Father's Day with a Legend

I got to spend a couple of hours with a legend yesterday. Funny thing about legendary people... They are right here under our noses but we are so busy with "life" that we give up our opportunities to soak in the essence of what makes them legendary. I'm grateful for the men of God that help me sort through life and leading a church, (Eddie Turner, Chad Rowe ,Scott Wilson, Ronnie Meek, Matt Keller -just to name a few) but I wouldn't be who I am without the influence of the legendary "happy pastor" "the real apostle" Paul Baggett. Cute names aside, He has taught me so much about life and about leading and loving people. It would require a book to really cover even a small part his influence on me but today I want to focus on one thing. He taught (and still is) me to LOVE people. I know that may seem trite or overly simple but if you know any 'people' then you know that they can be awfully hard to love sometimes. (and yes, i definitely realize that I am one of those 'people') It seems so simple but it is so profound that it can change the world. My dad taught me that if people can just see your heart... If they can 'see' the love in you then arguments turn into discussions, hurts turn into healing, and hate is overcome... But only by love. I mean, really loving like Jesus taught. Beyond someone's actions or behavior. Seeing the God-given potential in everyone around you even when they are acting like the 'devil'. I'll wrap us this post with 3 things.

1. When I'm having trouble loving someone.. I remember that someone loved me when I didn't deserve it.
2. When someone hurts you... Let it go. I have found that, usually, people don't intend to hurt you but simply don't know how to communicate their feelings. My dad has always taught me that, as a pastor, never hate those who throw rocks... Because at some point God will place them in your life again to speak into their lives.
3. Last one.... My legendary dad ROCKS! Thanks dad for being the shoulders that I stand on. For teaching me and allowing me to grow into who I am.

By the way... You can see my dad in action (yes, he is still alive and kicking.... Literally) every Sunday morning at our Hendersonville, TN campus at 9am for our Classic Service... Some things never change. Haha. You can find more information by clicking HERE.