Almost a thousand days

There is an interesting milestone coming up soon.  According to a website that calculates the duration between two dates, it is close to one thousand days since my dad went to be with the Lord in Heaven.  At the time of writing these words, it is nine hundred and forty something days (or two and a half years).  Incidentally, I won’t camp out on this point, but the phrase “time heals all wounds” is absolutely false.

I find it noteworthy that even though all this time has passed, there are days when the grief hits me just as hard as those beginning days.

For example, a month ago or so, I was cleaning the dining room at my work at Chick-fil-A.  I happened to hear a customer say the phrase “he is no longer with us.”  I don’t know the context of the conversation because I wasn’t listening, but someone said those very words the day my father passed away; so upon hearing them, my mind immediately replayed the worst day of my adult life.  This is not an isolated event, either.  For instance, I was surprised at just how deeply I could feel my dad’s absence in the room as I watched the Super Bowl a few weeks ago.  I should have known.  After all, we watched so many Super Bowls together, now there is nothing but an empty chair, and the memories.
 

There is a scene in the animated movie “Superman: Doomsday” that pictures how I feel.  For those of you that don’t know, this is a film based on the popular comic book where Superman died, was buried, and is eventually resurrected.  Not long after Superman’s death, Lois is sticking her neck out for a story (basically Lois being Lois).  When she reports back to Perry White, he counsels her to be careful.  When she asks him why, Perry says, because Superman isn’t around to rescue her from danger.  Or, as Perry put it earlier in the scene: they were “in a world without Superman.”  That’s a snapshot of how I feel in this season of life.  I can go about my daily routine as usual but something is very different; my dad – who I like to call Superman – isn’t here to protect me anymore.

In conclusion, we are coming up on a thousand days since Dad’s passing, and sometimes it’s just as fresh as the day it happened.  But, as I said in that blog about Billy Graham’s recent homecoming, because of our right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, one day my dad and I will be reunited in Heaven.  The contemporary Christian music group Mercy Me has good songs on grief and the hope of Heaven.  One of those songs is called “Finally Home”.  These words from that song brings tears to my eyes:  “Going to wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck and tell him that I missed him, and tell him all about the man that I became, and hope that it pleased him.  There’s so much I want to say, so much I want you to know, when I finally make it home.”

Kevin

Remembering Billy Graham

In 1987, my parents and I went to an event at the old Mile High stadium in Denver.  The speaker spoke with zeal, clarity, and power.  He spoke of Jesus Christ’s atonement on the cross for mankind’s repugnant sin.  There was an opportunity to respond to his talk by coming to the stage and, by faith, choosing to accept Christ’s work.  I was only a little boy, but I knew that I was hearing the truth, and I spoke up to my parents and declared that I needed to go forward and put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Many of you already know this story, as I’ve relayed it several times; the speaker that day was Billy Graham.  Mr. Graham passed away this morning at age 99.  When I heard the news, I was overcome with tears, because I am so grateful for this man.  I am who I am today because he shared the truth of the gospel – God’s good news – with me.  His influence is a part of my spiritual heritage.

Yes, I’m well aware that only God can illuminate the heart.  Unless or until God’s Spirit oils the words of the speaker they won’t do any good; God Himself draws men and women to Himself.  I’m not ignorant of this fact.  But, humanly speaking, the man God used to bring me into a right relationship with Him was Billy Graham.  Millions of other people can say the same thing because of his extensive ministry.  He was a tool in the Lord’s hand for many decades.

I want to express my condolences to Franklin and the rest of the Graham family.  I know what it’s like to lose a dad.  Even though my own father was 60 and Mr. Graham was 99, you’re never ready to be without the guidance and influence of a father.  May the Graham family be comforted with the realization that millions of people are praying for them, and they are also grieving right along with them, myself included.

I could go on and on.  I could speak of Billy Graham’s humility, his faithfulness in marriage, his faithfulness to God’s call on his life, and all of those things should be emphasized – and surely they will in the coming days.  But I want to conclude with the hope of Heaven.  In God’s providence, I was in the process of composing a blog that ended with this very topic.  I will use part of that paragraph now.  There is life after death.  There is an after-life, if you want to use that term.  This isn’t just wishful thinking; this is bedrock truth from the Bible.  Billy Graham was welcomed to Heaven because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who took the sin of humanity on Himself.

Kevin

Valentine's Day, 2018

My father, Jerry Bauer, loved to share the origins of holidays.  I have continued on with that tradition, and I have benefited from doing so.  Today, I would like to share the origin of what has come to be known as Valentine’s Day.  It is known as such because of the actions of St. Valentine.  Before I dive in, note that the passing of time has made it difficult to state the details of St. Valentine definitively.  There are disputes as to exactly how all this played out.

