Embracing Faith after Losing a Family Member - Linwood Dillard
[00:00:00] Steve Gatena: It's easy to lose hope in this broken world where suffering seems never ending and where life continues to throw unexpected tragedies our way. In such times of strife, it's understandable that we may question God's will, his divine plan and his intentions. God knows we will doubt and question Him. He sees into our hearts and he knows how much we struggle to understand Him and this world.
[00:00:32] God knows how much pain and suffering we endure. It's one of the reasons that He sent His only son Jesus to us. And Jesus suffered mightily on the cross for us. Through His suffering, Jesus showed us what sacrifice looks like. He taught us how to endure, and he taught us about faith. There on the cross, Jesus showed us what faith looks like.
[00:01:05] Faith in God's love, faith in God's mercy and faith in God's divine plan and purpose, for each of us, and our own unique journeys in this world.
[00:01:18] Jesus showed us how to have faith in God, especially when we're called to suffering. In moments of hardship and heartbreak, God asked us to believe in Him, to trust in His ability to hold us up and to have faith that He will lend us His strength and grant us His comfort.
[00:01:44] And most of all, God asks us to have faith in the journey that He's called us to walk.
[00:01:52] This week on Pray.com's Relentless Hope Podcast, Pastor Linwood Dillard teaches us about how to embrace faith, especially in times of tragedy. We learn how Pastor Linwood learned to take faith walks and big, bold faith steps by trusting in God's calling for him to become a pastor and to plant a church when Pastor Linwood was only 22 years old.
[00:02:24] And we also learn how Pastor Linwood suddenly found his faith both tested and strengthened after his 13 year old nephew was killed, and his niece seriously injured after a drunk driver struck them in a head-on collision.
[00:02:43] We hear about how Pastor Linwood believes the mark of a true leader is someone who can be patient and hold onto their faith and believe that God has placed a special calling and purpose on their life, and that where someone is on their journey in this life, that is exactly where God intended them to be. As Pastor Linwood explains, our job as leaders, whether we hold the title and position or not, is to support people as they grow and develop at their own pace. We hear about how Pastor Linwood is trying to leave a legacy of faith and love. Pastor Linwood shares how he strives to love everyone just as Jesus did.
[00:03:32] No matter what someone may have done, no matter how imperfect they are, we can choose to meet them in faith and give them love just like Jesus. Whether we're focused on life, becoming a great leader or leaving an incredible legacy, Pastor Linwood encourages us to become rich in faith and to trust that the best is yet to come.
[00:04:01] God will never abandon us. He's always by our side.
[00:04:06] And while we may not understand why we're called to experience a tragedy or a trauma, God teaches us how to endure. He shows us that He's truly there for us, and that there is a larger and greater purpose to everything that happens in our lives. We can always turn to God for comfort, for strength, and for courage.
[00:04:33] Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.
[00:04:42] A few years ago, Pastor Linwood Dillard would receive a call that his nephew had been in a car accident not too far from home.
[00:04:51] Linwood Dillard: He was riding in the car with my niece, great niece and a boyfriend, uh, on a Saturday night before Sunday. And, uh, we got a call to come out to the accident site. I didn't think too much of it, you know, maybe of some type of fender bender and, uh, we going to go home.
[00:05:10] Uh, when we got out there, I saw, I could see it like it's yesterday or even today. We got out there, there were, um, fire trucks and, uh, emergency response units and police, uh, lights shining everywhere. And they were holding our family back. Wouldn't let us get to the crime, I'm sorry, accident scene. And, uh, then we knew something was very, very, uh, wrong and strange when the helicopter, uh, uh, touched down on the highway or the street where we were.
[00:05:44] And my nephew had to be airlifted to the here in Memphis. My other, uh, niece and great niece and her boyfriend, they were, uh, put in the ambulance. Uh, ultimately, uh, there was a lot of devastation. Almost get kind of emotional now thinking about that moment. But, uh, when we got to the hospital and, uh, we were praying and hoping through the night that God would work a miracle, and the doctors was letting us know how critical my nephew was, uh, in the condition that he was in.
