Now That Dad Is Gone

This is one of the most interesting times in my life. One more ripe for personal "aHa's", than even in my early days of marriage. Not that those ever end!

A distinct spiritual awareness seems present, described by one writer as akin to "orphaning," not to mention the fact that I have now out-lived many of my peers. Thus, the heightened awareness of my own mortality, which now intensifies my lifelong search for truth.

I say lifelong, though for me it only truly began on the night of January 3, 1973, in my dad's living room, by the side of this amazing man of prayer.

That truly was my "metanoia" moment.

That soon spurred well-meaning, though previously silent religious acquaintances to recommend that I attend a "Bible-believing church."

Then serendipity played into my journey, given that the principal for whom I taught had become affiliated with a prayer breakfast birthed out of the Full Gospel Businessmen's movement. He invited me to join in with him, and I soon found myself realigned with the Pentecostal beliefs of my dad.

It seemed providential, as my great-grandfather, who raised my Mom, who then led my Dad to Christ were all Pentecostals.

I had become a down-line fourth generation Pentecostal, more specifically, within the Assemblies of God denomination.

I have now spent over 50 years alongside some of the best of gospel preachers. As well, developed a long history within the pages of scripture.

That discipline began with a conversation between a young, passionate Christ follower, that would be me, and an unknown, ninety some year-old lady whom I met at a Pentecostal Campmeeting. Her presence was powerfully palpitating as she approached, just outside a sawdust floored, open air tabernacle.

I had become serious about my spiritual walk and its impact on others.

Her explaination once I insisted on the "why" behind such a presence preceeding her proximity, she hesitantly shared that she unlike many, had devoted her life to daily scripture reading since age 11.

That day I began my Genesis to Revelation annual journey, my daily devotional habit, desiring the same presence around my own person.

Along with a conversational prayer life, it didn't take long for me to realize the stark absence of powerful demonstration of the Spirit outside of the sanctuary among modern day Pentecostals, when compared with what recorded of those within scripture.

Sincere in my search for "Christ in me, the hope of all glory", I prayerfully shared a commitment with my heavenly Father, whatever price might be, for such spiritual impact in the "marketplace" of my city. I immediately heard, "Wherever I send you, seek that city, if not this, the next, I'll give you a city."

That was in 1978, and began my passion for true community impact.

Near miraculous doors opened additional leadership opportunities, educational pursuits, and even a professional role in that specific area within a local school system. This journey was best captured in a book entitled, "A Catayst for Change" see link below.

Later when I shared my ambition with the pastor I was then serving, his response was that I "forget this city thing, settle down and serve God within the local church!"

That was again a wake-up call in 1987 for this then young denominational leader, bi-vocational assistant pastor, community relations professional, and soon led to my first church transfer. Too much to unpack in one post, my apologies.

Ironically, it was that same night that my dad called unexpectedly to tell me of words that had come to his spirit which he felt necessary to share. This was a first for him, as he seldom called late in the evening on our "landline."

His heart-felt words: "Don't give up your dream!"

I knew what that meant, a full life shift had occurred.

Now in this uber political, quite divisive moment, one with civil war potential, with martyrs now being named, my spirit is deeply stirred once more as to my role at this age.

Perhaps my Father will "call" again!

https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Change-Alignment-Relationships-Accelerate-ebook/dp/B089XCW5P7?dplnkId=db98dde2-8b37-439b-a1b6-a877cb32a3c2