This post is dedicated to Brent Campbell.
There’s a certain organization I’m joining and the motto is “Friendship is essential to the soul.” Brent, your friendship—your brotherhood—has meant the world to me.
Brent, I love you more than words can express. We’ve been through so much together and I wish we could run it back. From beating you in Catan (yes, it happened, get over it), to both of us consoling each other while we cried, and everything in between, I love you. For every prayer walk/challenge, I love you. For every fast, I love you. For every late night at Waffle House, I love you. For every single moment we spent together, I love you. As prevalent as you’ve been in my love life the past six years, there’s no one else who could officiate my wedding than you and I’m honored you accepted the offer. For that I love you. Whoever I marry, you helped me become the man she will say yes to doing life with. And for that, thank you. I’m forcing you to be the godfather to at least one of my children as well. You have no choice in the matter.
Do you know how many people you have led into the Kingdom of heaven? No, you don’t because your work’s not done. Do you know how many relationships you’ve helped restore? No, you don’t because the story’s not over. Do you know how many people trust the story of God’s goodness and steadfast love toward them because you were faithful to the story yourself? No, you don’t because this story is to be continued. You’ve been like the woman from Samaria and told everyone you could to come and see a man who can turn your world upside down. You were like the invalid from the pool who can look in the face of the enemy and dare to say His name, “It was Jesus who made me whole.” Like the woman with hemorrhaging for twelve years, you confessed all that you did in front of so many and in front of so many you’ve had your identity solidified in His eyes.
Like Isaiah you told people who did not even know they were thirsty to come to the waters and drink and for those of us who didn’t have money, we could still come and buy and eat. There is abundant life for all. Like John the Baptizer you did not fail to confess that you are not the One, but you showed people the way to Him. Like David you worship Him in song and because of that, so many people are openly singing praises to Him. Like Jeremiah there’s a fire shut up in your bones that makes you take the most audacious risks for the Lord. Brent, you’ve helped so many people see that Scripture is alive and well and it can be lived out. Not only that, but every word written about us is true,. Most importantly, every word that’s written about our Father is even truer. You’ve
I try not to be filled with regret, but writing this post I can’t help it. I apologize for the ways I took you for granted. I apooogzie for the times I didn’t capitalize on the time we could’ve spent together. I apologize for any time that I made you feel like ministry wasn’t worth it, or that it was too much. I’ve said it plenty of times and I’ll say it again— you’re the big brother I never knew I needed. You’ve been a personal reminder to me that trusting God pays off somehow. It may not in the ways we envision, but if we trust, that’s what causes Him to move. I’ve never told you this but in December when I was unofficially diagnosed with this eye condition, my first thought was, “Jesus, I need You,” and my second was “What would Brent do?” I owe a big part in thanks to you for the man I’m becoming, both in ministry and in other areas of my life. I left Ahoskie knowing something about God, but when I came to Charlotte I got to see Him and know Him for myself and you played a big role in that. I wouldn’t trade the last six years of my life for anything or anyone because I got to know you, Brent. Thank you for every chance you took with me, thank you for every time you were there. I hope to one day be a fraction to you what you’ve been to me.
Doing life with you has been a blessing. TJ said it best yesterday, but being discipled by you was rather easy—you just had to say yes. But from following you eventually we weren’t following you any more, but we were following the Teacher from Nazareth. There is no perfect way to navigate through life. No one is a master at the time we are allotted here on earth. But living it with all that we have is good enough. If there is anything I could take away from your ministry and our time together, it’s to always live a life where righteousness is the top priority. Righteousness to me has become how I love God and how I love people. You’ve done exceptionally well at displaying both. A righteous life is a life well lived and there is no greater legacy to leave behind that a life well lived.
I will leave you with this, Brent. Often times we want to watch God work; we love to see miracles, signs, and wonders, but I wholeheartedly believe that the Lord takes a step back and watches His people. He observes all that we do. When He sees His people doing what they are called to do—healing, restoring, reconciling, loving, forgiving, building, being generous, selfless, sacrificial, just. merciful—it puts a smile on His face and laughter in His heart. All these things and more encompass what your ministry has consisted of. I pray that you’ll listen for His laughter over your life. When it’s all said and done, when you see Him face to face, He will surely say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Your story isn’t over. You’re still just beginning and God has so many great things in store for your future. Most importantly, I love you, Brent. And you’re still a bum.
Until we see each other again, continue to stay guided by grace,
Tra
Guided by Grace 