01.18.07
Bill and Patty
by Greg England
When my family moved to Long Beach last century, the auditorium class at the church was being taught by a guest teacher from Pepperdine University. He was a very quiet man. Soft spoken. Used an overhead projector and drew out little figures to illustrate his lesson. He had formerly worshipped at Long Beach and served as a deacon. I sat amazed at this man’s wisdom … and his artistic ability in that I can’t even trace a picture and it look good.
Over the years I’ve heard Bill teach many classes. I’ve spent time in meaningful discussion with him. I’ve invited him back to Long Beach to speak on special occasions. I’ve read his books. I’ve grown to love and respect him deeply. He is the most Christ-centered, spiritual man I’ve ever known. He is also the wisest man I’ve ever known.
The past few years brought much pain to Bill’s life. His mother - herself a wonderful lady - went through a slow process of dying. During this time, Bill’s wife (whom I did not know very well) was battling cancer and lost the battle. Actually, if we believe what we say we believe, then she actually won the battle! Shortly after her funeral, we came together again to bury his sweet mother.
Recently, on a Sunday afternoon, about 140 people gathered at our church to listen to Bill and Patty repeat their vows to one another. Actually, they were married in November, but that Sunday was the day we all gathered to share in their joy. It was a wonderful afternoon! Patty is a sweetheart from Texas … has that accent that melted my heart … and has trusted in God for 14 years to bring a man into her life after the death of her husband. That Bill and Patty found one another is a God-thing.
Knowing what I know about Bill says a lot about the woman of faith Patty happens to be. It was a good day all around, and further evidence that God is not through with Bill nor Patty, even though they weathered some severe storms.
Whatever storm(s) you may be weathering now is not evidence that God is punishing you or has abandoned you. In time you may or may not see the purpose of the storm … but as long as you draw breath on this earth, God is not through with you! And as long as I can hold that thought, I can endure the storm for there is no safer place in a storm than in the Father’s arms.