Tribute to a super hero

I have repeatedly said to you that my dad, Jerry Bauer, was a superhero.  Well, I have the pictures to prove it.  Check these out:

I told you.  He has the costume and everything!  OK, yes, I’m just having some fun with you.  But I wanted you to see those great pictures.

On a more serious note, one of the reasons I love the superhero genre is because superheroes, when done correctly, inspire people to be their best selves.  Cat Grant, from the TV show “Supergirl ” once said, “Having someone who embodies our heroic ideals helps us to believe that we can be heroes, too.”  My dad may be in Heaven with Jesus, but his “heroic ideals” inspire me even to this very day.  I want to follow in my father's selfless footsteps.  I want to be a super hero, just like Dad.

Kevin

"Keep on keeping on"

Christian Missionary Amy Carmichael once wrote, “Which is harder: to do or to endure?”  Ponder her question with me.  The dictionary states that to endure means “to hold up under (pain, etc.); to tolerate.”  So, once again, “Which is harder: to do or to endure?”  Is it harder to complete an objective, or to bear with a relentless, nagging situation?  She continues, “I think to endure is much harder, and our Father loves us too much to pass through life without learning to endure.  So I want you to welcome the difficult little things, the tiny pricks that are sure to come almost every day.  For they give you a chance to say “No” to yourself, and by doing so you will become strong not only to do, but also to endure.”

I’m in full agreement with Amy Carmichael: it is harder to endure.  The Lord, in His mysterious sovereign plan, chose to call my dad home two years ago now.  I have learned just how difficult it is to endure, or to “keep on keeping on” as my dad used to say.  In the words of my brother that he sent in a text message last July, I have had to “take on the impossibly challenging task of taking care of a lot of Dad’s responsibilities and helping to hold Mom together.”

As I shared with you earlier, I recently watched my dad’s funeral service again.  One thing I didn’t remember from previous viewings was a statement from a listener.  Several letters were being quoted that highlighted my dad’s ministry impact, but one listener said something about the state of their life in general.  The person said, “Life is very hard, but that’s not bad; it keeps us clinging to Jesus.”  What an inspiring challenge!

I miss my dad.  I miss his laugh, humor, wisdom, and leadership.  But I don’t cry for him; I know that, for two years, he has been experiencing the bliss, pleasures, and euphoria of Heaven.  Meanwhile, life here is challenging.  It’s not easy to be suddenly thrust into a fatherless life (or, in my mom’s case, widowhood).  But, through it all, God has been so faithful.  I can attest that I have “taste[d] and see[n] that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).  As life continues on, I’m going to “keep my hand in His hand, and keep on keeping on.”  For the glory of God the Father.

Kevin

"Keep your hand in His hand"

In 2014, I wrote a blog entitled “Just a closer walk with Thee”.  In it, I attempt to ask and answer the question if it is God who holds on to us, or vice versa.  I don’t often do this, but I’ve decided to submit that blog to you again.  I do this because, for years, my dad signed off of his radio broadcast by saying, “God bless!  Keep your hand in His hand, and keep on keeping on.”  I consider these words to be an inspiring challenge.  In honor of Dad, I want to present that blog content again.  Here is what I said:

“Recently I heard a sermon where the pastor encouraged his congregation to hold on to God.  At first…my mind went to the Biblical instances that taught seemingly the exact opposite: that it is God who holds on to us.  To cite just one Biblical example, in Psalm 73, the Psalmist says these words to God: “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand” (verse 23).

God does hold us, and I firmly believe that He will never, ever let us go.  But, interestingly enough, the Bible also encourages us to hold on to God as well.  I want to be clear here: this is not a contradiction.  This is essentially two sides of the same coin.  Let me paint two scenes that will help illustrate my point.

