June 24
Marshall
And of some have compassion, making a difference.
Jude 22 (KJV)
Our Worship Pastor, Marshall McBride, has endeared himself to many people. Besides his excellence as a musician and worship leader, he is an outstanding pastor with two standout qualities. One is his dry wit, the other is his loyal compassion.
Marshall’s wit comes with a twist and typically at the most unexpected time ... even after this terrible tragedy. Take last week for example. It had been two-weeks since their only son died in combat in Iraq. I had visited their home twice for short visits, but the crowds of people were overwhelming. The third time, there were no other parked cars as I approached their modest two-story home, and all seemed quiet as I walked the snow-lined sidewalk. I avoided ringing the loud doorbell and rapped lightly on the door instead. Immediately, there was a return knock coming from the other side—a perfect rhythmic echo of my own. Then the door opened and there was Marshal in mock surprise, “Oh, it’s you! Come on in.” Typical Marshall.
Marshall’s humor always surprises me. Last week, his humor even invaded my dreams. In the dream, I was standing at a kitchen counter next to the refrigerator. I had just taken a quart container of milk out and was preparing to pour myself a drinkinto one of two tall glasses. I don’t know what the problem was, but as I poured the first glass, I missed completely! Milk went all over the counter and onto the floor. Marshall stood next to me—expressionless. He looked through his eyeglasses at the mess and then to me. His stare fixed on me, he said, “Here let me help you.” He stepped toward me, took the milk carton from my hand and proceeded to pour the second glass of milk. But he missed his glass entirely as well. So we now had two empty glasses and milk pouring from the countertop onto the kitchen floor. Marshall returned the milk carton, said, “There!” and walked off.
It was so Marshall. Crazy.
Besides his crazy humor, Marshall possesses that brand of compassion Jesus loves—one without fanfare. In quiet ways, he shows others the love of Christ.
I remember last summer, when one of his instrumentalists took her family on a short-term mission trip, and problems developed. Marshall who speaks fluent Spanish, flew to Mexico and helped them through a rough transition. He was heaven sent, I’m sure.
Marshall’s love for God and people drive him to do things no one else would dare. Over a year ago, our church suffered the agony of a member who molested a couple of children in someone’s home. It was a terrible time for everyone. The court convicted the man and sent him to Federal prison in another state. It was a raw time, and people quickly dismissed the individual, but not Marshall. Every few months, Marshall drives five or six hours to visit and minister to a man who is broken, friendless, and in great need. It’s just Marshall. As I reflect, I catch a glimpse of how his son Zack learned to go beyond himself, to help others, and to be brave. And now I have a new understanding: Marshall is a godsend to us all.
These last two weeks we showered love on Marshall and his family as we continued to grieve for Zack. This family means so much to us. Amid the pain there is one thing for which I am so thankful. In spite of the great loss, we still have Laurie and Sarah and ... Marshall!
Father, thank You for the McBrides. I never knew how deep you planted these seeds of compassion. I never realized how severe their hurt nor how deeply You placed them in my heart.... Bring healing Lord, please, bring Your compassionate healing. Amen.
Marshall
And of some have compassion, making a difference.
Jude 22 (KJV)
Our Worship Pastor, Marshall McBride, has endeared himself to many people. Besides his excellence as a musician and worship leader, he is an outstanding pastor with two standout qualities. One is his dry wit, the other is his loyal compassion.
Marshall’s wit comes with a twist and typically at the most unexpected time ... even after this terrible tragedy. Take last week for example. It had been two-weeks since their only son died in combat in Iraq. I had visited their home twice for short visits, but the crowds of people were overwhelming. The third time, there were no other parked cars as I approached their modest two-story home, and all seemed quiet as I walked the snow-lined sidewalk. I avoided ringing the loud doorbell and rapped lightly on the door instead. Immediately, there was a return knock coming from the other side—a perfect rhythmic echo of my own. Then the door opened and there was Marshal in mock surprise, “Oh, it’s you! Come on in.” Typical Marshall.
Marshall’s humor always surprises me. Last week, his humor even invaded my dreams. In the dream, I was standing at a kitchen counter next to the refrigerator. I had just taken a quart container of milk out and was preparing to pour myself a drinkinto one of two tall glasses. I don’t know what the problem was, but as I poured the first glass, I missed completely! Milk went all over the counter and onto the floor. Marshall stood next to me—expressionless. He looked through his eyeglasses at the mess and then to me. His stare fixed on me, he said, “Here let me help you.” He stepped toward me, took the milk carton from my hand and proceeded to pour the second glass of milk. But he missed his glass entirely as well. So we now had two empty glasses and milk pouring from the countertop onto the kitchen floor. Marshall returned the milk carton, said, “There!” and walked off.
It was so Marshall. Crazy.
Besides his crazy humor, Marshall possesses that brand of compassion Jesus loves—one without fanfare. In quiet ways, he shows others the love of Christ.
I remember last summer, when one of his instrumentalists took her family on a short-term mission trip, and problems developed. Marshall who speaks fluent Spanish, flew to Mexico and helped them through a rough transition. He was heaven sent, I’m sure.
Marshall’s love for God and people drive him to do things no one else would dare. Over a year ago, our church suffered the agony of a member who molested a couple of children in someone’s home. It was a terrible time for everyone. The court convicted the man and sent him to Federal prison in another state. It was a raw time, and people quickly dismissed the individual, but not Marshall. Every few months, Marshall drives five or six hours to visit and minister to a man who is broken, friendless, and in great need. It’s just Marshall. As I reflect, I catch a glimpse of how his son Zack learned to go beyond himself, to help others, and to be brave. And now I have a new understanding: Marshall is a godsend to us all.
These last two weeks we showered love on Marshall and his family as we continued to grieve for Zack. This family means so much to us. Amid the pain there is one thing for which I am so thankful. In spite of the great loss, we still have Laurie and Sarah and ... Marshall!
Father, thank You for the McBrides. I never knew how deep you planted these seeds of compassion. I never realized how severe their hurt nor how deeply You placed them in my heart.... Bring healing Lord, please, bring Your compassionate healing. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 7:03 AM
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