Grab a tissue.
Open another browser or tab, and listen to this song: Where the Streets Have No Name by U2.(Sorry, I'm having trouble linking the song right now.)
Ok. Now, read.
Yesterday the Peoria Journal Star featured a front page story about Pastor Mike facing cancer. I could have written it better.
I'm not being cocky, or even confident in my writing skills. What I am confident in, is what I know about Mike.
You should know that I don't typically call him Pastor Mike. Not because I don't respect him as my pastor, but because he is my teacher and friend as well. Given the circumstances, I will refer to him as my friend first.
Ok. Now, read.
Yesterday the Peoria Journal Star featured a front page story about Pastor Mike facing cancer. I could have written it better.
I'm not being cocky, or even confident in my writing skills. What I am confident in, is what I know about Mike.
You should know that I don't typically call him Pastor Mike. Not because I don't respect him as my pastor, but because he is my teacher and friend as well. Given the circumstances, I will refer to him as my friend first.
One of the most vivid memories I have of Mike comes from the night I was in the Friendship Festival Queen Pageant. At the end of the night, I went home as Miss Congeniality, to a house full of family and friends, fighting off a migraine, and completely exhausted. Before he left, Mike pulled me into a one-armed hug, kissed my forehead, and told me that he was proud of me. That moment will stick with me forever.
Mike is also the reason I was introduced to the Cornerstone festival. I can still picture him speed walking across the grounds to make it to shows on time. It was during that time, shortly after his trip to Africa, that he also opened my eyes and heart to World Vision, the organization that sponsors African children affected by AIDS.
He loves classic rock. His favorite band is U2. I even did a report on u2 in Music Appreciation because he liked them so much. I don't know of any other pastors who have quoted Bono from the pulpit.
Herb Flinkman told me once that he remembers Mike being a bit of a "wild child" in seminary. I believe there was a story about driving a truck with Herb in the back, and going through some sprinklers, or something like that. Mike also used to go around on Canton gabby days to place other people's junk in his friends' yards as a joke.
He is gut-wrenchingly honest and passionate. He is always quick to admit that he loses sleep over his sin and imperfections, and has never assumed a "holier than thou" position or tone of voice. His passion for the Lord and the lost is evident as he raises his voice from the pulpit and is brought to tears by the importance of God's message.
Sometimes his honesty gets him into trouble. Sometimes he speaks before thinking it through all the way. Sometimes people don't get his humor.
But no one is perfect.
I believe that more often than not, when Mike's words get him into trouble, it is because people aren't ready to listen to what they need to hear. I'm speaking from experience here.
Switch to this song now... You Are Still Holy by Rita Springer. (Still can't link it.) I believe it is a reflection of Mike's heart, and I'm trying to get my heart in the same place.
I believe that Mike has taught me more about God during the last six months than I have learned in a long time. The way he as accepted what God has for him astounds me. I want him to fight, to push, but no matter what, God's will, whether I like it or not, will be done.
I still believe in miracles. I will always believe in miracles because we have a powerful God. And I still struggle with the thought of our merciful God taking Mike because I feel that He could do so much more for the kingdom through him.
But... i know where Mike's heart lies. It is with his heavenly Father. I know that our loss will be heaven's gain. And I know that God is already displaying an extraordinary amount of patience in allowing us more time with Mike, whom He must be so anxious to have within His gates.
As I sit here, crying because I hate to see my friend in pain, and I will hate to see him go, I am completely certain that I will not be separated from him for eternity. I know that Mike has a personal relationship with God. I know that he is promised no more suffering in eternity.
I saw Mike this weekend. I hugged him. He's thin, has a big shiner, and is walking with a cane in his weakened state. I hugged him and cried. He told me that right there, in that hug, everything was good. I am ashamed to say that he noticed me crying and asked what was wrong. I didn't want him to see me cry, so I sucked it up and asked him to take a picture with me.
Mike is also the reason I was introduced to the Cornerstone festival. I can still picture him speed walking across the grounds to make it to shows on time. It was during that time, shortly after his trip to Africa, that he also opened my eyes and heart to World Vision, the organization that sponsors African children affected by AIDS.
He loves classic rock. His favorite band is U2. I even did a report on u2 in Music Appreciation because he liked them so much. I don't know of any other pastors who have quoted Bono from the pulpit.
Herb Flinkman told me once that he remembers Mike being a bit of a "wild child" in seminary. I believe there was a story about driving a truck with Herb in the back, and going through some sprinklers, or something like that. Mike also used to go around on Canton gabby days to place other people's junk in his friends' yards as a joke.
He is gut-wrenchingly honest and passionate. He is always quick to admit that he loses sleep over his sin and imperfections, and has never assumed a "holier than thou" position or tone of voice. His passion for the Lord and the lost is evident as he raises his voice from the pulpit and is brought to tears by the importance of God's message.
Sometimes his honesty gets him into trouble. Sometimes he speaks before thinking it through all the way. Sometimes people don't get his humor.
But no one is perfect.
I believe that more often than not, when Mike's words get him into trouble, it is because people aren't ready to listen to what they need to hear. I'm speaking from experience here.
Switch to this song now... You Are Still Holy by Rita Springer. (Still can't link it.) I believe it is a reflection of Mike's heart, and I'm trying to get my heart in the same place.
I believe that Mike has taught me more about God during the last six months than I have learned in a long time. The way he as accepted what God has for him astounds me. I want him to fight, to push, but no matter what, God's will, whether I like it or not, will be done.
I still believe in miracles. I will always believe in miracles because we have a powerful God. And I still struggle with the thought of our merciful God taking Mike because I feel that He could do so much more for the kingdom through him.
But... i know where Mike's heart lies. It is with his heavenly Father. I know that our loss will be heaven's gain. And I know that God is already displaying an extraordinary amount of patience in allowing us more time with Mike, whom He must be so anxious to have within His gates.
As I sit here, crying because I hate to see my friend in pain, and I will hate to see him go, I am completely certain that I will not be separated from him for eternity. I know that Mike has a personal relationship with God. I know that he is promised no more suffering in eternity.
I saw Mike this weekend. I hugged him. He's thin, has a big shiner, and is walking with a cane in his weakened state. I hugged him and cried. He told me that right there, in that hug, everything was good. I am ashamed to say that he noticed me crying and asked what was wrong. I didn't want him to see me cry, so I sucked it up and asked him to take a picture with me.
I will always cherish Mike's friendship, leadership in our church, his honesty, and his teachings. He still has a ton that we can learn from him. If you can, talk to him. Soak up whatever you can from what he has to say.He is a wise man, and I have absolutely no doubt in my soul that when God finally stops being patient, and takes His turn to have Mike beside Him, that He will say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
And THAT, is just a little of what you need to know about Mike Barr.
Know that in this moment, I would sit with you, cry with you and hug you.
ReplyDeleteGreat Aimee, just beautiful. I also followed along with the songs as you requested and the 'You are still holy' song is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLou, When you told me Sunday that you could write a better article, I knew beyond a shadow of doubt, you could. You still amaze your mama, though, and make me so proud. You captured the true heart and essence of a fine man and our dear friend. Thank you for sharing Mike so eloquently.
ReplyDelete