Neighbors…

In July, Mary and I spent time in the mountains with some very significant friends from Kansas City. Rod and Debbie were a part of the same fledgling congregation that Mary and I were. They had two sons, who connected well with our two sons. They also were a part of a home schooling community that we had joined.

But with all of that overlap, Rod and Debbie had a very different story of faith than we did. And as we have come to discover more of their journey, it has enriched and inspired me.

In the mid-80s, Rod and Debbie lived in a suburban Kansas City neighborhood. Debbie was pregnant with their second son, when new neighbors moved next door. It didn’t take long for Dave and Melinda to realize that Rod and Debbie were feeling overwhelmed with a toddler and a newborn.

Compelled by the love of Christ, Dave and Melinda leaned in. Soon this led to an invitation to engage in a weekly Bible study. This study lasted for four years. During that time, Rod and Debbie made a commitment to follow Christ. Not only did this alter the course of their lives forever, it also altered ours, and many others, because of the impact and influence of Rod and Debbie.

At one point Debbie was in a conversation with Melinda where she expressed sadness over not praying for her boys during their early years. Melinda’s response was unexpected, and powerful. “Don’t be sad, I was praying.”

Before Rod and Debbie knew who to pray to, or how to pray… Melinda knew. Before Rod and Debbie would lift their sons to the Father in an act of gratitude and commitment, Melinda did. Before Rod and Debbie approached the throne of God, Melinda did. As an advocate. As a voice for the voiceless. As an advocate for the lost.

Before evangelism, intercession. Before words of truth, prayers for mercy.

A burden shared without a plea for help. Ignorance dismissed with expectation.

Before I worry about what to say to a neighbor, I pray. Not for the right words, or for my approach, but for the love of Christ to shape young souls that seem out of reach.

I’m always willing to loan a tool to one of my neighbors, or to pick up a package on their front step while they’re out of town. But what about the six children represented by these four families? Am I lifting for them? Am I carrying their burden, even before they know they have one?

Before there was a “yes”, Melinda. Before parents, neighbors.

“Don’t be sad, I was praying.”

My turn. Your turn. Our turn.