[00:06:24] Steve Gatena: On part one of this three part series, Pastor Linwood Dillard, chairman of the International COGIC Convention, tells us about his upbringing in a family of faith and the struggles that he had to overcome, which helped him become the man that he is today.
[00:06:42] At the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, pastor Dillard leads one of the fastest growing churches in Memphis, Tennessee.
[00:06:55] Linwood Dillard: I was so blessed to be reared and raised in what I considered and yet considered to be a very functional home and cause I was so blessed and, uh, highly favored, uh, to have both parents in the home that loved God, loved each other. Loved their family and was committed to the kingdom of God and committed, uh, to their family.
[00:07:18] Of course, being raised in the mid-South and the city of Memphis, Tennessee, which is known for its uh, barbecue and also, uh, known for its music, Elvis Presley and BB King and the Blues and all of that. Uh, but, uh, greater than that, I think what stands out to me for me being in the mid-South, in the Bible belt of our nation is that, uh, our family was very, very, uh, involved and committed to our faith, committed to the church.
[00:07:50] Uh, and so at an early age, I was exposed to ideals and values, um, based upon the word of God or the Bible, uh, that really shaped, uh, how our family, uh, dynamic, uh, would be and should have been. And so our family was very, very heavily involved in ministry and in church.
[00:08:15] My grandfather actually was the pastor. My grandmother was church mother, first lady. My father was a Deacon Sunday school, uh, superintendent and leader. My mother was choir president, children's ministry leader, and, uh, prayer warrior, all of that. And so, uh, my sisters and I have three sisters. My sisters and I, we had no choice, uh, rather than to go to church and become involved in church.
[00:08:45] Uh, as a matter of fact, uh, we were in a, uh, small church. So, uh, there were limited resources and sometime limited, uh, volunteers that, uh, could participate. And so our family, uh, was very, very much so, uh, involved in almost every aspect of the church in that early age. Uh, we found ourselves. Um, uh, teaching, we found ourselves serving and working in ministry, uh, and really being a blessing to others and, uh, really understanding what it, uh, truly means to sacrifice yourself and your life, uh, for the sake of the kingdom of God and for the sake of others.
[00:09:28] Uh, because we were so, um, uh, and grafted into the work of the ministry, uh, and other levels of the denomination that we were a part of, uh, we just saw what we did as normalcy and it was a normal part of our lives. And so we didn't always understand and know what we was actually missing. Uh, cause we learned to have a love for God, a love for the church, love for serving others.
[00:09:58] And I'm so thankful, uh, for my parents because, uh, they, uh, are and they were at their time. And yet, they yet are the epitome of, of faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, dedication to life and to the kingdom of God and serving out purpose. Uh, and I don't want to make it sound as if all we did was church, even though that was a major part of our lives.
[00:10:28] We actually had, uh, I thought a good balance. We had fun together. We vacationed together from time to time. Uh, my sisters and I, we were given opportunities to participate in other activities with school and at school with, uh, I remember playing basketball. My sister, uh, one of them was a major red one, was in the All West Choir here in Tennessee.
[00:10:53] Had another one that actually played the clarinet.
[00:10:56] Uh, so we, we had normal lives. We were not, uh, rich, uh, we did not have the, the most money. But of course when I was a child growing up, I guess I didn't recognize that we really didn't have, uh, whole lot because our, our parents made sure, uh, that we had the best kind of life.
[00:11:19] Our birthdays were celebrated, holidays were celebrated. And uh, when I look back on it, uh, I'm just thankful to God even more of how blessed we were. Again, we were not just wealthy or rich, but we were so blessed and, uh, content.
[00:11:40] But, uh, I believe the most pivotal moment in my life came at the age of 15, uh, after years of, uh, of hearing prophecies and people speaking over my life saying that you're going to minister, you're going to be a preacher.
[00:11:54] And even had a desire, uh, as a kid to be a minister and preacher, considering my grandfather was a pastor and involved, and, uh, a lot of my friends around me, uh, of my age and a little older, uh, they began to enter the ministry. And it seemed like God was dealing with all of us around the same time. And I'll never forget, uh, after, uh, weeks and probably months of just, uh, praying and I was so serious about God and studying the word at 15 years old. Uh, and when I look back on it, it was so amazing. It had to be God.
