Opening Doors

I was blessed to have had a book signing today at my home church, NorthPark Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama.  I was promoting my latest book, "Glorified Sickness: Honoring God Through Illness."  I'm always excited when a door opens to share my story. I had ultimately looked forward to this opportunity for quite some time.  After being in contact with a member of our church staff for the past couple of months, I was delighted to see this book signing come to fruition.

It reminds me of a book which I've been reading recently, "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson.  In one chapter, he talks about how God sometimes opens doors for us in rapid fire fashion, similar to the opening segment from the old TV show, "Get Smart".  If you recall, as Max gets out of his car, multiple doors from all different angles open as he approaches them.  Some of these doors are made of steel and they clang shut after he passes through.  Yet, as part of his mission, the doors allow this secret agent to pass without difficulty.

In ministry, sometimes doors open up like this.  I recall how, in September 2013, doors for interviews on multiple TV and radio stations practically fell into my lap.  I had sent out a few benign e-mails to some TV and radio personalities.  Well, one contact led to another and then, voila, I was interviewing right and left with very little effort on my part.  It was a fun ride.

However, some doors take much more effort.  Multiple e-mails or contacts may be necessary to get an interview (or get the door to open).  Of course, praying fervently for the door to open is also a must.  Ultimately, it is God's call.  The Bible states that Jesus puts before us "an open door which no one can shut"... (Revelations 3:7).  So, if He wants the door to open, it will open in His timing. On the other hand, if Jesus closes a door, it is closed tight.  No need to try to force it open...it is just wasted effort on my part.

Consequently, I just have to be ready when the door opens.  It's the smart thing to do.  Or, as Maxwell Smart would say, "Would you believe extremely smart?"

Finding Your Power Source

Yesterday, my car abruptly wouldn't start.  As a matter of fact, it had a major electrical malfunction.  Although I had driven to work this past week without incident, when I tried to start it after running yesterday, nothing happened.  It was an eery sound of silence.  Everything was out on the car.  No lights would work, the emergency flashers were inoperable, the horn wouldn't sound, even the door locks on my key chain were kaput.  After I finished my run, I walked home (about 1/2 mile from where I parked my car) and informed my wife of this automobile crisis.  Why didn't I call her?  Well, I also had left my cellphone at home, adding insult to injury.  After I took a shower, I contacted my father in law (who thankfully knows how to fix everything).  He picked me up at my house and drove me to my car. 

He opened up the hood and discovered the problem almost immediately.  Even though I had checked the battery cable connections (or at least I thought I had), he recognized that the connections were definitely loose on one side.  He tightened up the loose connection and I was on my way within minutes, rejoicing that I was not facing a major car repair.

This minor incident reiterated to me how power is so important in life.  This is easily illustrated when a major storm hits an area.  As a result, what's the first thing we do when the power goes off?  We call the power company, not imagining a world without power.  We want the power back on and the sooner the better.  Living in darkness is not what we desire.  Although we might can conjure up some power by a home generator or even a little light by candles and flashlights, our strength is definitely limited.  We need power from an outside source, that is, the local power company who helps us meet the needs of our lives.

II Corinthians 12:9 relates how God's power is perfected in weakness.  Our darkest hours may compel us to contact Him and ultimately receive the power that He provides.  A great song which illustrates this is "Break Every Chain".  Listen to the wonderful words of this song below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOyjD5Zw2ew&index=7&list=FL6DZGHWbF8Q1JDjBYsVFT2A





 

My Second Interview on "East Alabama Today"

I was thrilled to interview again on the "East Alabama Today" program on WEAC TV24 in Gadsden, Alabama on April 30th, 2014.  In this interview, I talk more about my cancer survival and books, especially my second book, "Glorified Sickness: Honoring God Through Illness".  You can now  access the interview at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0MsLPgkZUo

Tightening My Grip On Ministry

I have never been known for making quick decisions.  I have to mull through an issue for quite some time before I come to a conclusion.  I know such hesitancy has been quite bothersome to my friends and acquaintances.  Yet, the old saying, "Look before you leap", certainly has its virtue.

I remember someone telling me at some point of the importance of involving others in decision making.  This is beneficial for a couple of reasons.  Having others involved lessens the pressure of me venturing out on my own and taking a risk.  On the other hand, if the decision leads down a perilous path, then it also lessens the blame.  Put in more succinct terms, involving others shares the joy when things work out splendidly but also shares the blame when matters fall apart.

I recently made an appeal to some in my church to actively pray for me and my writings.  Essentially I was looking for those who would pray for my writing ministry in all aspects.  You know, someone to pray that my books would minister in a powerful way, that doors would continue to open with radio and TV interviews, and that I would have wisdom in writing my third book.  Of course, I also desire that my blog would touch many hearts.  I'm excited to announce that some dear people answered my appeal for prayers.  I've got a team behind me to propel me forward.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "...a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart".  There is much strength in numbers.  Hence, I'm delighted that I have the beginnings of a team.  Perhaps, in the years to come, I will be able to look back and proclaim that this was the time when my ministry really accelerated, when some prayer warriors got involved.

Will you share in my joy and pray for my writing ministry?  You can contact me at daviscampbell@bellsouth.net or send me a message in this blog if you wish to get involved.  A few more strands in my rope will certainly be appreciated.

