Dear Dad,
To my Father, Richard Schultz of Pittsburgh, PA and to those who may read this in the future. Greetings of love from Memphis, TN in the summer of the year 2021. It has been a few years since we have been together in person due to world circumstances and the current global pandemic. I sincerely miss being in your presence. Although Facetime with our family was a sweet afternoon of catching up and laughter, I miss your hugs and holding your hand.
Last week, I began studying the book of 1 John with my Moms bible study group. It is a hybrid group; meaning we meet in person and on Zoom, simultaneously. It is a useful solution for people that are quarantining, not comfortable with in-person contact or other life situations. I had hoped to be in person as we had begun to do over the summer but with my quarantine status I was grateful for the Zoom option, just as I was with our Facetime.
We started with an introduction to the book by one of our leaders, Sabrina. She explained that this was a letter written by John (although he did not sign it) and it is believed to be written to believers in Jesus. The fact that it mentions no one by name leads scholars to believe it was a circular letter sent to Christians in many places.
That is what inspired my introduction to this letter to you. I mentioned you specifically in the intro but I also thought about it being passed around. Which in this day and age is a BLOG! And exactly what I use mine for.
Let me back up a minute, the circular idea inspired the intro but the letter itself was inspired by a group icebreaker. We were asked, “if you could receive a letter from any living person, who would that be and why?” Sabrina called on me in “TV land” first. (I’m sure she knows I can be counted on to have an answer. 😉 I am a front row participator type of woman!)
Much to my surprise, when I opened my mouth, sobs came out. I sputtered out, “My Dad”. My heart was still broken from cancelling your trip the day before. I hadn’t yet let tears fall. I wasn’t longing for anything in particular in the letter but only connection. And perhaps connection in our faith walks.
The tears were cleansing and I was blessed to have a safe place to share even if it was on zoom. It still counted. My friend Amber gave me an air hug. And later that evening when I shared with my quarantine buddy, Katie, she gave me a physical hug and an extra squeeze that she said was from Amber! Shoot, that can make me cry again.
So back to class… In Chapter 1, Verse 3 and 4, John says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that we you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”
I prayed about how God wanted me to follow this advice and I felt I should write a letter and share something that I personally have seen and heard. Which is also called a testimony. It’s not hearsay, (I never realized exactly how obvious HearSay is… it’s practically the game of telephone) but instead, it is a 1st hand account.
One of my most powerful stories/ 1st hand accounts is one I have never written about. It involves both of your daughters. We may remember it differently but we were both witnesses.
Amy flew from Denver to Memphis in December 2009. I got us tickets to attend “Living Proof Live with Beth Moore” at the Fedex Forum. I had done a couple Beth Moore bible studies but had not seen her teach live. I knew Amy had seen her in Colorado Springs (I think) with a friend and had a moving experience. Amy and I had discussed our faith and we both had taken steps of believing in Jesus for ourselves in our 30’s. But we hadn’t attended church together since we were kids and we had never done a bible study together or prayed out loud. Often times those things are more awkward with our own family members. It is the same in my relationship with you, Dad. I guess because we all have our own journey and there are more expectations and history in our families of origin. Or we aren’t really sure where others stand.
The event was Friday evening and Saturday morning. Friday night went well. We were early and got handicap parking and seating because Amy was having some issues with doing steps at the time. We sang and we listened. I believe the topic of the weekend was Hearing from God.
Saturday morning we had a harder time getting going and I admit I was a little frustrated with Amy. Sisters have a way of pushing each other’s buttons. We were late and the handicap seating was full. The entrance to handicap seating was on the Club level. So I asked the concierge if the boxes were full and could we go in one of those. She said No and No. I put on my Mama bear voice and pleaded our case. Sisters can also be fierce protectors of one another. A woman was walking back from the restroom and said “We have room in our box. Be my guest.”
It was so awesome. Comfy seats too. (Handicap seating the night before was folding chairs).
We enjoyed the teaching and I remember taking notes. At the end, Beth Moore asked everyone to stand up and hold both hands of the person next to you. Look at them and repeat after her. This was unexpected and awkward for Amy and I. I don’t remember all of what we had to say but I remember giggling when we had to say something about God making Himself as obvious to us as a “common bush on fire”. What?? A common bush? We both thought it was weird and laughed.
When the event was over, we waited a little bit for the crowd to leave. We had originally thought we’d walk around downtown but weren’t up to it. So I drove around a little and went home a different way. We were driving down Union Ave.
(Fun fact: I just learned Union was Elvis’ delivery route and how he found Sun Studios and made his first recording)
When I got to the intersection at UT Medical, I saw flashing lights. I looked to my left and saw a fire truck AND … wait for it …. A common bush on fire!!!
I reached across and pushed Amy to look. I was in shock. I continued to drive home. It was a story we couldn’t help but share!
12 years later and I still remind myself of this story. When I doubt God or His plans or His control, I tell myself “He gave you a common bush on fire!”
So to you Dad or whomever is reading this “circular letter” on my blog (where I often go in circles, sorry-not-sorry), I encourage you to ask God to show himself to you. And share what you have seen and heard with others.
I’d love to get a letter.
Xo, Melissa Schultz Fagan
And because I love photos and wished John had included some in his letter ….
XO, Melissa 