Scene #1: Picture a parent who is with their young child at a mall, or some other crowded venue.  The parent is holding the child's arm tightly, but the child isn’t staying close to the parent.  The child wants to run off and see all of the attractions.  The grip of the parent remains tight and secure, but he has to occasionally pull the child closer to him, so that he or she won’t get lost in the crowd.  The parent does this out of love, of course, so the child will remain safe and protected from roaming the busy mall all alone.

Scene #2: Picture a boyfriend with his girlfriend (or a husband and wife) in a mall. The two are walking through the attractions and they are holding hands.  They are walking together, simply enjoying being with each other and spending time together.  There’s no reason for one to yank on the other to stay close; this couple is in love and they want to be close to one another.

These scenes show that God is holding my hand, and also the way I hold on to Him.  In scene #1, God’s grip is tight and constant, but my grip, for all intents and purposes, is absent.  In scene #2, God’s grip is tight, but I’m holding tightly on to Him as well.  Boiled down its essence, the main difference between these two scenes is the closeness I have with God.

The Bible says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).  It is a compelling thought to daily choose to say to God, “Lord, I want to hold on to You today.  I want to be close to You. I want to be like that couple in the mall, holding hands, simply enjoying a close, loving companionship with each other.”  [A song lyric says, “Just a closer walk with Thee; grant it Jesus, is my plea.  Daily walking close to Thee; let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”]

Let me be candid with you.  Too often in my life, I’m like that child in scene #1. God’s hand tightly grips mine, but I’m far more interested in checking out all the attractions, and He has to gently pull on me to get closer to Him.  Why is this?  Because my heart really is, as the old hymn puts it, “Prone to wander.”  I want to be close to God; I want to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him, but I also know how sinful and fickle my really heart is.  Perhaps you can relate!

Therefore, it is important for us to be reminded that it is unrealistic to declare that we will never again veer away from God.  There will be both good days and bad days in this venture, and no one will live this out perfectly.  It is not possible to live a life of sinless perfection.  But, at the same time, it is a worthy aspiration to desire to walk closer with God and we shouldn’t allow the fact that we will occasionally fail in this goal to stop us from trying altogether.  That would be a tragic mistake.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve renewed my commitment to keep my hand in His hand; to have a closer walk with God.

Kevin

"Not all heroes wear masks" (part 3)

Bruce Wayne once complimented Alfred by declaring, “Not all heroes wear masks.”  I submit that the same notion is true for my dad.  Today, I’m going to continue highlighting subjects that were presented in his funeral service.  By the way, I’m passionate about each item that I’m going to bring up; I could write a separate blog about each of these things.  But I’m going to restrain myself.

First of all, prayer was an important component in Dad’s life.  He prayed both at work and at home.  His afternoon prayer time segment was a very memorable aspect of his vocation.  It is not surprising, therefore, that his prayer life was emphasized in his service.  Mom highlighted how one of the signature aspects of his prayer time was Dad’s habit of always bringing up God’s will.  He loved to take Jesus’ Biblical phrase “Thy will be done” and insert it directly into his prayer.

I think surrendering his prayer requests to the will of God relaxed and liberated Dad.  He knew, as Isaiah 55 puts it, that God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than humanity’s ways and thoughts.  For my dad – or anyone – to pray “Thy will be done” is to openly acknowledge that God has a sovereign plan, and even though it might differ from ours, His plan is always superior.

Secondly, Roy Hanschke, a coworker of my father’s, said something very apt and fitting.  In context, he was speaking of my dad’s friendship and fellowship with the Lord.  He asserted, “This relationship with Jesus not only secured him a place in Heaven, but also manifested itself in the way Jerry lived every day.”  Amen and amen!  Underscore the first part of that quote: Dad’s relationship with Jesus is how the gates of Heaven were open for him.  No one enters Heaven through merit or works; it is through Jesus Christ alone! 

