Christmas at Cloverdale

Cloverdale Baptist is a beautiful church located in a historic district of Montgomery, Alabama. One of the great ministries is the Cloverdale Preschool Academy. Today, I got to attend a wonderful Christmas program with some of the most precious children anywhere! I met some great families that I look forward to getting to know and serving. It was wonderful to see so many in the sanctuary enjoying the sounds and sights of the season!

A BIG thanks to Sharmen Nall and her staff! They are fantastic! I can see why so many want to be part of this preschool. Great facilities, resources, and personnel make for a very successful preschool academy. I am looking forward to working with this staff, encouraging them as they teach the precious gift called children.

My excitement is growing each day as I prepare to serve as pastor of Cloverdale. The more people I meet, the ministries I observe, and the community I am learning help my anticipation of what God is going to do to swell. I have been encouraged that there are many young families as well as "seasoned" families in the community that need a church home. Cloverdale IS that home! January 12, 2020 will be my first "official" Sunday as Senior Pastor. I can't wait!

I am asking you to pray for Cloverdale Baptist and for me as we come together for great ministry for the Kingdom! Pray that we will seek the Lord in every step. Pray that God will bring new families and individuals our way that need the Lord. Pray that God will bring Christian families to join us in reaching this community for the cause of Christ!  Pray for laborers in the field to step up and serve with a passion. AND if YOU are looking for a place to join in wonderful worship and service to the Lord, I invite you to be our guest at Cloverdale. The church has a rich history as a major ministry in the community. But the church hasn't had a pastor in seven (7) years! I can say that the harvest is truly READY!

I pray that you will have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the Savior!

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
We have so much to be thankful for because of God's great mercy and blessings. We can face difficult times in life but the joy of the Lord is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) What an eternal promise! The complete verse says, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength." Wow! What a verse!

Kinda sounds like an appropriate verse for THANKSGIVING. Enjoy time together with family and friends. Help those in need. Don't grieve but remember that the Lord has all in His control and He does what brings Him Joy! You've heard the old saying, "If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy!" A truer statement would be, "If the Lord ain't happy, nobody's gonna be happy." It is the joy and pleasure of the Lord that truly brings us happiness.

Strive to bring honor to the Lord and He will bless and be happy. Please Him and enjoy the fruits He provides. When I remember that the Lord is in full control and He brings Himself joy through my life, then I don't have to grieve.

I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends knowing that it brings Joy to the Lord!

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Helping Others

One year ago I suffered a stroke which changed my life's direction. This past year has been one of prayer and searching for God's next step in my life. One thing has been for sure, I was not going to step away from ministry and helping others! For 40 years I have invested my life in discipling others in spiritual growth. It's the passion of my life.

I found myself seeking what would best equip me for this new chapter in my life. I had known of John Maxwell and his leadership training. He is a worldwide leader in leadership! I took major steps and became a Certified Independent Speaker, Coach, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team. The time spent in research, preparation and study has been awesome. I now have more tools from which I can help others.

As I put together my business plan for making a difference, I find that God is using my experiences over the last forty years to really ramp-up my ministry. It is different in many ways, but oh how exciting!! I now lead MasterMind groups, Lunch & Learns, DISC Assessments, and Coaching as well as being a keynote speaker. The bottom line is that I can really add value to individuals and groups!

It all goes back to my salvation experience in a small church when I was eight years old. A very dynamic preacher/pastor prayed with me to receive Christ as my Savior and Lord. I came asking to be saved because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I immediately fell in love with God's Word! His presence in my life has helped me navigate this journey called life. While I am not, nor ever have been, perfect, I do seek to please the Lord of my life.

Helping others is where God has brought me. I don't, and never have, seek fame or great fortunes. My great thrill is seeing lives changed for the glory of God. This is very hard for some to understand. But with God's grace and empowerment, I will forge onward.

I invite you to join me in this journey. I would love to connect with you and explore how God may use us together. I pray that you will seek and find God's next step for your life. It is an exciting journey!

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Vision: The One Year Anniversary

Usually when I speak of VISION it is related to the work of the church. I am so passionate about the church completing the vision God has set forth. Many churches will entertain a vision but fail to implement. Others will struggle to adjust to the vision God has revealed for them. I fully believe that God's vision for the church is wrapped around the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The church is to go at all cost to all people possible with the good news of the Gospel. Abandoned visions are truly the grave-markers of the church!