After The Rain

Local meteorologists had predicted this turmoil for days.  Schools closed early as the severe weather was approaching.  Members of my community braced for what lie ahead.  Then the storms hit, including many tornadoes, with much destruction of property.  Unfortunately, there were also several fatalities.  Trees toppled, homes were damaged, even an old church destroyed.  Consequently, the governor of our state made a special trip to survey the damage to provide comfort to the victims.  Yet, this is only the beginning of our tornado season.  Sadly, there may be more vicious storms on the horizon.

However, once the storms subsided, I could not help but notice the renewed beauty in my neighborhood.  The grass was much greener, the trees seemed more endowed with leaves, the air seemed crisper.  All of these changes happened almost overnight.  Although I grieve for those who suffered loss of property or especially loss of life, there is a wonder of how life feels after the rain.

I imagine many people have written of the benefits of the storms of life.  Obviously, I feel well qualified after having cancer.  Mysteriously, life has added a new beauty, a wondrous happiness, an unexplained joy after living through this storm. 

When the storms were coming, especially reports of a tornado, I found myself taking shelter in the basement.  But, since the storms are over, I can bask in the sunlight and enjoy the rebirth of nature all around.  The storm has been, at least to me, a blessing.

  

Enjoy The Ride

Years ago, my high school choir had the privilege of attending a choir festival in Atlanta, Georgia.  I believe we sang in the newly constructed World Congress Center at that time. 

However, the greatest joy came from our trip to Six Flags the night before.  It was one of those rare opportunities where the amusement park had closed to the public that evening but was open to all who were participating in the choir festivities.  As a result, without having to wait in line, my fellow students and I could bounce from ride to ride in very little time. For a teenager, it was great fun.

Later the evening took a most ominous turn.  Although I had ridden some roller coasters previously, my peers ventured toward the newest and scariest looking roller coaster at that time, the Mindbender.  I observed very quickly that it had an aspect I had never encountered before in a roller coaster, for example, a complete loop off the initial hill where guests were completely upside down for a few moments.  Nevertheless, not wanting to be a party pooper, I climbed aboard the coaster with my classmates, not sure of what lie ahead. 

As with most roller coasters, we ascended up a steep hill at the beginning and then catapulted downhill towards the loop.  But I really didn't have anything to fear.  We glided through the loop so quickly that I hardly even realized I was upside down.  The speed was exhilarating.  From this point, we continued into more twists and turns, even hitting a smaller loop towards the end.  This loop, by the way, was so small it made me feel like my head was caving in. But afterwards we came to a stop in the station and the ride was over.

Yet, when the ride finished, I couldn't help but remember how much fun I had experienced on this coaster, that is, the velocity, the smoothness of the tracks, the thrill of it all. 

Years later, I started riding even more roller coasters and really loved it.   As a matter of fact, one time my wife and I visited Six Flags and rode every roller coaster except one.  What made me come to enjoy roller coasters over the years was one simple concept....trust the ride. Even though some coasters ascend tremendous heights and achieve unbelievable speeds, there has to be that faith that you will return back to the station.  Everything will okay.  Just strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.

Life is also similar to a roller coaster.  Many ups and downs, unexpected turns.  However, if we trust the operator of the ride, i.e. our Heavenly Father, we know that eventually we will arrive safely to our chosen destination.  As Job said, "...He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10).

So, climb into your seat.  Enjoy the speed, the loops, the hills.  You may want  to even raise your hands along the way.

Don't Get Distracted

Recently I was driving to work around 7AM.  I took the familiar route I've used for several years on the commute.  The route is so familiar to me I could possibly drive it blindfolded, more or less.  Yet, this particular morning I took an unexpected detour.  As I was getting close to the hospital, I received a message on my pager, never a good sign.  I was told a patient was about to undergo a routine operation and was missing some paperwork on his medical record.  It wasn't my fault, just somewhere during his preoperative evaluation a form had been omitted.  Hence, the operating room wanted me to submit this paperwork as soon as possible so they could begin the operation.  I told the operating room I was still about 5-10 minutes away from the hospital but would work on the paperwork as soon as I arrived in my office.  Slightly flustered, I hung up the phone and continued to venture towards the parking deck at work.

Then, I was hit with a strange sensation.  Something about the street seemed odd.  As I approached an intersection, I noticed the traffic light was missing or had been altered.  There was a sense I was in the wrong place, maybe in "the twilight zone".  Soon, it dawned on me what was going on....I had turned the wrong way down a one-way street.  Thankfully there was sparse traffic.  Therefore, I quickly turned off the errant road and finished my commute to work, still astonished about my driving miscue.

In this day and age, there are some stories about the dangers of distracted drivers, whether talking on the phone or texting.  In a brief moment, much to my dismay, I succumbed to distraction, thankfully without any harm to myself  or others.

Surely there is a life lesson here.  When going through life, always stay focused and try to keep your eyes on the road.  There is basically not enough time to take side journeys, especially when they may cause potential harm to yourself or those around you.  Don't get caught up in "the twilight zone".  Try to stay in the real world and fulfill all the dreams that God has placed in your heart.