Message from Dr. David Foster

Dr. Foster posted this message on his blog at MySpace:

This is the not the way you want make the news

I hardly know where to start expressing my feelings about the events of the past week, especially the past 2 days. My thoughts are random and hard to organize at this moment. Mainly Im feeling this odd sense of peace as I think about the situation I find myself in today and how I am processing the emotions and experiences. I know many people want to hear something from me, so here are some of the random thoughts filtering through my brain:

I feel overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Paula, the girls and me. People Ive never met expressing their love and understanding. While other Ive known for a long time for the first time shaking my hand, hugging me, and pledging their love and support.

I feel saddened this morning as I read the Tennessean article and saw the picture of my friends on the stage of BCC agreeing with the actions being taken. I love these men, have a long and good history with them and know, without a doubt, that what they did was hard for them. I wish I could still be with them, for I love them and cherish their friendship.

I feel embarrassed to be apart of yet another church conflict story on the news and in the papers. With all my heart I have only wanted to bring honor to Jesus and His church. But when your deepest convictions say, this is what I believe and I cant say or sign anything to the contrary, you stand as best you can without rancor or malice, you just stand.

I feel glad that I did show up and face the hurt, anger, and hard questions people had for me. Up until 4:00 Saturday, I had planned on staying home away from the spectacle I knew this type of thing could devolve into. It was only the relentless demands of my spiritual advisors that I gave in and agreed to drive over to the church. My argument was I do not want to cause hurt to people or the cause of Christ. Their argument was that the Shepherd doesnt abandon the sheep when the going gets hard. I felt people deserved the right to look me in the eye and ask whatever hard question they had. Because in my heart I am their pastor as long as theyll allow me to be. After 16 years, you dont just turn off you feelings for the people you feel called to serve.

I feel grateful for the privilege of the past 16 years. What a ride it has been for me. This past yea, especially the past few days have made me appreciate even more what I think I had started to take for granted. God has called me the preach the gospel of faith, hope, and love. To think that God has used me in any way to bless people and point them to Christ is a great gift.

I feel excited about what is ahead. I have always felt that if I can keep my heart right before God and live as best I can as a follower of Jesus, then God will have plenty for me to do. I do not know exactly what opportunities will present themselves after this, but I am open and will to follow. I love more than ever what Gods has called me to do and I love more than ever this great city. Yea God!

I feel humbled that so many people would feel so strongly about BCC as being their church. This is not a complete revelation to me, but it does feel good to see so many people taking ownership because of their love for their church.

I feel strangely energized and ready for the next leg of the journey. People have said, I know you must be weary. But strangely enough, I feel free. While I am not glad that good men can disagree this markedly, I have glad to have the lid off this situation so the light of day can shine on it. No to expose anyone, but to just air our differences, make a decision and get on with the greater mission at hand.

I am grateful and amazed that after 34 years as a pastor, this is the first public church conflict situation Ive been apart of! Yea God!!

I am comforted to know that my wife of 34 years loves me and my children respect me; at the end of the day what else is there?

I feel at rest in the fact that whatever happens with BCC in the next few weeks in not in my hands and certainly not about me. The issue is now much, much bigger than me. I am so glad to be out of the fray, resting, and awaiting my next assignment and writing everyday.

I also feel that I should warn you that if you write a book called The Power to Prevail, prepared to have your resolve tested. And if you write a book called Accept No Mediocre Life prepare to have to commitment to excellence questioned. And most of all if you write a book called A Renegades Guide To God be prepared for anything, because to dare to live free, have fun, and change the world will make dangerous to the status quo.

Whats next? Let me think about that and I will be back in touch.

Comments

[coach purses]

The best formula for happiness is to be able to develop the ability to tolerate frustration , to have a personal involvement and commitment , and to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.