In this blog I want to talk about what God has been doing in me over this past year. The first of November, 2018, I suffered a stroke that affected my right side. While I did recover, I was given some very important warnings. As my children were at my bedside, the doctors filled me in on what had happened, tests results, and their advice for the future. Stress was the major cause of my stroke. My blood pressure rose sharply and the stroke occurred. Earlier that day I had visited my doctor as I was not feeling very well. After an ekg I was sent home with an appointment for a stress test the next week. About an hour after I arrived home, the doctor called and said she had conferred with a cardiologist and they both wanted me to go to the ER immediately. I did and within the hour of being in the ER, my stroke occurred. Praise the Lord for the insight of these doctors!

In the hospital with my children around me, the doctors said that I had to make a major change in my life because I was on the road for a major stroke to happen. A stroke that could be very difficult to recover fully from. This got my attention. I told the doctors I could retire at the end of the year. They frowned and stated that I wasn't listening to them. So I said I would preach the coming Sunday and then resign. The frowns grew more intense. They shared their concern that I could have a major stroke in the pulpit. So, my oldest son and daughter presented my resignation the following Sunday as I sat at home heartbroken.

I had been serving in the local church for 40 years. My whole life was the church. And now I wasn't sure what the future held. The vision was gone. What made this so devastating to me was that the source of my stress was from adversaries within the church. While I will not go into detail, it is important to know that not only were my wife and I surprised and what had been said and done by a few, but we were deeply hurt and disappointed in some that we trusted and worked with. "Why" is always the first question which is followed by "what now?"

I did decide to pull away and refrain from giving the devil the opportunity to use me. I made no comments, had no meetings, and did nothing to "get back" at individuals who were a part of such. I was quiet. It's true that I heard a whole lot that was being said but I decided to remain quiet and trust in the Lord.

I am sharing this after a year of searching and praying as well as recovering. I had lost the vision of what God wanted to do with my life. I felt at times it had been stolen by my adversaries. I have learned a few things about vision and the Lord this past year:
1. God doesn't forget you and His love for you doesn't diminish.
2. God doesn't waste a hurt or a tear.
3. God will take care of you.
4. God will provide ministry opportunities beyond your imagination.
5. Criticisms and gossip will continue, but pay no attention for it is of the devil.
6. There is much evil in the world BUT we have victory in Jesus!
7. Leave revenge to the Lord.
8. Growth happens through hurts.
9. God provides a tremendous future as you learn in the valleys.
10. I am more ready for tomorrow because of today.

There are many more lessons I have learned. What I have learned about vision and the individual is that God is very personal concerning His vision for your life. He wants you to be effective in serving Him each and every day. His vision for your life is so much more important than other people's opinions. I have been able to serve more effectively in many more areas now. God has opened so many doors for me to preach and teach to many more people. God isn't finished with me yet!

I want to encourage you if you have been hurt by the church or other Christians. Don't give up on God. Don't run away from Him or His plan for you. You may need to find a new church home that you can invest in and grow. Keep your face on Jesus and your eyes in the Bible. God WILL speak to you through His Word! Don't listen to those who try to hurt or tear down what God is doing. Leave revenge to the Lord and move forward. Pray that the Lord will bring people into your life that will encourage you in the faith and walk with you in grace.

I pray that you will see that God is in control and HE still has an awesome vision for your life!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR

In Secret

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever is made manifest is light." Ephesians 5:11-13

So much is being done in secret! While I do not post political analysis as I serve with the Secret Service as a chaplain, I do see so much debate about secrecy. Darkness is for the purpose of hiding. The light is for the purpose of exposure. God promises us that what is done in darkness will be exposed by the light.

I am passionate about the church which means I am passionate about people. Sadly, many in the church do deeds in the darkness that really hinder the work of the church. We can easily loose the whole reason God created the church: to complete The Great Commission with The Great Commandment. Our first call is to reach the world with the love of Christ. The community is listening very intently to words spoken. Do our words draw people to Jesus or do our criticisms drive them away? They are listening!

God promises that HE will expose what is done in darkness. He will bring truth to light. Our responsibility is to join together for the sake of the Gospel. To lift high the name of Jesus. I think the deeper we get in the Word of God, the less we will tear others down. Spiritual growth helps us to be more like Jesus. The truth ALWAYS comes out eventually and eternally!