I also love how Roy said that it was Dad’s relationship with Jesus that was displayed in the way he lived every day.  In Rick Ferguson’s Memorial service someone said, “Rick’s life is a tribute to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”  I say amen to that for Rick, and I repeat the same sentiment for my dad.  I believe it’s impossible to distinguish the character of my dad from the Lordship of Christ.  Jesus Himself said, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  He that abides in Me, and I am him, bears much fruit.  For without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

I want to conclude this blog series the same way Bill Oudemolen ended Dad’s service.  In his remarks, he shared a story about evangelist Dwight L. Moody.  Moody was sick.  He was with a group of reporters.  He said, “Someday soon you’ll read that Moody is dead, but don’t believe it.  For in that moment, I will be more alive than I’ve ever been before.”  Bill commented, “Today, Jerry Bauer is more alive than he’s ever been before.”  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4: “our outward man is perishing” (verse 16).  That’s true for us occupants of Earth, but it’s a different story for the inhabitants of Heaven!  My dad is not experiencing any pain, deadlines, or stress.  He is, indeed, more alive than he has ever been. 

Kevin

"Not all heroes wear masks" (part 2)

Today, as I previously stated, I want to share the words that my brother and I said at my dad’s service.  In the order of the service, I spoke first, so I’ll stick with that arrangement now.  Here is what I said:

“Hello everyone.  I’m the first-born son, Kevin.  I had the honor of calling Jerry my father.  You know, there’s only one Jerry Bauer.  There’s no way any of us can duplicate who he was.  Both my brother and I have a love for superheroes that he didn’t particularly share.  But that’s one of our quirks, we both love superheroes.

I’m a writer.  Not a professional writer, but I do love to write.  I found something that I wrote a couple of years ago.  I said, ‘You don’t have to have superhuman speed or strength like Superman to be a superhero.  One can be a normal, everyday person and be a superhero, if they live out their life in a self-sacrificial way.  If they live a life of selfless service to others.’  I looked at that and I thought, “That’s my father.”  I’ll read it again.  ‘One can be a normal, everyday person and be a superhero, if they live out their life in a self-sacrificial way.  If they live a life of selfless service to others.’

 

My father was a superhero.  And coming from me, that is a very high compliment.  I want to be as selfless, altruistic, and unselfish as my father, Jerry, was.  God bless you all.”  When you stop and think about it, this is quite the challenge!  To live out life in “a self-sacrificial way; a life of selfless service to others.”  It's a daunting, lofty, and sobering challenge.

My brother, Mark Bauer, was next to the stage that bittersweet day.  He said, “I’m Mark.  I’m the second-born.  I had a lot I wanted to say today.  I could probably talk all day about him.  But I think this service is showing who he was.  Everybody who knew him knows how much he loved.

I want to thank him for making me the person I am.  He didn’t teach me through words, by preaching at me, he taught me through example.  I love you, Dad.  I’m going to miss you.”

Next time, I have a few important concluding thoughts that I plan to present to you, and then we'll finish off this current series of blogs.

To be continued!

“Not all heroes wear masks” (part 1)

Even though the movie, “Batman and Robin” is a pretty bad movie, there is one scene in it that I love.  In context, Bruce asked Alfred if he ever regretted spending his life working for the Wayne family. “Looking after heroes?  No, sir.”  Alfred replied.  He went on to say that he regretted that he couldn’t be out there fighting with him.  “Well,” Bruce began.  “Not all heroes wear masks.”

To commemorate the two-year anniversary of my dad’s unexpected trip to Heaven, I recently watched his funeral service again.  I’m not ashamed to admit to you that I cried my eyes out.  It was a highly emotional incident for me.  I’m going to organize some of the thoughts that were spoken that day and give them to you here.  I do this to honor my dad, Jerry Bauer; a hero who didn’t wear a mask; a faithful man of God who will never be forgotten.  Today’s content, as you may have noticed from my title, is just the first part.

