Friday, March 14, 2008

Thank you, David Trotter

Last night, my church (about 200 of them) gathered for what I like to call "Group Therapy". After getting the kind of news we got on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (respectively), this was exactly what we needed.

Since this all happened, I've probably felt more like Pete than anyone else. Pete described his relationship to this event as being "the cousin from out of town"...close enough to have a right to be there, but not close enough to feel what everyone else is feeling. Since Friday, I've watched other people fighting on the front lines. Supporting the the individuals riding this crazy train. People who are truly breaking because they are the the ones who've loved and respected Dave for years.

My heart breaks, but I'm not on the front line. I'm proud that these are the people God has placed me with. I'm glad that even though I closed myself off to most everyone at Revolution for at least half of the time we've been here, I still have the privilege to redeem myself and to love, encourage, pray for and grow with this church. I believe that Christopher and I are here 'for such a time as this' and I am glad that God has given me the responsibility and honor of praying for and of supporting those who've been personally injured in this.

I'm also privileged that I get to see what God can do in corporate brokenness. I think a couple people might be right in their assessment that if this happened to another church, it would fall apart...but not Revolution. There are too many people who want what God wants.

So thank you, David Trotter for letting God use you to bring into existence this beautiful part of His body. My hope and prayer is that you'll be humbled enough to come back to this Family and to your family (sooner rather than later)...and you'll know that it is because of God alone that Revolution stands and says "I Will" to the call of God. We will miss your teaching, we will miss your humor, some will miss your leadership and many will simply miss the man (friend, mentor, husband, father) you've been in years past. But when it's time, Revolution will be ready and willing to welcome you Home...if you so choose.

4 comments:

Lori said...

Isn't it funny how last night brought about so many POSITIVE emotions, rather than the negative. I felt so alive last night. It's possibly one of the best services I've ever been to.

I came home last night, not able to sleep because I was so wired from it. I blogged about it on Myspace. It was possibly the only time I wished I had a real blog. But lets face it, I'd write on it twice and then never again! :)

Oh, and we're also glad that God brought you here, just for "times like these."

http://alberico.net said...

Well stated Leanne!

Yes Pete was the man and I also enjoyed Jerry. Christopher is also doing so great through this and I'm happy to finally get to see more of his gifts brought out during out in this time of change.

I also felt humbled to see David's parents and hear them speak from their hearts.

I used the term beautiful to describe the service last night, because it truly was. It's amazing to see what the church body can do to encourage and love one another.

As you know, Today I spent a few hours today helping to move David's personal items (along with data and web stuff during the last week).

I didn't know what to expect going into this situation today but I just knew I had some specific talents that were needed and I felt compelled to help.

Besides the lifting, physical demand and time the task required, I did not feel any anger instead I felt a ton of peace towards the man. Being next to him felt OK (if I can say that).

When all was done, we exchanged words which were mostly appreciation from David for all help we have provided to the church. I then looked him in the eyes and said that I loved him and would pray for him.

He may be broken and made some poor choices... but he still needs grace and at that moment it made sense to me.

I feel today was an HUGE lesson for me in practicing restraint, grace and peace.

Alicia @ refinedisaiah648.blogspot.com said...

This is very well stated! When I read the title of this post, I wasnt so sure, but wow you made this into such a positive thing. My husband and I havent been at Revolution to long, but my heart does break for Laura and the kids. But through this God has a plan~ and it will all turn out for the better!

Unknown said...

I was having such a hard time with all of this, as you know... But Thursday night was amazing. I was able to weep, be sad, laugh, and gain strength with my church family... it was SO encouraging.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. I know it'll be a rough road, but there's no other family I'd go through it with except Revolution...