I want to encourage all of us to live in the light, speak in the light, act in the light, and reach others through the Light! We have a much more important mission than playing politics in the church. We have to be careful that other issues don't overshadow the main call of God. I am passionate about the church being the church because there is no replacement for the church. The church is God's idea and His Bride! What a beautiful picture! HE adores His Bride! So let us bring Him glory and adore Him.

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Be A Positive Influencer

I am leading a Mastermind group on "Becoming A Person of Influence." This is a great study of how to be a person that positively influences others to reach their maximum potential. John Maxwell is the author of this great book and provides insights to life changing leadership principles.

While I won't digest the whole book here, I do want to speak about being a person of influence. Maxwell has famously said that "leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less." Everyone influences someone. Some in a positive way and others in negative ways. Having people under your influence is a very powerful thing. The responsibility is tremendous. Whether you plan on influencing others or not, you carry the weight your influence provides.

With positive influence traits you can achieve success in most (if not all) areas of your life. To be a positive influencer integrity is required. Integrity carries with it honesty and transparency. A positive influencer will remain constant in their character regardless of who they are with. Chameleons cannot be positive influencers. Consistency is a must if you want to influence others in the right direction.

Being a person of positive influence lifts others up and doesn't tear people down. There is a major flaw if someone has to tear down others in order to lift themselves up. Learning how to positively interact with others will no only enhance your relationships, but it will launch you into success personally and in your business. Maxwell states, "whether your desire is to build a business, strengthen your children, or reach the world, you can achieve it by raising your level of influence in the lives of others."

Another important aspect of becoming a person of positive influence is building others up to others. Conversations are circular. What a person says always comes back in due time. When others hear you speak about someone, they are taking mental notes. The adage is so true: If someone will talk to you about someone else, that will talk to someone else about you. A positive influencer will speak positively to build and connect. They will have faith in people. They will believe in them and stretch them to new heights.

the Bible has so much to say about being a person of positive influence. The scriptures even outline in the book of Matthew just how to handle difficult situations while remaining a positive influencer. Basically, the conversation remains between the two. Gossip destroys positive influence and fuels negative influence. Stay away from negative influencers and run to the positive!

The good news is that YOU can be a Positive Influencer! It is a matter of choice. Choosing to live a life that builds others up is really the Christian way!

From the Heart,

BR

40 Years of Church Ministry Turning the Chapter

It's hard to believe how fast forty years of ministry can happen! I remember the very early days of serving in my home church, Roebuck Park Baptist Church, Birmingham, as a SALT Staff member. At age 17, I had the awesome privilege of being mentored into the student ministry. From there I served in student and recreation ministries until I left for Ft.Worth, Texas to attend seminary.

I was blessed to serve some very large ministries in Arkansas, South Florida and Birmingham. I think back on the hundreds of teenagers and their families that we were able to have a part in their spiritual development. Serving as Education, Administration, and Senior Pastor positions allowed me to walk through most every aspect of church life. From large ministries, God brought me to be part of a church start as their pastor for eleven years. I learned so much during those wonderful years.

Throughout the years of serving in the local church, I was also very involved and passionate about missions. God took me to so many countries to preach and teach. Developing leaders in their own countries has meant so much to me. I cherish these relationships. I have so many memories of God working and seeing lives changed. I fully know that it was God and not me.

God brought me to my last church to serve. A place with so much potential, so many resources. A place that really needed a visionary leader to stretch beyond an inward focus to making an outward difference. A place that had some loving people ready to move forward, but sadly some who did not. The church had come so far in finally having a proper Constitution, By-Laws, and Policy and Procedures. Some eighty people met for a year in prayer as God revealed His vision. The church moved forward. God provided sixty-seven acres of land for the future vision implementation. Sadly, some who chose to not be a part of the vision process stood in opposition. After four and a half years, the struggles of opposition from a few, and all that comes with such, took a toll on my health. I suffered a stroke and had to resign immediately as per my doctors. I was in great danger of another stroke that could be massive and render me unable to serve. I had to make a change. I pray for the success of this church knowing that God can really use them to impact a whole community for Christ. I pray for a movement of God. I thank the Lord for forty years of local church ministry. The ups and downs, the ins and outs. I am thankful for the people who walked alongside me in the good days and the challenging days. I am grateful for those who invested in me and helped me grow. I pray that God will move in the hearts of those that need Him greatly.

