Two Sides to a Story

Years a go I worked in Kansas City. I was surprised to learn that a close colleague had been a Baptist minister. One day we sat down and he told me his story. He was the pastor of a wonderful church. Then one day his wife ran off with the music minister. A few weeks later, after his sermon, church leaders met with him and decided “for the good of the church, he should leave.” That would be the last sermon he ever preached. He was crushed. He left and that was the last day he ever spent in a church.

I had a wonderful Uncle. He was truly a godly man. I lived with him and his family briefly when I accepted a job near where they lived. One day I told them the story of my friend. Later his wife told me a similar story. Their minister’s wife left him for another man. He was in pain and trying to process what had happened. Church leaders were about to do the same as what had happened to my friend. But during the deliberation, my Uncle left his pew and walked out. Minutes later he returned with a bowl of water. He walked to the pulpit, laid down the bowel and becan to remove the preacher’s shoes. He then began to wash his minister’s feet. Silence fell upon the congregation. When they realized what was happening, some began to weep as they began to understand my Uncle’s act of forgiveness and humility was in sharp contrast to their judgemental approach to a person in pain. In the end the entire congregation came to the front embracing this man who overcame his family trauma and became a wonderful preacher.

Just wanted to post in order to reflect on two very real reactions to those in pain. Do you cast them out, or do you embrace and comfort them?