[00:12:32] Um, and God began to deal with me in dreams and visions. And there was just something in my spirit, uh, that I knew that it was time for me to acknowledge and accept, uh, the call of God on my life as a young minister.
[00:12:48] And I remember one Saturday night, uh, the Holy Spirit, uh, came in my room, which was next to the kitchen, um, where my mother was that Sunday morning cooking breakfast.
[00:13:00] But the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. I felt tangible, uh, presence of God, and God just began to reveal to me that, uh, you're not too young and it's time for you to step out. Uh, and, uh, it was almost, if it was so real that I could touch it, I could feel it, I could sense it, and a, a referential fear came over me.
[00:13:23] And I came out of my room that Sunday morning before we went to church and told my mom that, uh, God had called me to the ministry. And, uh, that was so pivotal because, um, uh, I understood that ministry was nothing to play with, and, you don't play with people's lives and definitely don't play with God.
[00:13:43] And so I understood from that point on, I was, uh, locked in. I was like, Paul says, a prisoner for Christ. And so who I am now, uh, points back to, uh, that moment where, uh, I acknowledged and accepted my call, uh, to the ministry.
[00:14:02] I believe after 17 years of, of pastoring, uh, 25 years of preaching, uh, went to college, got a degree in engineering, worked in engineering, uh, ultimately for Shelby County government, uh, as a staff engineer, and then as a project manager.
[00:14:23] And, uh, then also planting a church, serving our denomination as a national youth leader. And its national AIM Convention. Uh, some of the things that, uh, I think, uh, if not one thing, uh, which is most significant that have changed, um, the way I approach life approach ministry is one day the Lord spoke to me and said, I want you to see people as I see them and not as you see them.
[00:14:56] I want you to treat people as I see them and not as you see them. I need you to handle people, uh, as I see them and not as you normally would. And when the spirit of God spoke to me at that level, uh, because everything that we do, I believe centers around how we treat people, how we engage with people, especially in ministry and leadership, and being patient with people, being long suffering.
[00:15:24] The word of God talks a lot about relationships, interpersonal relationships about resolving conflict. And sometimes we can become so inward focused and self-focused until we don't give people an opportunity to grow and develop, and, uh, not knowing how to manage personalities, manage differences in people, people that are different from you, people that had a different upbringing, and how God is so patient with all of us, and how God is so long suffering with all of us.
[00:16:00] Uh, it is, it, it, it is something, uh, when you get to that place that you understand that God has called you to a place of leadership where you don't have your own agenda and that you must, uh, uh, implore those ideals and values, uh, based upon the word of God and the very nature of God.
[00:16:24] And so I had to, uh, take a step back and take an introspective look and put myself in a place of humility. Uh, not that I was not loving people or not being patient with people, but even more so considering my own self and, uh, giving people opportunity and to grow and develop and sewing into them and pouring into them and loving people for who they are and where they are.
[00:16:52] I believe that, uh, that has most improved my life. I, I saw our church and our ministry, uh, take off in a different light. I saw the various, uh, committees and business ventures and leadership opportunities that I've had, uh, take on a different form because of me. Many times, people, uh, may shift to blame. Uh, but a lot of times we take an introspective look and, and, and then through the filter and through the eyes of God, view life, view people. And when you do that, you will handle life and people in a very, very different way.
[00:17:32] I think the most difficult, uh, thing that ever happened to me, uh, was a few years ago, uh, when my nephew was killed by a drunk driver. He was riding in the car with my niece, great niece and a boyfriend, uh, on a Saturday night before Sunday.
[00:17:51] And, uh, we got a call to come out to the accident site. I didn't think too much of it, you know, maybe of some type of fender bender and, uh, we going to go home. Uh, when we got out there, I saw, I can see it like it's yesterday or even today. We got out there, there were, um, fire trucks and, uh, emergency response units and police, uh, lights shining everywhere.
