2000 Knee Low

He was strict, happy, troubled at times, insecure about being secure, pretty fun to be around until the day that I stepped into his private world. Troubles at his home mounted and I received a call from the wife and son seeking advice on how to handle the extreme stress.

As always, I was objective knowing that I was only hearing one side of the story. If what they said was true, then counseling would probably be needed and perhaps a time of separation. The safety or security of a minor or another may require time to heal and trust again. Our conversation was confidential and I told no one. Somehow though, Knee Low found out that we had talked in counsel. Things worsened at home and I was added to the “disgruntled list.”

It really got heated. “You need to be aware that he is on his way to you!”

“What? Why is he coming here to church?” I replied.

“He is ticked off and angry that you butted into our lives.”

“But you called me…”

“I know but we have already … anyway he is coming to see you and I fear that he might do something wrong…you have to leave.”

I knew that leaving was the best tactical solution but running away seemed silly. I didn’t want to get beat up – I call it beat up because I already knew I would not fight back. He was a tough, blue collar, very strong guy. This was going to be bad. I thought about leaving a few more times but then he arrived.

I met him in the parking lot and tried to soothe his anger. I knew in my heart through immediate prayer that he was simply horribly embarrassed at his life and trying to shut me up. I did not know if he would hit me or not but I was determined that no matter what he did I would simply tell him, “God and I love you,” and turn the other cheek.

He boiled hotter and hotter and yelled as I listened, letting him get it out and hopefully take a "calm down" stance but he did not calm down. I understand – I am a man and I have gotten outside the curve of control that is fed more and more by regretting that I wasn’t in control until there seemed no way out. Moments before he was going to strike me God intervened in a way that I did not expect. Knee Low left angry and with the last word. I just reiterated love the best I could. It was the first threat of ministry for me. I knew it had little to do with me and I was determined to see God win but he moved away and the family split up.

A year or so later while working at the church alone, I looked up at a noise to see this man standing in the doorway of my office. He sensed my shock and my initial fear of the unknown but quickly addressed both. “It’s okay. I came here today to tell you that I was wrong. I have righted my life with God and I need your forgiveness.” Without hesitation we first shook hands and then hugged. The conversation was short and then he was on his way. God did win.

God reached Knee and God answered my prayers. I made no fanfare of his first acts and held them close. I made no fanfare of his request of forgiveness and held them close. He is one of the few men who have wronged someone, realized it and been man enough to make it right. Certainly it would be better if we wouldn’t wrong people but how great to see it righted.

On top of that, God showed me that he could bring about reconciliation and restoration to His Body – the Church – if we would only believe.