“Either I’m dead right, or I’m crazy!” James Stewart’s character Jefferson Smith says in the 1939 Oscar-winning Frank Capra film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Forget authorial intent for a moment and work with me—I’m living Mr. Smith’s quote right now. I’m excited as I look at what’s ahead, but nostalgic when I think of my time in Tennessee. I’ll start back at 2003.
Seven years ago, my career started at LifeWay in Nashville, TN. From 2003 until 2009, I also attende The Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. A lot has happened in seven years. A lot.
THE NASHVILLE SESSIONS
My LifeWay career started in September of ‘03. I’d answer phones all day, then go home at night and read large notebooks for Dr. Akin’s Christian Theology on subjects I’d never heard before—subjects like hamartiology and soteriology. I learned a lot back in those days—like not enrolling under the Professor who’s writing the book on the subject your studying! ; )
Tonia and I married in October of ‘03. We met in college—but that’s another story for another post. Tonia would join LifeWay in ‘04. By 2004 I handled adjustments for www.lifewaystores.com. Still, I’d return home to read systematic theology and listen to video lectures of Dr. Moore and Dr. Wellum. I was blessed LifeWay’s corporate headquarters on Broadway was also home to an Extension Center of Southern Seminary. For 30-plus hours of the Master of Divinity program, I simply walked downstairs from my office—full professors like Nettles, Brand, Fentress, and Scott came from Southern to teach me!
My time at LifeWay is synonymous with my time as an MDiv student at The Southern Seminary. I had the privilege of studying the Conservative Resurgence under Dr. Moore and interviewing Dr. Jimmy Draper in his West Wing office—simply he and I—for over two hours. I’ve been blessed to read Breakout Churches and walk by Dr. Rainer at the World Bridge on my way to the cafe for lunch. I still feel like a kid in a candy store when I think about my seven years at LifeWay—I can’t help but be nostalgic.
To work at LifeWay, where there exists a library, a library which is home works from Dargan’s personal book collection, works like “On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons” by John Broadus and “Abstract of Systematic Theology” by James Boyce. A privilege indeed.
I have worked in Student Ministry Publishing for five of my seven-year career at LifeWay under Jimmy Hester, founder True Love Waits. I’m proud he has been my leader and I think of him as my friend. I am a blessed man.
Seven years. I’d need more space to write about the trials and eventual blessings of Tonia’s two pregnancies resulting in two beautiful daughters Isabella in ‘06 and Gabriella in ‘09. Or of Tonia’s receiving a third degree during this span. Seven years—much good has taken place for me and my family.
I am eternally grateful Linda Lucarini took a chance on a guy fresh out of college with no corporate experience. I was a Student Pastor who loved LifeWay—that pretty much covered it. I’m grateful Mark King and Ron Chandler had the grand idea of sticking me with Ray Sadler for a year when I obviously couldn’t sell my way into a job. Sadler, I’m grateful for you too, as hard as it is to type it.
I’m thankful Jimmy Hester and Scott Stevens saw something in me, I’m still not sure what, and took a chance on a young seminarian desiring to learn the business of Publishing. I’ve seen a lot of changes at LifeWay, but one thing has been consistent, the people with which I’ve connected remain close to me. Whether inside or outside these hallowed halls—they are my family. LifeWay is a unique place where God works. LifeWay will always be special to me. I look forward to connecting with LifeWay again—as a consumer.
THE DC SESSIONS
As of August 1, I’ll serve as Program Director of the Columbia Child Development Center and Pastor to Young Families at Columbia Baptist in Falls Church, VA.
I will miss my LifeWay family. Please note I am leaving on my own free will. I’m not being “let go.” I’m not being “asked to leave.” I’m not tired of anything or anybody. An opportunity was presented, and I’m taking that opportunity.
I’m moving to Washington, but Nashville will always be on my mind. One will be happy to know I’ve found a country radio station in DC where Willie, Cash, and Jennings plays—perhaps more than they play on Nashville stations! In relocating my family from Nashville to Washington, I’m either dead right—or crazy—maybe a little of both. I hear a country song in there somewhere. Oh, and I do a mean Jimmy Stewart impression in case you’re wondering.
Nashville in the early morn. More pics here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjsande/
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They love one another.
They never fail to help widows; they save orphans from those who would hurt them.
If they have something they give freely to the man who has nothing; if they see a stranger, they take him home, and are happy, as though he were a real brother.
They don’t consider themselves brothers in the usual sense, but brothers instead through the Spirit, in God.
—Aristides describing Christians to the Emperor Hadrian
”“I spoke yesterday with a 32-year military veteran who has a son serving in one of the severest locations in Afghanistan. He described the location in Afghanistan saying his son and fellow soldiers are under gunfire or the very real threat of gunfire daily. He said to me, “I don’t pray for my son’s safety. It’s not safe where my son is. I pray he will accomplish his mission—that he will be swift and do his job honorably.” #Perspective”
NYTimes Lens blog has created an amazing way of presenting pictures from around the world. Great post, Lens! Here’s the direct link— http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/03/blogs/a-moment-in-time.html#/4be1efaae55ae53a79000045
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Why yes, I am using my new lap iPad holder—my seven-month old, sleeping baby girl—at the moment. Working like a charm. I recommend using one. But I will say this. It’s pricey.
“Hubs: “U stuck ur cell in my pocket, then Bell stuck her lion in my pocket. Geez, I’m gonna need cargo pants when Gab is older!” — TheChattymomma qouting me.
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