I have always been passionate about the church. I gave forty years serving the Lord through the local church. It was sad and extremely hurtful to walk through those deep waters, but I thank the Lord that He spared my health so I can continue serving. I have grown to the point of leaving all these things behind and stretching toward a new beginning!

So God has given me a new ministry adventure! An adventure that takes me into the corporate world like never before. I have spent the last several months preparing myself for this new ministry. The stress in my life has been lowered. I have learned so much about people over these months. God didn't waste what I experienced. God has renewed my strength even as some may continue their plot. God is able. He has all things in His hand. I know that God is not finished with me yet and that He has and is preparing me for the next chapter of ministry.

From the Heart,

BR

Business Moving Forward

I just attended the International Maxwell Certification (IMC) in Orlando! Wow! Over 25 different countries represented and 3,100 in attendance. The teaching was the best I have ever attended. I am excited about the next steps in this new ministry.
I have started my own business consulting called BRJohnsonSolutions LLC. This will help me offer the very best in Teaching, Training, Coaching and Speaking. I am offering:

Speaking &Workshops

Customized Workshops to fit individual needs & budgets. Strengthening team’s communication, relationships by equipping your team with the proper attitudes to develop leaders.

“Lunch and Learn” Sessions

Keynote speaker for your company sponsored event

 Half day and Full day Workshop/Seminar and In-house Corporate Training

Mastermind Groups

What can a Mastermind group do for you?

 Facilitated Group

Fresh Ideas

Different Perspectives

Energy & Motivation from shared discussions

Individual and Group Coaching

As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker, I can offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. I have an earned D.Ed.Min. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have served in ministry for over 40 years in the local church, Law Enforcement and Secret Service Chaplaincy. Having trained hundreds of leaders and led groups in strategic planning and development, I am ready to add value to your organization, business, and/or small group. Let's get started on your path of future success!

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New Ministry

I am VERY EXCITED to announce that I am starting a new ministry as a Certified Independent Speaker, Coach & Trainer with the John Maxwell Team!

As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker, I can offer you workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.

Help me by passing this information along. Contact me if I can be of service to you or your organization.

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

Dennis Spaeth

Dennis Lee Spaeth was a committed follower of Jesus Christ! When I got the call that Dennis had passed away in his sleep, I knew the world lost a great man of God, the church lost a servant, and heaven gained a saint.
As I preached his funeral on July 16, 2019, I tried to put into words his passion that everyone know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I started the sermon with the fact that if you really want to know a person then there are three books to look at. First, their checkbook. What do they use their resources for while on this earth? Dennis used all his resources for Kingdom work. He was faithful in his tithing, faithful in his serving. Dennis spent a tremendous amount of time serving at the church in the media ministry. He loved investing in sound, lights, and video needs for our services. He specifically ran the lights. Oh, and did I mention he was legally blind? He didn't let anything stand in his way of serving. He was fully committed with his time, talents, and resources for the growth of God's Kingdom. He served on the Vision Team as he had a passion and conviction of what the church should be. He could see what others could not when it came to the church!
A second book to look at is a person's Bible. I preached Dennis funeral using his bible. He was a man in the Word of God. Although legally blind, he studied diligently and was a tremendous teacher. He used some aides to help him see the Word of God. He had memorized many scriptures and was never hesitant to share. He was a man OF the Word and IN the Word.
The third book to look at is The Lamb's Book of Life. Dennis made sure his name was recorded in The Lamb's Book of Life and wanted everyone he knew to have the same assurance of salvation. Dennis used his business as a platform for sharing Christ. He used his board positions to influence others towards Jesus. He told me, in preparation for his funeral, that he wanted me to talk more about Jesus than him. He wanted me to preach the gospel message and give an invitation. He wanted to make sure that the last public reference from his life focused on Jesus!
Dennis will be missed but his ministry will continue. Each time the church gathers for worship and the lights and sound are on, his ministry continues. Each service that is broadcast over social media, his ministry lives on. And as these outlets are used to help someone trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, his ministry is alive and well. I ended his funeral message with the following statement:
"Dennis would rather you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior than to know Dennis Spaeth."