[00:18:17] And they were holding our family back, wouldn't let us get to the crimes, our accident scene. And, uh, then we knew something was very, very, um, wrong and strange when a helicopter, uh, uh, touched down on the highway or the street where we were. And my nephew had to be airlifted to the here in Memphis.
[00:18:41] My other, uh, niece and great niece and her boyfriend, they were, uh, put in ambulance. Uh, ultimately, uh, there was a lot of devastation. Almost get kind of emotional now thinking about that moment. But, um, when we got to the hospital and, uh, we were praying and hoping through the night that God work a miracle, and the doctors was letting us know how critical my nephew was, uh, in the condition that he was in.
[00:19:11] And eventually there was nothing else they could do. And so he passed away at the hands of a drunk driver at the age of 13 years old. A young kid that loved God, that, uh, aspired to be a preacher. As a matter of fact, he always told me one day he was, when he grew up, he was gonna take my church, he was gonna pastor and, uh, very outgoing, talented, very, uh, focused young man. And seemed like his life was just seemingly taken away from him. That was my sister's only child. Uh, and what even, uh, kind of makes it even more devastating, he was almost like a son to me. Uh, he and my son played together all the time, almost every weekend they were together.
[00:19:59] Uh, but something happened, uh, that my son was not actually in that car. Usually they would've been together, but as God would have it, my son was not in the car that night. But when I tell you that was a hard, uh, season, hard time. Here we are, people of faith, people who have prayed others through, people who have seen miracles. We have preached miracle signs of wonders.
[00:20:24] And uh, now my great niece has a lacerated aorta, uh, main valve going to a heart. She has a torn, uh, kidney, broken bones. I mean that was devastating. And my nephew was killed. And this is my sister's only child. Uh, this is family. He was involved in church. I was his pastor and his uncle only pastor of, pastor, my family, I pastor, my mother, father, all my sisters, they were all in the church. So I had to be pastor to them, pastor to our church and the young people that were connected.
[00:21:03] That was the roughest and most difficult point in my life that, uh, I was really tested. The enemy began to deal with me in my mind and my spirit to say that it was all in vain.
[00:21:15] I remember saying, God just take me. You should have taken me instead of him. And oh my goodness, I was thinking about all the things that I preached, the enemy even tried to get me to question what I preached. And how could God allow this to happen to your family? How can he allow this to happen to your sister, your, your parents, your grandparents who have loved God and sold out to God?
[00:21:37] And so I was in a low, dark place of, uh, discouragement and, uh, let down and yet trying to be strong for everybody else. And, uh, thank God for true friends and a loving church, family and counseling. Uh, found myself, uh, surrounded by the love of God through people. And, uh, thank God for the Holy Spirit, uh, body on the inside during the moment, uh, did not bring all together, answer all questions about why God allowed it to happen, but to accept the, uh, sovereignty of God and God allowing that to happen and what God was teaching us through that moment. And yet today there are times thoughts come in our minds, but our faith is stronger.
[00:22:29] Love is stronger than death.
[00:22:31] Faith is stronger than death.
[00:22:32] And we were able to come through that death season and yet, uh, coming through that, uh, but I always tell people that God and time will heal, God and time will bring you through. And, uh, if there was a most difficult and challenging time, I believe that season was.
[00:22:51] It may be a number of things I guess that, that actually, uh, that I could say scares me, but I will just zero in on when God gives me an idea and a, a vision or a dream for something that I don't seemingly have all of the resources for or the backing for, or the, uh, maybe I may not even feel qualified to do it. Uh, but yet, um, being a man of faith, I often find myself, um, fearful of what if. Uh, but when I come to those moments, I pull on two things.
[00:23:35] One, I pull on the word of God that, um, is full of examples of people of faith. Hebrews 11, uh, we called it the Hall of Faith because the right of Hebrews enumerated a number of individuals in scripture that did some amazing exploits for God. And then I also pull on past experiences and begin to think about how I've taken what people will call risk when you walk into what God is calling you to do and pursuing what he's saying to you to do.
