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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
Someone Who Believes In Us
April 6, 2007
Everyone needs a Phil Booker in their lives. I first met Mr. Booker nearly
thirty years ago when I was an undergraduate at the University of
Connecticut. It is an understatement to say that I was not at my best when
our paths crossed. He was in the Dean's Office at the College and I went
to see him to talk about my future. I had a letter in my hand announcing
that my academic performance was not up to the University's standards. I
don't remember if the letter was signed by Mr. Booker or not, but his
name was there as a the person to contact with questions.
I'll never forget walking into his office that day. I was overwhelmed with
the thought that my life was over. All my hopes and dreams had been
crushed by the foolish choices I made. I was already beating myself up
pretty good. I was reliving every mistake I had made. I was punishing
myself for the things I hadn't done. Everywhere I looked I saw dead ends.
As I sat across from Mr. Booker, I shared my story and my sorrow. He
listened. It was probably the same sad tale he heard a hundred times each
year but he never let on. Somewhere deep within me I hoped that he might
have the ability to change things and give me another chance. After I
finished, he looked right at me. He told me I had messed up and that
although this was a temporary setback, it didn't have to be the last word.
Then he encouraged me to take this opportunity to look at my life and to
do a gut check.
I left his office with a plan to take classes at another school. He assured
me that if I was able to do well, that he would be first in line to welcome
me back to UCONN. A year and a half later, he was true to his word.
When I received my acceptance letter I went to his office and he shook
my hand. I graduated from the University in December of 1981. The failed
student of a few years earlier came back victorious and even managed to
be named to the Dean's List in his final two semesters. He went on to
seminary and earned his Master's and Doctoral Degrees. Thank you Mr.
Booker for believing in me.
As I said, we all need someone like Mr. Phil Booker in our lives. We need
to know that someone believes in us even when we have lost faith in
ourselves. The truth is that God believes in you and it is no accident when
you run into someone like Mr. Booker. I believe men and women like him
are sent from God. How do we know? This week we will celebrate Easter
again. Easter is the great affirmation of God's love. It is the story of
second chances and forgiveness. In a world where we all make mistakes,
God made a way for all of us to start over again. It comes through the
cross and is rewarded with new life and bright beginnings. The joy of
Easter is there for all of us to receive. Alleluia.
God bless. See you in church. Cal.
April 6, 2007
Everyone needs a Phil Booker in their lives. I first met Mr. Booker nearly
thirty years ago when I was an undergraduate at the University of
Connecticut. It is an understatement to say that I was not at my best when
our paths crossed. He was in the Dean's Office at the College and I went
to see him to talk about my future. I had a letter in my hand announcing
that my academic performance was not up to the University's standards. I
don't remember if the letter was signed by Mr. Booker or not, but his
name was there as a the person to contact with questions.
I'll never forget walking into his office that day. I was overwhelmed with
the thought that my life was over. All my hopes and dreams had been
crushed by the foolish choices I made. I was already beating myself up
pretty good. I was reliving every mistake I had made. I was punishing
myself for the things I hadn't done. Everywhere I looked I saw dead ends.
As I sat across from Mr. Booker, I shared my story and my sorrow. He
listened. It was probably the same sad tale he heard a hundred times each
year but he never let on. Somewhere deep within me I hoped that he might
have the ability to change things and give me another chance. After I
finished, he looked right at me. He told me I had messed up and that
although this was a temporary setback, it didn't have to be the last word.
Then he encouraged me to take this opportunity to look at my life and to
do a gut check.
I left his office with a plan to take classes at another school. He assured
me that if I was able to do well, that he would be first in line to welcome
me back to UCONN. A year and a half later, he was true to his word.
When I received my acceptance letter I went to his office and he shook
my hand. I graduated from the University in December of 1981. The failed
student of a few years earlier came back victorious and even managed to
be named to the Dean's List in his final two semesters. He went on to
seminary and earned his Master's and Doctoral Degrees. Thank you Mr.
Booker for believing in me.
As I said, we all need someone like Mr. Phil Booker in our lives. We need
to know that someone believes in us even when we have lost faith in
ourselves. The truth is that God believes in you and it is no accident when
you run into someone like Mr. Booker. I believe men and women like him
are sent from God. How do we know? This week we will celebrate Easter
again. Easter is the great affirmation of God's love. It is the story of
second chances and forgiveness. In a world where we all make mistakes,
God made a way for all of us to start over again. It comes through the
cross and is rewarded with new life and bright beginnings. The joy of
Easter is there for all of us to receive. Alleluia.
God bless. See you in church. Cal.
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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