same-sex couple as next-door neighbors.  During that time, I tried to be a good neighbor.  While we never specifically addressed the issue, she knew I was a Christian and in full-time ministry. That did not stop me from accepting their offer to share a line from their generator when the power was off.  I loaned her my weed-eater when hers stopped functioning in the middle of cutting her lawn. We had many pleasant conversations, the last ending with a word of “thanks for being a good neighbor.” 

During a recent devotional time, I was considering Jesus’ parable on the weeds (Matthew 13).  In the story a farmer plants a field of wheat but while he is sleeping one night his enemy comes and sows’ weeds in the midst of the wheat.  When the weeds begin to appear, the farmer’s servants want to pull up the weeds but the farmer say “no.”  The farmer notes that he will separate them at the time of harvest. 

For me the application is clear.  In this world, wheat and weeds will grow together.  As Christian, we are called to live side-by-side with those who are evil and might be living lifestyles that in our opinion are outside God’s plan.  It only underscores the last thing 

Online Worship is Like Eating A Fine Meal without Taste Buds

Barb and I have settled into a Sunday morning routine.  Being sheltered at home has provided the unique opportunity to join all three of our children for online worship.  At 8:00 AM we watch our son, Peter, lead outdoor worship at First Lutheran in Towson, Maryland.  At 9:30 AM we switch to our home church, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Carrollton, Texas.  Our daughter, Katie, is director of worship at Prince of Peace and usually up front helping lead the singing.  At 10:30 we are able to join the service at Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Garland, Texas where our son, Mark, serves as pastor.

The pandemic has offered me more opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.  I participate in an online devotion with one of my pastors each morning at 8:00 AM.  In addition to the reading I am doing as research for my latest project, I am revisiting some of my favorite Max Lucado books.  I have also discovered the writings of Robert Farrar Capon.  I am especially enjoying his insights into the Parables. 

You might think I am in a good place spiritually right now.  I am surviving the pandemic and managing to stay healthy, but something is missing.  The emptiness that I am feeling comes from the lack of fellowship with other believers.  Seeing their names in the chat box during worship is not the same thing as being with them on Sunday morning.  I miss the handshakes and hugs.  Probably even more, I long for the intimacy that is found within the family of God.  We share struggles, support each other in times of crisis and pray together.

 

In some ways, online worship is a little like enjoying a fine meal with no taste buds.  You know the food is good, but can only imagine what it actually tastes like. 

Evidently, I am not alone in my feelings.  A recent report from the Barna Group reveals that one third of Christians are not worshiping during this pandemic.  If worshipping online is the only option, they are opting out.  The trend is even more dramatic among Millennial Christians.  A shocking 50% of Millennials who were attending worship regularly prior to COVID-19 have not participated in online worship.  So they are watching religious podcast and reading devotional books, but many have simply put the practice of their faith on hold.

If it is a challenge for me, I know that it is double for pastors, church educators and others who lead.  How do you create a feeling of fellowship among believers at a time when we are forced to social distance?  Somehow, I know the answer lies not in me but in turning to the Holy Spirit.  I can only cry, “Come Quickly.”