One of the themes that presented itself a lot in Dad’s service was his commendable example.  For instance, Jack Pelon, General Manager of KPOF radio, AM 91 the Point of Faith – the Christian radio station that my dad served for four decades – said in prayer, “His life of faith and trust in You is an example to all of us.”  My brother Mark, said, “He didn’t teach me through words, by preaching at me, he taught me through example.”  A sentiment from a Facebook post was cited at one point; the person wrote, “Jerry lived a life we should all aspire to.”  Pastor Bill Oudemolen, in his remarks at the end of the service, stated that my dad “earned his living through his words, and yet he made his mark through his life.”

Denise Washington-Blomberg, one of my dad’s colleagues at the radio station, was gracious enough to give a voice to the reflections that my mom had composed – and I edited.  In large part, Mom gave what she called “snapshots” of my dad.  She gave the snapshot of how dad was a faithful husband, who loved her like Christ loves the church.  She spoke of how Dad intuitively knew that he was going to marry my mom, since she was 11 years old.  His devotion to her simply cannot be overemphasized.  She cited how he was willing to protect his family, with his life, if need be.  She told a story of how, a few months into their marriage, Dad protected her from a group of men who broke into their house.  There was no violence, but Dad had a baseball bat, and he was willing to use it.

My dad’s love for his family was a big theme throughout the service, and rightly so.  To highlight the huge impact that Dad made on my brother and me, I’m going to share the high praise Mark and I gave him in the service in part 2 of this; for today, it’s sufficient to state that “Grandpa” was a name he was happy to wear.  It was presented, through a beautiful photo montage, how Dad spent lots of quality time with his grandchildren.  And, I can tell you that he treasured every minute of it.

It was described often in his service how organized my dad was.  His desk at his work was brought up several times as an illustration of this fact; it was immaculate, clean, and orderly.  But more than simply being organized, he was also detailed, structured, and meticulous in what needed to be next in the activities of the day.  I thought my mom put it best: she called Dad “the master planner” in her reflections.  He was this way at his workplace, as a Christian radio announcer, and he was also this way at home.  That was who he was in his intrinsic personality.  There is more that I want to say, but this blog feels like it is getting long, so let me wrap it up here for today.  Check back soon for part 2.

To be continued!

Kevin

"Knowing what I know about Heaven" is all I need

I recently came across a message from a listener that was recorded a few days after my dad had passed away.  Somehow, this message was never found until just now.  I’m so grateful that it was because it’s a great story about my dad.  Furthermore, if this listener wasn’t gracious enough to choose to pass this story along, I never would have known it.

Several years back, when two of her brothers had passed away, this dear listener was reeling; she reached out to a kind Christian radio announcer – my dad – for some sort of help with her broken heart.  Dad recommended a song to her called “Knowing What I Know about Heaven” a song made popular by the Christian singer Guy Penrod.  This song made such an impact on her that the decision was made to play the song in one of her brother’s services.  In her message, she dedicated this song to my mom, my brother and me.

I knew about this tune.  In fact, it was sung at my dad’s service, but, as I said, I didn’t know the full story, or about the dedication of the song to us, until a short time ago.  “Knowing What I Know about Heaven” is an incredible song.  I can’t tell you just how much I love this song.  It is my heart’s cry, and my anthem.  I consider it a gift that needs to be presented to others.

Therefore, I’m going to quote the lyrics in their entirety; but first, I have two disclaimers: Number one: all credit for these lyrics goes to the writers of this work.  The song was actually written by Sarah Darling, Dave Robbins, and Billy Austen.  While he didn’t write it, Guy Penrod certainly deserves a lot of credit as well, because he is responsible for making this song as popular as it is.  Disclaimer number two: do yourself a favor and watch some versions of this song on You Tube.  I don’t think you can get the full effect until you hear it for yourself.  You can see marvelous renditions of this sung by Sarah Darling, Guy Penrod, and even a version where Sarah and Guy sing the song as a duet.  