From the heart,
Pastor BR

Hills and Valleys

The last month has been very full! Three surgeries and a trip to the Holy Land. Wow what a roller coaster. I'll try to unpack some of the events as best I can.
I have needed hand surgery on both hands for several years. The problems progressed to the point that I had to get something done and since I'm not presently working, what better time than now. So I had the right hand done earlier in the year. Now it was time for the left. I scheduled the surgery for the week after I returned from a trip to Israel that had been booked for about a year. One week before the trip, I suffered with a kidney stone. Obviously unexpected and unplanned. The stone was such that I could not pass it so the urologist decided to perform surgery. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful and a temporary procedure was done so that I would not have to cancel my trip.

Yes, I took the stone all the way to the Holy Land and back.

The Holy Land was an incredible experience. To walk in the towns and areas that Jesus walked and taught was simply amazing. I had the privilege to preach in Bethlehem, baptize people in the Jordan River, lead marriage vow renewals in Cana, have the Lord's Supper on my birthday in the Garden Tomb, and preach in the great Amphitheater in Cesarea where Paul taught and was put in prison. So many other sites including the City of Jerusalem, Jericho, Masada, etc. Truly a blessing and life changing. Our guide summed it up by saying that the tour would add color to the reading of the Bible. Places would now come alive with pictures.

Returning from the Holy Land, I did have my hand surgery and a second kidney stone surgery all in the same week. Needless to say, all went well but what a ride! I'm typing basically with one hand but a heart full of the Holy Land!

So during all of this, I have been praying and looking for my next ministry opportunity. I have to be very honest at this point. I experienced some things in the church that shocked me and disappointed me.  God knows the true situation and circumstances so I'll leave it there. I have always been passionate about the church and what I walked through really made me want to walk away. I had to separate God's purpose and vision from man's actions. This has taken a lot of time and prayer. I've had to come to the realization that God truly knows and still loves. I guess I saw the power that the devil really has.

In my roller coaster ride, one thing has remained constant and true for me. Hills and valleys may occur. Fright and screams of exhilaration can happen on the same ride. But my costar never left the track! There is a destination designed by God. Valleys are created between the hills but the destination still remains. Sometimes it is fast and other times slow. It takes more time to climb the hills and the valleys come fast. Up and down. Hard to catch your breath and yet screaming at the same time. But when you arrive at the station you feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I'm learning to leave the disappointments in the valleys! I'm learning to look at the hills that brings me closer to God and gives me the momentum to travel through the valleys. I never want to get stuck in the valleys!

I'm sure my next ministry opportunity will have hills and valleys. I am stronger and have a deeper faith and trust in God. Experiencing the Holy Land reminded me of just how great and powerful God truly is!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR

Unexpected

OUCH! I didn't yell out loud but the pain was excruciating. You see, last Sunday I was sitting in church, a new church for us as we were just visiting, and all of a sudden I had this pain in my lower back. I didn't want to scream out loud and interrupt the worship. We were just visiting and I wanted to leave a positive impression. So I squirmed to get comfortable.
The preacher is really good. As I shifted around in my seat I thought he would NEVER get past his first point! A couple of times I wanted to leave but, as visitors, I didn't want them to think we were just walking out. The pain continued all the way through the invitation. When the last word was spoken we exited very quickly. I decided to skip lunch and go straight to the ER.
After a few tests and some pain medication, the diagnosis was a kidney stone on my left side. If you have had one then you fully understand the pain. I was directed to go home and drink gallons of water to help pass the stone. I drank until I floated but no stone was produced. I followed up with my urologist. Stone and size confirmed.
At this point I must tell you that I have a trip to Israel planned and paid. The doctor said I had a fifty percent chance of passing this stone. Time was not my friend. We decided to wait two more days to see if I could pass the stone. Well, no such luck. Yesterday I went in for a procedure to remove the stone and get on with life. The procedure was not successful, a few complications allowed me to keep the stone until I return from my trip. The stone can't move anymore and a stint was placed which would help things to calm down until the next procedure takes place (which will be more aggressive and complicated).
Unexpected!
These unexpected events can really mess up our plans and cause us to get get down and out. During these times friends can really lift us up with their prayers. Another encouragement I receive is from the promises and practices found in God's Word. I love to read the Psalms and be reminded of how great God is and all the works He has performed. Psalm 8 begins with,

"O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, 

Who have set your glory above the heavens!"

The Psalm 9 says:

"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;

I will tell of Your marvelous works.

I will be glad and rejoice in You;

I will sing praise to Your name, O most High."

