Sometimes I Need to be Reminded
Sometimes I need to be reminded why I do what I do.
Sometimes I get busy in the business of my art, in the business of my ministry.
Sometimes I lose sight of the vision. My passion becomes just a job.
That’s when I need reminders…like this one.
I had just finished a performance of my one-man drama In His Steps, the classic novel that asks the famous question “what would Jesus do?” I had done all the normal after show routines: stood in the church foyer and shook a few hands, sold a few books and videos. I am usually the last to leave the church after a performance, and this was typical of that routine. Most of the people had left the building when I gathered up my props, packed them in my suitcase and headed out the door.
As I popped open the trunk of my car I noticed a young girl, probably about 15 or 16 years old lingering in the parking lot, then she slowly drifting toward me as I placed my suitcase in the trunk.
“Can I talk to you?” she asked.
“Sure,” I said…a bit puzzled.
“You talked tonight about ‘what would Jesus do?’ And…well…I am trying to figure that out for myself.”
“Ah,” I said. “Yes, that can be a challenge for all of us.”
“I have not told anybody this…I’m still in high school…and I’m pregnant.”
“Uh…oh…I’m sorry,” I think I said…I was pretty much speechless. Of all the conversations I have had after a performance, this was a new one.
“I don’t know what to do…or what Jesus would do. I was hoping you could tell me.”
My mind was reeling. I had never met this girl before. And here she was asking me, a perfect stranger to tell her, not only what to do, but what to do in light of the question ‘what would Jesus do?’
Searching for words I asked, ”Does the father know?”
“Yes…and he is the youth leader here at the church.”
“Oh…wow…I…uh…I am so sorry.”
Suddenly the question she was struggling with became my question. “What would Jesus do?” And I was struck with the realization that this poor girl wasn’t talking to me; she didn’t know me. She was talking to the character I had just portrayed on stage. She was talking to The Reverend Henry Maxwell, a fictional character who, from the stage, projected wisdom and conviction to do powerful things driven by that central question “what would Jesus do?” She was talking to Henry Maxwell, someone she felt she could trust. Someone who could help her.
We talked for some time. I tried to give her the best advice that Henry Maxwell could offer. There were some tears, there was a prayer. With her permission I later called the pastor of the church and told him of our encounter. While I don’t know the complete ending to this story, the pastor later assured me that the situation was dealt with and the girl was being loved and cared for in the best way possible.
Sometimes I need to be reminded.
Reminded of the things that brought me to the place I now stand.
Reminded that there is power in the arts that can change a life.
Reminded of the vision and the passion that propelled me on this journey.
Reminded of my calling.
I am reminded, and in the process renewed.
John Welton
‘Thanks for sharing this story. Indeed we do need to be reminded what our art can do for others, and the obligation to do our best with our art.
Mike Herron
Chuck,
This is a stunningly powerful story on several levels. First in the lives of the young woman and new baby but also in a ‘revelation’ of how effective your dramatic form of preaching can be. Keep going faithful servant!
Lori Boehning
I am thankful that this young woman felt safe sharing this traumatic event with you/your character, Chuck, but I am deeply troubled, as well. You write that pastor assured you that “the situation was dealt with and the girl was being loved and cared for in the best way possible.” I hope and pray that this means that the youth leader was removed from his position, was held accountable for his actions in a court of law, and was receiving proper care/counsel to prevent similar abuses of power by him in the future. I encourage you to use whatever influence you have in the situation to insure that justice is provided — for both the young woman and the youth leader.
Chuck Neighbors
Lori, Thank you for your comment. This story actually happened a few years ago. I do know that the youth leader was in fact removed from the position. I can’t tell you much more than that, other than the fact that I trust the integrity of the pastor that was leading this congregation, and that he would have done his very best to do the right thing by all parties involved. I have often wondered what “the rest of the story” is on this. But perhaps it is not meant for me to know.
Marcia Whitehead
What an extraordinary experience! I’m sure she was responding to the character you were portraying, but I think she was also responding to you personally. As you were the last to leave the church, I imagine she had ample time to watch how you interacted with others and must have determined that you were a kind, compassionate and understanding individual who would not be a threat to her as she revealed such a hard and painful truth. It never ceases to amaze me how God puts who we need in the right place at the right time. So glad you were there at the right time for that dear young girl as she struggled with a level of stress I cannot even imagine.
Mimi Matthews
Wow, what a God-orchestrated moment! Truly inspirational, Chuck.