Here are the lyrics: “I bet the trumpets played and the angels sang every sweet refrain of Amazing Grace; and that Heaven’s hands opened up the gate, and the children danced when they saw your face.  As happy as they were to see you coming, I was just as sad to have to watch you go.

(Chorus) Oh, but knowing what I know about Heaven, believing that you’re all the way home; knowing that you’re somewhere better is all I need to let you go.  I could hope that I could pray you back, but why on Earth would I do that?  When you’re somewhere life and love never ends; oh, knowing what I know about Heaven.  Where every single voice makes a joyful noise; how sweet the sound when the saints rejoice!

To every broken heart and every wounded soul: new life begins on streets of gold. With every tear that’s raining here from my eyes, I know the sun is shining where you are.  (Repeat chorus) I could hope that I could pray you back, but why on Earth would I do that?  When you’re somewhere life and love never ends; oh, knowing what I know about Heaven.”

 

What would inspire someone to write a song like this?  I found a website where Sarah Darling describes the story behind the song.  She says, “I wrote this song with Dave Robbins and Billy Austen…Dave had just heard about someone in his family who had passed, and I was worried about my grandfather who was going through heart trouble at the time, I remember.  It seemed like every three months, he had some situation where he had to go back to the hospital for something and we are all on pins and needles about him.  I look up to him so much because he talks about heaven and how wonderful it is, and this song is painting the picture of what it’s like…It’s a very positive song when you really listen to it, even though it’s sad too.”

https://www.worthychristianforums.com/topic/119677-sharing-a-songs-lyrics-knowing-what-i-know-about-heavenqu/#comment-1535458

Kevin

My father's last on-air prayer

Since it is July, we are in a month that is bittersweet to go through.  It was in July two years ago now that my dad went to be with the Lord.  As this month unfolds, I plan to write some special blogs that highlight Jerry Bauer, the man I got to call “Dad”.  For today, I want underscore my dad’s faith in God by sharing the last prayer that he delivered on the air.  He prayed hundreds of prayers on the air for his vocation as a radio announcer.  While I’m biased, I think he hit a home run with this one.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to You in love, adoration, and praise.  We thank You for Jesus, for salvation, and the redemption plan You have provided.  The fact that Jesus died for us while were still in sin.  Thank You so very much.  Thank You for Your mercy and kindness; thank You for how You mold us daily to become the vessels You want us to be.  Thank You for the privilege of prayer that we have.

We’re going to pray now for some hurting people out there.  Folks with burdens, needs, and sickness; we bring some of those needs to You at this time.  A listener is asking for prayer for her 79-year-old brother who needs healing in his eyes.  His vision is getting bad.  We ask that You would lay Your healing hand upon him and touch his eyes, Father.  Another man has multiple serious health problems.  We pray for healing for him.  You know what is going on in his body; we ask that You would heal him, and give him wholeness, peace, and health.

As Heaven Fest approaches in Bandimere, August 7th and 8th [2015], we pray for the security of the entire festival, and for protection for those who will be there.  We pray for good weather, a great harvest, and a safe event.  A friend is looking for a church, a place to fellowship and to call home.  We ask that You would guide this person to the very church that you want him to be in.  Make it very clear.

Of course, we want Your will to be done.  Thy will be done, Father, in all these needs.  [Let me break in a moment; I’m going to put in a sentence from another prayer that Dad prayed about a week before he passed away.  I thought it was so powerful that I would throw it in here.] “We want your will to be done in everything.  Don’t give us what we want or deserve; give us what we need.  You know what is best for each one of us.”  [Back to the original prayer now.]

“We pray that You would use our feeble prayers to accomplish Your plan, whatever it is.  We do want to give You praise: a young couple delivered a healthy baby girl yesterday.  Everybody is doing well.  Thank You, Father; we give You the praise for this and for all You’ve done, You are doing, and You will do.  We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. 

We worship You.  We praise You.  We pray in the mighty, bountiful, beautiful, exalted name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.” 