When the unexpected happens, return to the truth that you know about God!

My next kidney stone procedure is booked. The good news is that before that takes place, I get to walk in the Holy Land and worship the Lord!

From the Heart,

Pastor BR

The Masters

Every year the first part of April brings us The Masters. Augusta National hosts the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. The tournament draws players and fans from around the world to the most beautiful golf course ever designed. Many years ago a friend of mine used to run barefoot on the ninth hole as a child. The grass felt like carpet. Of course this was at night to avoid being caught! The history is amazing as the course has hosted presidents to amateurs. Thousands of people try to get a ticket for just one day, even if it's just a practice round. Definitely one of the most difficult sporting event ticket to get.
What is also amazing is the location of the course. You can drive right by the course and not even know it if you are not paying attention. It is tucked away behind large bushes and fences. Hidden in the city of Augusta. If you get the chance to ride up Magnolia Lane, you feel like you are entering into another world. The outside world is shut out as no phones or electronics are allowed on the course. You are truly unplugged. It really does feel like another world!
I am always in awe of The Masters tournament and the pageantry that surrounds the event. Very exclusive in so many ways with every serious golfer's bucket list has it at the top. As great as The Masters experience is, there is another experience that is even greater!
Every year we have the opportunity to celebrate Easter. Almost as though it is tucked away in our world and many drive by through life without taking notice. It is exclusive, for only those who put faith in Jesus Christ have membership privileges. It's not that it is so hard to gain entrance because the price has been paid in full. It is by invitation and Christ has invited everyone. Sadly, only a few will respond. A placed is being built for us that is beyond even our greatest imagination. The celebration is out of this world!
You have access to the most coveted place ever created, not by man but by God. Just imagine running barefoot across the beautiful place created by God just for us. The cross of Easter is God's grand invitation and the empty tomb is the celebration. All the hazards and obstacles in life have been defeated. The ceremony is set for eternity!
If you have the opportunity to attend The Masters, by all means go! The experience is simply breathtaking. But whatever you do, DON'T miss God's greater invitation for all eternity! Put your faith in Jesus Christ and you will win in life and eternity!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR

Left-Handed

I am NOT left-handed. I have nothing against left-handed people. As a matter of fact, I would have preferred to play baseball left-handed. Or at least batted as a "lefty." I am right handed in everything I do. Well, that is, until I recently had surgery on my right arm and hand.

I had suffered for some time with tingling and numbness in both my hands. My right hand became much worse and began to wake me up during the night with a burning sensation. Whenever I talked on the phone or drove the car some distance, my hand(s) would go to sleep. When I tried doing some home repairs I would often drop whatever tool I was using. Writing letters and signing my name became somewhat painful.

So, after my stroke in November of 2018, I decided that it was time to get my hands checked out. Result: carpal tunnel in both, cubital tunnel in both, and trigger finger on the right hand (I'm still a pretty good shot with a handgun). Best option: Surgery! I decided to start with the right hand since it was the most damaged. Surgery procedure went well. I came home with it securely wrapped and in a sling. It was to remain wrapped for two weeks until my follow-up appointment to get the stitches out. I instantly became left-handed!

Being left-handed changed everything concerning my daily routine. Awkward and uncomfortable was the daily struggle. Eating, bathing, brushing teeth, and even writing some was just strange. I had to really think through what I was doing as nothing was automatic anymore. Over the two weeks I got pretty good using my left hand. Well, at least I could accomplish the needed tasks.

My follow-up appointment went well but it really hurt when they took the stitches out (and I am not a baby about such things). Bandage off, stitches out, and the right hand free. Free but not very flexible. Actually, very sore and swollen. Useable to a degree but therapy a must.

As we read the Bible, God brings to light changes He wants to make. A new way of thinking. A new way of doing things. This change can seem awkward at first and makes us really think and pray. After some time we become pretty good at following Him, not perfect but acceptable. God does surgery on our heart that can require some therapy (or practicing obedience). The more we line up with His way, the more our life is pleasing to Him. Don't let the struggle cause you to quit. Work through the pains of obedience.

In a few months I will have my left hand repaired. I know what to expect AND I will have a great right hand to get me through! I want to encourage you through the awkward frustrating times of life and growth. Things will get better and you will be whole again. Don't give up! Remember: the scars prove that healing has taken place!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR