RickPage

ELEVENTH-HOUR January 8, 2019 I was working at the time for a friend who owned a movie theater.  My wife worked there as well. We love movies and live theater, and this was a way to pick up some pocket money and get into the movies for free.  Our friend had spent a lot of time and money converting an old theater into a ultra modern multiplex.  When he found out I owned a tuxedo, he came up with the novel idea of having a doorman greet patrons and hold the door for them.  It was an easy yes for me.  I need about zero encouragement to talk to people and get to know them.  In addition, it was good exposure - the preacher who worked weekends as a fancy doorman at an equally fancy movie theater.  It also gave Rob (the owner) and me an opportunity to talk about movie business. I never will forget the night I heard about Jimmy.  It was a beautiful Florida evening.  The setting of the sun had brought with it a cool breeze from the ocean....

Mondays December 12, 2018 The conversation was about Mondays and depression.  Mondays are not a good day for them.  For many, this is the day they are most likely to consider quitting.  Some even confess they have thought about taking their life.  The great irony of all this is that the day before has been spent in celebration, and talk of love, joy and hope. Most of the pastors I know are cautious about joining a ministerial association.  The groups do not generally have good reputations for achieving their mission.  I won't share the failures of such groups here.  Instead, I am happy to report that it has been my joy to belong to a couple of wonderful groups.  You may ask, "What is the difference with these groups?"  The simple answer is - the people involved.  In my humble opinion, a pastors' group, ministerial association, or whatever label you decide to use, ought to be a resource to some of the most important people yo...

Eulogy December 5, 2018 I haven't watched the funeral for George H.W. Bush as of yet.  I have only seen bits or pieces as time has afforded.  There is one image though, from yesterday's coverage, which has captured my attention.  The network was covering his casket carried into the Capitol Rotunda in preparation for lying in state.  Camera shots would alternate between the solemn joint services military honor guard processional and the observing dignitaries gathered on the steps of the Capitol.  It was a silent scene save for the sound of the guard calling out, "Step, step, step..." as the processional made its stately progress up the steps.  Befitting his service to the nation as President and as a Navy pilot, his casket was draped in the US flag.  I've lived long enough to witness more than a few state funerals - long enough to watch the funerals of US Presidents.  This time, the camera caught something...something which gave me pau...

Hard Things November 26, 2018 “So it isn’t the masses who are to blame for demanding rubbish, but rather those who aren’t capable of providing them with anything else.”  ―  Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra,  Don Quixote The sheriff's deputy, my companion this mission, knew too well the pain we were about to bring. My concern was as much for her as for the occupant inside the modest home. We met at the property and I wondered at the reactions a patrol vehicle might elicit - they are too often harbingers of doom. This time would be no different as we woke the young mother and broke the news to her that her oldest had taken his life the night before. As if in a tragic reversal of the birth process, her agony continued as her husband arrived - called home from work - the pain repeated as the words were repeated, then again as their remaining sons arrived early from school. Much time we spent together in the coming days and weeks as they moved from shock and l...

"Prayers, Please - Epilogue" November 12, 2018 Kamdyn I told you his story last week but did not give you his name.  I wanted to protect them in the midst of social media abuses.  His family thinks that it is important you to know his name, and they want that his story be told.  In his short life he touched many lives.  So, allow me to tell the story of a too short life.  But first, it is important that you know his name was Kamdyn. Day One Kamdyn was born at 4:36 PM Central Time in a small town in Tennessee.  His first night was not like others  - spent with his mom and dad in the serene comfort of a maternity ward's carefully designed room.  No, Kamdyn was rushed by ambulance to another city, Mom was left behind to recuperate from surgery, to weep and to worry about the life of her newborn son who could not breathe on his own.  Friends shuttled his father to the university hospital, to begin the long wait and to himself po...

Prayers, Please November 6, 2018 The Waiting Room I entered the waiting room to find a family I know and love.  I knew their doctor too, or at least know of him.  His father is a friend of mine.  The doctor was kneeling down, looking to the fifteen or so people in a half circle around him.  He is wrapping up the final report of the delivery, mom will be okay, but....  Well, her current state - emotional, mental, spiritual and of course physical well-being are affected by what is happening on the other side of the glass, blinds drawn and the life-or-death struggle on the other side.  It is quiet, save for the other family in the room, children scampering about and joyful sounds made for a stark contrast between the two families.  My family, many members of our congregation are red-eyed.  Well, that describes the women.  The men are typically stoic, mostly they appear to be in a state of shock, staring at the floor even as the doctor...

Ash Wednesday February 14, 2018 I can't say I have particularly observed Ash Wednesday.  High church traditions observe Ash Wednesday and Lent.  This would include the Lutheran tradition.  I was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran tradition.  Of course, I can't remember the event.  As a matter of fact, I can't remember attending Lutheran services.  My father's mother was of the Lutheran tradition.  It would be my guess that the baptism was for my grandmother's benefit?  My father died acknowledging God, but questioning Jesus as Son of God.  My mother proudly claims to be a Southern Baptist.  I doubt she could say what makes a Southern Baptist different from most other evangelicals.  She hasn't been a regular churchgoer for decades.  For a short time in my youth, she attended a Southern Baptist congregation regularly.  I was baptized again at the age of twelve in a Southern Baptist church.  This time, it...