"Thy will be done, Father"
My dad praying on the air in 2009

Remembering a beloved pastor

Today, I wanted to highlight a special pastor from the past by the name of Rick Ferguson.  Rick was used mightily by God.  Not only did his ministry have a marvelous impact on the Bauer family, but his ministry touched the lives of thousands of other people as well.  Pastor Rick was articulate, bold, and crystal clear in his preaching of the Word of God.  Furthermore, he was a snappy dresser, decked out with immaculate suits.  

One of the things that also struck me was Rick’s refreshing candor and honesty. For example, Rick wasn't afraid to publicly share how inadequate he felt in the calling that God gave him.  He was quick to point out that without God's power and help, he wouldn't be able to fulfill his life mission.  There was no pretense or false bravado with Pastor Rick.  He told the truth, even if it was about his own struggles.

Perhaps the biggest aspect of this man was that his walk matched his talk.  Too many leaders want to propose a “do as I say, not as I do” mentality.  This kind of mindset is ultimately doomed to failure.  Pastor Rick modeled integrity, Christ-like character, compassion, kindness, and genuine humility.

Incredibly, it was 15 years ago this month – July of 2002 – when this beloved pastor, Rick Ferguson, passed away at the young age of 46 in a car accident.  Time flies!  I remember it like it was yesterday.  This was the first loss that taught me firsthand that tomorrow is not a given; it is a gift.  Let me state that again: tomorrow is not a given; tomorrow is a gift!

In the last sermon that Rick preached on Earth, he said that there are four words that sum up the entire Christian life; they are: “Not I, but Christ.”  It’s a powerful and thought-provoking statement.  I’ve been letting this sentiment wash over me afresh.  Just four words: “Not I, but Christ.”  There’s a line in a Christian song that goes as follows: “I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.”  I’m convinced that Pastor Rick would add his “amen” to that.

Let me wrap it up with this.  There is a phenomenal truth.  For the man, woman, boy, or girl who has been reconciled to God, through Jesus Christ, they are on their way to a glorious utopian paradise called Heaven.  Death is not the end; there is an afterlife.  Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  Rick Ferguson has been experiencing the reality of this verse for 15 years now.  Incidentally, did you notice the words “pleasures forevermore”?  John Newton put it this way in his classic song, “Amazing Grace”: “When we’ve been there ten thousand years…we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.”

Kevin

"Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!"

I’ve previously stated in this blog that my dad liked to share the origins of holidays.  While the beginnings of today’s holiday may not necessarily be new content for some, I thought a refresher was in order.  I found a document that Dad had in his belongings called “Happy Birthday, U.S.A.! – History of the 4th of July.”  This is how it reads:

“Most Americans are very aware of just how precious our freedoms are.  To help us remember what freedom means, we can look at the history of Independence Day – the day that commemorates our nation’s freedom from England’s control.

In the 1770’s, the original 13 colonies were still under the rule of England’s King George III.  They had to pay taxes to England but didn’t have any representation in Parliament.

For three years, the American Congress sought unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute between England and the colonies.  Finally, in 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, to draft a Declaration of Independence.  On July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the document declaring their freedom from England.  And although the signing of the Declaration was not complete until August, the Fourth of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of American independence.  By the early 1800’s a tradition of parades, picnics and fireworks was established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday.” Happy Birthday to you, America!

As I prepared this blog, there was a line from a Rebecca St. James song that would not escape my mind.  The line is from her song called “America”; the lyric is a haunting challenge: “Honor God, America.”  

What is a practical example of doing this?  There are dozens and dozens that could be listed, but look no further than the message on our currency; it reads, “In God we trust”.  But the maxim for far too many today seems to actually be “In me I trust.”  Many are pushing God away, not trusting Him.  We would much rather rely on our own ingenuity, resources, understanding, and strength.  “Honor God, America,” sings Rebecca St. James.  How are we – how am I – doing with that challenge?

Kevin