It's been two years ago TODAY since my dad passed away. Wow, how time flies... It's funny how sometimes it feels like ten years ago and other times it feels like just yesterday that him and I were sitting at Starbucks talking about the next innovative way to reach our community for Jesus.
For me personally, these last two years have been two of the suckiest/ best/ bitter/ joyful/ questioning/ God seeking/ grievous/ God-filled/ unifying two years of my life.
What a journey... Through it all I've learned a lot about myself. I'll be honest - good and bad.
And it's amazing how much my life has changed since then. (In a good way I hope...) I've come to the conclusion that there is just no way a person can go through something like that and not be changed.
What's most amazing to me is still hearing story after story of how people's lives have been impacted by through my dad's life. It seems like everywhere I go people make mention or share a story of how they are a better person and so much farther along on their spiritual journey because of him.
And then to see how the story of his life and the journey of personal and ministry transition has impacted pastors and church leaders ALL OVER THE WORLD, just blows my mind! The doors that have opened, the hundreds of emails we have received, etc... have all been such avenues of comfort and celebration for us all.
Tonight we came together as a family and did what it seems like we do best - eat. That's the "Hodge Style" and one heck of a good way to remember and celebrate this man who we all miss so much.
Wish I would've had the opportunity to meet your dad... sounds like he was a great man of faith! I love hearing the stories and seeing the influence that he continues to have in pointing people to Jesus. His legacy continues through you, my friend!
Posted by: Mike Jones | October 12, 2006 at 11:08 PM
I'll never forget how your dad changed my life with both his example and words.
Posted by: Abe | October 12, 2006 at 11:14 PM
Scott, I am encouraged by you and your family. It is SO NEAT how your parents have instilled faith in God in you and your sister. Then to see how you are both doing that with your own children. Ed and I are always strengthened and encouraged by the legacy of FAITH that so many families share. While his family has a legacy of faith, the legacy of faith in my family really begins with me. We are both EXCITED to know that we have created a heritage of FAITH to pass along to David that David will pass along to his kids and so on! God is SO GOOD!
It is so neat that you are able to continue the legacy that your dad began as a pastor in Aurora through the Orchard. It is such an AWESOME testimony of God's goodness, faithfulness, and mercy! Keep on Keeping ON!
All our love to you and the family!
Posted by: Stephanie | October 13, 2006 at 05:35 AM
Scott, in one time meeting you in person, I could tell how much you love your dad and how much he means to you...just reading your post today brings tears to my eyes because I wish I would have had a dad like yours...you have the opportunity to continue to build your life based on the principles he helped to forge in your heart...from my perspective, I am sure he would be proud of what you have done and what you will do!!!
Posted by: Nolan Bobbitt | October 13, 2006 at 08:40 AM
Your dad's story and the Orchards story as a whole is incredible... I will NEVER forget that afternoon I sat with a bunch of friends listening to you share those stories, and the tears that flowed so freely... those were holy moments, I'm convinced of it.
One of the most exciting things is the legacy... you carry your dads legacy... through YOU we saw your dad, and ultimately, God.
Seriously Scott... that afternoon is one of my defining life moments. So celebrate, and remember your dad.... and remember his legacy,
Posted by: emma | October 13, 2006 at 01:38 PM
"When with the ransomed in glory, His face I at last shall see. It will be my joy through the ages, to sing of His love for me. How marvelous, how wonderful and my song shall ever be. How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me" - Charles Gabriel
How exciting it will be to see all the lives changed for and in Christ because of ministry we get to do down here.
Posted by: Joni | October 13, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Scott,
Where are the words? 2 years later and I still see his face and hear the conversations we had. I barely knew your dad and yet he glowed in God's love and glory. He was a warm, loving, caring, kind, concerned for others kind of guy. I do feel honored to have know him even for a short abbreviated time. Words fall short of expressing his impact here in your community and in your life. You are a ripple in the water and are carrying on his love for Christ. Your ripple will carry on further and into places not reached before. Your beautiful children will also carry on the ripple. One single life, in your father, is continuing to have an exponential impact in this world.
I love you Scott! Your my long lost brother! Please pass along a great big hug to your mom for me. Give our love to your family and eat a nice big juicy steak for me will ya? :-)
p.s. don't forget the garlic!
God bless you man!
Ed
Posted by: Ed Gulland | October 13, 2006 at 07:17 PM
Scott, I recall all the events of those days. Only two years ago!? I am so glad that your Dad was my friend. And I'm glad that our friendship began 3 years ago.
Your Dad left a great legacy and you are definitely building on it and taking it even farther. You're Dad would be SO PROUD.
Earl
Posted by: Earl | October 14, 2006 at 12:13 AM
Thinking of you and your family during this time! I always tell people I would rather have had a great father for an abbreviated period of time, than the opposite! Your dad's life was abbreviated, but great! Keep rockin' it for Jesus!
Posted by: Robb | October 14, 2006 at 02:42 PM
Hey scott,
Just wanted to share a story I have shared with others at church except you. So it seems appropriate to share it now.
I realized some time ago that I crossed paths with your father once, long before I started going to the orchard. It was 10 years ago. He came to my house at my Aunts request to pray for my Mom.
At the time she was having some emotional problems.
I wasn't working that day. When I heard the doorbell I ran into my room. Back then I wasn't very religious.I busied myself by watching soap operas.
As I watched I became a little distracted.I remember there was something about the mans voice who was praying for my Mom that caught my attention.I was curious so I cracked the door open. I saw your Dad from the back. He must have sensed I was watching as he turned I closed the door.
I remember thinking I should go out there but the sinner in me won. Yet,that day was when I began to become intrigued by the power of prayer and God. My Mom was really transformed after your Dad prayed for her.
Well years passed,I had Gabe and I happened upon the Orchard. From the first time I walked in I really felt at home. One Sunday while at service your Dad turned and as he continued to preach the image of him through the door popped in my head. This was the man who prayed for my Mom.I was so surprised. All those years ago our paths crossed and at that moment in time He was leading me on my jouney getting to know Christ. Truly amazing huh.
Posted by: edith Zepeda | October 16, 2006 at 12:25 AM
I am so thankful for the two years I had with your dad! We miss him.
Posted by: Kathryn | October 17, 2006 at 09:53 AM
Scott, Doug and I loved your Dad more than we can ever express this side of Glory. I know your Dad is excited to see what's happening at OVCC. He was such a wonderful teacher and such a blessing to our family. I know he's proud of you! God bless you. We love you.
Posted by: Pam | October 22, 2006 at 09:10 PM