Monday, April 18, 2011

Things I Learned From Larry

I have a good friend, Larry Evans, who is very sick.  We're praying for him to be healed, and hoping for a miracle.  So far, no go.  I'm going down to So Cal this weekend to spend some time with him.  


I thought now would be a good time to give this man some Kudos.  He's taught me a great deal.  I want him to know how much I appreciate him now, this side of the Gate, so he'll know I do.


I met Larry and Susie Evans when I was a senior in high school.  I was going my own way--mom had insisted we go to church, but like every teenager I've ever known, I knew better.  So I was drinking (when I could) and partying (if there was one) and my best bud and partner-in-crime was Lori Evans.  Lori took me to her brother's house on Thanksgiving.  


Over the years, we had some contact, until my husband Tom died, and I married Jeff six months later (yeah, I knew better!)  When our relationship began to go through what alcoholic marriages go through, I cried out to God, and He was merciful to me.  Then Susie and Larry (through circumstances left to another day's blog) came back into my life.


One of the great things about having your best friend be a pastor is that he will counsel you with the Truth.  Larry gave me some good counsel concerning my husband, and was instrumental in saving my marriage.  He wasn't so great at comfort...once he told me that Jeff was unsalvageable, that he was probably going to hell and there wasn't anything I could do about it.  I could pray, yes, but it was unlikely that it would do any good.  That's the kind of comfort your brother will give you.  Look you in the eye and tell you what he thinks is the absolute truth of the matter.  Fortunately, he was mistaken.


Not only did he teach me how to survive marriage, but Larry also pastored me, and taught me how to put God first in my life.  He taught from the pulpit that if we want a life that is good, we'd have to put something into it.  I would need to spend time in the Word and prayer, and how to dedicate myself to God daily, and to walk in the Spirit.  He helped me to see how to lay down my life to the best of my ability and pick up the cross God would have me carry.  He taught that I must not only be holy in my life, but also in my thoughts.  He taught me that submission is mutual, for the church as well as for marriage and indeed, in all relationships.


Larry and Susie taught me much about the Bible.  I learned the basics, but also the mystery of prophecy, and about how God is not finished fulfilling His Word.  I learned to hope in Christ, in His return, and in the things He is doing in me now.  Through their ministry I learned how to teach God's word.  I learned how to shepherd the flock God has called me to lead.  


Larry, I want you to know that I appreciate all the years of ministry you invested in me.  I want to be there on the day when our Lord says, "Well done!" and be able to testify that you were a good and faithful servant of God.