THE BIRTH OF A HYMN
Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago 's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St.Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go; Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis . I kissed Nettie goodbye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling meto stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope....Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words:YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'" When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody.
Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on,let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.' The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
- - - -Tommy Dorsey
For those too young to know who he is, Tommy Dorsey was a well-known band leader in the 1930's and 40's.Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted!
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'" When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody.
Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on,let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.' The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
- - - -Tommy Dorsey
For those too young to know who he is, Tommy Dorsey was a well-known band leader in the 1930's and 40's.Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted!
Intentional Ministry
By Mark Lubbock
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build and wasn't able to finish."
Luke 14:28-29
One major distinction of those churches that enjoy a vibrant and growing men's ministry is that they PLAN! With a plan and goals in place, accompanied by firm dates and times, these churches make significant progress each year.
Over 2011, I've had the pleasure of speaking with leaders of men's groups around the globe. As these leaders share their stories, I discerned that we have a number of very dedicated folks with a heart to advance the Kingdom through making disciples for Jesus. So how do we capitalize on this pool of eager leaders and equip them to have an effective 2012?
Start now to set goals for 2012. Limit yourself to three to five goals.
Set reasonable time frames for each goal.
List the resources needed to achieve each goal. GCUMM is a rich resource take full advantage.
Develop a step-by-step plan for each goal. Start with the end result and work your way backwards.
Assign individuals the responsibility for executing the interim steps.
Promotion.
Sourcing.
Follow-up.
Survey participants to learn how to improve.
Leadership must meet regularly to keep the process moving and to adjust to inevitable challenges along the way.
The scripture in Luke points to the need to start with a plan and assessment in order to avoid an incomplete job. Look at the entire year rather than settling for single un-connected events. Your plan should be progressive where each event or component builds upon the previous all headed in a specific, measurable direction with a fixed goal at the endpoint. We have both great opportunities and great challenges before us in 2012, but scripture assures us of help. Philippians 4:3 tells us, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff
General Commission on United Methodist Men
MLubbock@gcumm.org
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build and wasn't able to finish."
Luke 14:28-29
One major distinction of those churches that enjoy a vibrant and growing men's ministry is that they PLAN! With a plan and goals in place, accompanied by firm dates and times, these churches make significant progress each year.
Over 2011, I've had the pleasure of speaking with leaders of men's groups around the globe. As these leaders share their stories, I discerned that we have a number of very dedicated folks with a heart to advance the Kingdom through making disciples for Jesus. So how do we capitalize on this pool of eager leaders and equip them to have an effective 2012?
Start now to set goals for 2012. Limit yourself to three to five goals.
Set reasonable time frames for each goal.
List the resources needed to achieve each goal. GCUMM is a rich resource take full advantage.
Develop a step-by-step plan for each goal. Start with the end result and work your way backwards.
Assign individuals the responsibility for executing the interim steps.
Promotion.
Sourcing.
Follow-up.
Survey participants to learn how to improve.
Leadership must meet regularly to keep the process moving and to adjust to inevitable challenges along the way.
The scripture in Luke points to the need to start with a plan and assessment in order to avoid an incomplete job. Look at the entire year rather than settling for single un-connected events. Your plan should be progressive where each event or component builds upon the previous all headed in a specific, measurable direction with a fixed goal at the endpoint. We have both great opportunities and great challenges before us in 2012, but scripture assures us of help. Philippians 4:3 tells us, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff
General Commission on United Methodist Men
MLubbock@gcumm.org
God is never wrong
A king who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all
circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God
does is perfect, no mistakes!
One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king.
His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing
a finger.
Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said
"Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lose my
finger."
The slave replied:
"My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and
he knows the "why" of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never
wrong!"
Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.
Later, he left for another hunting trip and was captured by savages who made
human sacrifices.
On the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the
victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, he
was not so complete to be offered to the gods.
Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave whom he
received very affectionately.
"My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but
for the lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a
question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?"
"My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed
for you, because I have no missing finger, therefore, remember everything God
does is perfect. He is never wrong."
Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us,
forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.
Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush.
Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings.
And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!
circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God
does is perfect, no mistakes!
One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king.
His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing
a finger.
Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said
"Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lose my
finger."
The slave replied:
"My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and
he knows the "why" of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never
wrong!"
Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.
Later, he left for another hunting trip and was captured by savages who made
human sacrifices.
On the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the
victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, he
was not so complete to be offered to the gods.
Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave whom he
received very affectionately.
"My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but
for the lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a
question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?"
"My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed
for you, because I have no missing finger, therefore, remember everything God
does is perfect. He is never wrong."
Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us,
forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.
Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush.
Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings.
And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!
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