However, many agree that centuries ago – 270 AD – when Claudius II was in power as emperor of Rome.  Claudius issued an edict that prohibited young people from getting married.  This edict was unjust and unfair, and unbiblical (see 1 Timothy 4:3).  “The kindly bishop Valentine also realized the injustice of the decree…He planned to counter the monarch’s orders in secrecy.  Whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to Valentine who met them afterwards in a secret place and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony” (I’m quoting from the best link I found on this subject; check it out, if you are inclined -  http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm)

“But such things cannot remain hidden for long.  It was only a matter of time before Claudius came to know of this “friend of lovers” and had him arrested.”  The narrative asserts that while he was in prison awaiting his sentence, Asterius, Valentine’s jailer, brought his daughter, who was blind, to Valentine.  And because of his strong faith, he restored her sight!  Some disagree with this part of Valentine’s journey, but I believe “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26); the Lord certainly could have used Valentine in this way.  As the link puts it, “Whatever the fact, it appears that Valentine in some way did succeed to help Asterius’ daughter.”

The time came for Valentine to meet with Claudius II.  Valentine remained steadfast in his conviction that Claudius’ ban on marriage was unjust, and he would not support it.  Furthermore, Valentine shared his Christian faith with the emperor.  Claudius became so angry at the developments of their meeting that he ordered Valentine to be executed.

“Meanwhile, a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius’ daughter.  It caused great grief to the young girl to hear of his…imminent death.  It is said that just before his execution, Valentine asked for a pen and paper from his jailer, and signed a farewell message to her, “From your Valentine” a phrase that has lived forever after…he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion.  Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14th, 270 AD.”

Therefore, in conclusion, honor your significant other or spouse today; they are a gift to you to be valued.  Celebrate your family, friends, and loved ones; don’t take them for granted.  And take some time to contemplate God’s amazing love for you as well.  But also realize that Valentine’s Day has an inspiring story behind it.  Valentine took a courageous stand for marriage, and never wavered in his abiding faith in Jesus Christ, even though the choice to do so ultimately cost him his life.

Kevin

Super Bowl 52 reaction (part 2)

I want to say a few words about the Lombardi presentation and MVP ceremony, after the Super Bowl.  It began with the Philadelphia Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie’s comments.  At one point, he said, “I’d like to dedicate this to all the Eagles fans around the world; and also…for my mom and my dad, who meant, who mean the world to me.”  These words are even more potent when you learn that Jeffrey’s father passed away when he was a boy (I think I read that he was 9 years old), but he and his dad shared a deep love for the game of football.  Upon reading this, my heart instantly resonated with Lurie’s words and perspective.

I couldn’t find any information on Lurie’s mother.  But based on how he had trouble deciding on whether to speak in past tense language or present tense I can only presume that his mom is still alive to enjoy this victory with her son.  It was a special thought that you don’t often hear in a Super Bowl postgame show.

Next up was Coach Doug Pederson’s remarks.  The second question he was asked was, “How do you explain this: 9 years ago, you’re coaching in High School, and here you are with this trophy?”  Pederson’s answer: “I can only give the praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me this opportunity.”  A few minutes later, they brought Zach Ertz up next, who scored the game-winning touchdown.  Quickly in the interview, Ertz said, “Glory to God, first and foremost.  We wouldn’t be here without Him.”  Nick Foles, the game’s MVP, when given his time to speak, among his other comments also declared, “All glory to God.” 

I have to give props to Doug Pederson, Zach Ertz, and Nick Foles.  On the biggest stage in sports – perhaps the biggest platform they will ever have in their lives – they acknowledged their faith in God.  They each sent the watching world a message: there is more to life than just football.  Rebecca St. James once sang these words: “Life holds new meaning when God becomes the center of it all.”

Kevin

Super Bowl 52 reaction

Well, these Super Bowls never fail to surprise me.  Last year, I picked the Falcons to win the Super Bowl, and I was wrong; so this year, figuring it unwise to pick against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, I picked the Patriots to win the big game.  Wrong again.  Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles on a most impressive victory!

Back in 1976, Rocky Balboa (who, incidentally, was from Philadelphia) fought the reigning champion, Apollo Creed.  It was a contest that nobody thought Rocky had a chance of winning.  Does that sound familiar to the storyline of Super Bowl 52?  Perhaps there were a few voices that predicted the Eagles would win, but by and large, everyone assumed the Patriots would get the victory.  But with grit, determination, and heart that would make Rocky proud, the Philadelphia Eagles proved everyone wrong, and shocked the watching world.

Not only was this true for the Super Bowl, but it was the trend throughout the entire playoffs.  The road to Super Bowl 52 featured a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Philadelphia.  But Atlanta was favored to win.  The NFC championship game featured the Minnesota Vikings against the Philadelphia Eagles.  They weren’t favored to win again (even though the Eagles were the number one seed in the NFC).  I picked the Vikings to win myself, but the Eagles destroyed the Vikings.

I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between this Super Bowl and Super Bowl 32.  In that Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers were the defending Super Bowl champions seeking to repeat against the Denver Broncos looking for their first title.  Nobody gave Denver a chance.  But the Broncos stood toe to toe with the Packers - like Rocky did with Apollo Creed - and ultimately prevailed.  Twenty years later, the same things happened again.  

Kevin