In the past couple of weeks, as we've gone through the One Life message series, I've been asking myself the question: What impact can one person really have? And you know, I think it's more than we tend to think. This past year, I have met two people who have left significant marks on my life as I walked through a difficult season: the months leading up to my father's passing. And in getting to know them, I've learned about the impact that individuals made on their lives too, both good and bad.
Linda was one of my dad's caregivers at his assisted living home. Though my dad was determined to never move out of his home or give up his independence, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, followed by a stroke, made it clear that his needs far outweighed his desires. The stroke recovery was a challenge and brought out the worst in my dad. Yet, Linda's patience and demeanor eventually won him over in a way like none of the other staff. Over time, dad began to graciously accept Linda's care, even in the most delicate of circumstances.
I watched as Linda grew closer to dad and our family. When he experienced setbacks, she appeared to feel our pain. She knew us by name, took interest in our families, and eventually we began sharing our deeper thoughts and beliefs. In a sweet moment, just one-on-one, Linda told me that her dad died when she was only six years old. She told me that caring for my dad allowed her to do the one thing she couldn't do for her own father. I could see the pain she still carries, decades later.
However, it broke my heart as she told me that a well-meaning church goer attempted to comfort her as a child by telling her, "Daddy died because God needed him in heaven."
Linda was crushed.How could God take her daddy away? Linda's grief and anger toward God changed the trajectory of her life. She no longer wanted to know a God who would cause her so much sadness.
Susan came into my life only days before my dad died. She was his hospice nurse during his final days. I was surprised when Susan recognized me as an Eagle Brook staff member. She told me she had been invited to the Spring Lake Park campus by her daughter and eventually became a regular attender.
She invited her husband, Brian, to come to church with her, but he wouldn't have it. To Susan's husband, church was the church of his childhood and he wanted nothing to do with it. After much persistence, Susan's invitation was finally accepted. Brian said he would attend Eagle Brook just once, and only on the condition that they would sit in the back of the auditorium. He said nothing during the service and was the first to leave when the service was done.
The silence continue on the drive home and followed by little to no conversation for days. Susan sensed that Brian's first visit to Eagle Brook would be his last. But then, three days later,he broke his silence and apologized. Brian told Susan that his experience at church that Sunday left him overwhelmed with emotion. He dared not speak or he would cry.
As Susan told me her story and how they were later baptized, I was overwhelmed with my own emotion. I was moved and in awe of how God used Eagle Brook to impact this couple.
When I consider both stories, I believe God has shown me that he is at work, bringing hope to people like Susan and Brian. Linda's story tells me that there is more to be done. God has shown me that he has and will use me and our church to bring people into a relationship with him through Jesus, to draw them into a Christ-centered community, and to help them grow in their faith.
As we near the holiday season, I pray that we'll each look for the Linda, Susan, and Brian's in our lives—those who are hurting and far from God, those who have begun a relationship with Him and need someone to celebrate with, and those who need an invite (or two or three) before they're ready to take a chance on church again. May our lives echo the words of Paul and Timothy to Philemon:"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."Philemon 1:6