[00:24:15] And I find joy and inspiration, uh, from that. And at that point, once I bring the word of God and my past experiences together, I just say, God, this is your idea. You got this and I'm gonna follow suit, uh, with what you have revealed.
[00:24:35] Uh, in my life there, there are so many examples and testimonies of that. Of course, being 15 years old when I started, uh, preaching, but at 23, fresh out of college, newly married, uh, one of the scariest things that I've had to do was when I planted the church so early and I went to any type of orientation and I gone to any type of class.
[00:25:01] Uh, but the inspiration of God and the blessing of my pastor, uh, planted, uh, a ministry with my wife and I and just a handful of people, and I had to endure a lot of, uh, opposition and a lot of, uh, people, uh, talking against and chattering against what I believe God had called and what minute didn't realize, I guess, is that, and so much that they were saying different things about I was too young and I needed to wait and didn't know what I was doing, and, uh, his fam his marriage is going to be torn up. He's moving too fast. He and his wife just got married.
[00:25:43] And so there was, there was scary because some people that, uh, I thought would've supported, did not support. And some of the people I looked up to spoke against it, but all I had was, uh, faith in God and faith in what I believe God was calling me to, uh, at that time in my life.
[00:26:04] I think that, uh, uh, where I am right now in my life that I believe may have been impossible to predict, uh, just 10 years ago, uh, and that, yes, serving as pastor in the city of Memphis, but the opportunity to, uh, serve as the leader coordinated chairman of the Church of God in Christ Summer Convention, which is, uh, one of the top 10, um, African American events that's held and hosted in the nation.
[00:26:37] Uh, being able to lead and, um, coordinate that, uh, particular convention and conference. I never saw that coming just 10 years ago. Never in my wildest dream would I've imagined having the opportunity, uh, to serve and impact thousands of individuals who, uh, would, uh, be exposed to the International Auxiliaries and Ministries convention of the Church of God in Christ.
[00:27:03] Not only that, uh, of course being in ministry, you know what God is saying, you know where God is, is, is saying He's going to take you, but when you see things unfold as they are, you see what God said. But then, uh, the Bible says now to him that it's able to do exceedingly and abundant above all. You can ask the thing according to the power that works in you.
[00:27:25] When you see God do more and above what he showed you, push you in a place of great humility and awe, and it was sobering, uh, to, uh, see all of the dynamics of the local church and also the ministry of literally traveling around the nation and the world preaching and, uh, inspiring people and, uh, empowering people through seminars and symposiums and participating in business ventures and sitting at the table with politicians.
[00:28:00] Uh, I didn't see this 10 years ago. Uh, we were just doing what God called us to do, what we believe we were, uh, um, destined to do, and God continued to open up doors.
[00:28:11] So I think, um, uh, really fulfilling purpose and, um, all the opportunities that, uh, God has given us to exercise our gift and share work, the influence that he's given us for the betterment of our community.
[00:28:30] And, uh, just again, just growing up, uh, in a, in a very graceful atmosphere, doesn't, does not mean that we didn't have challenges or problems as life would present itself to any group of people, especially families. Uh, but our faith is what has kept us over the years have brought us, uh, to where we are. And I'm thankful, uh, for my upbringing.
[00:28:52] Now at times, yes, as, uh, as I mentioned a few moments ago, uh, we were blessed and didn't realize what we were missing out on, but yet there may have been some times, uh, that I wished, uh, that uh, things could be different or wanted more. Uh, but I believe that had to do with, uh, me being a, a child. Uh, Paul says when I was a child, I speak as a child and I thought, uh, as a child.
[00:29:19] Uh, and so, uh, now that I've matured, I'm actually, when I look back on it, I am very, very, thankful, uh, for my upbringing, thankful for all of the teachings, thankful for even all of the corrections, and really getting a good view on life, on the kingdom of God and living out purpose. I would not be who I am and where I am and what I am today, if I am anything at all, were not, uh, for the, the base, the foundation, uh, that was laid in my life by my parents and just by all of those awesome experiences.
[00:30:01] And every step of the way until we got that loan approved, God made ways for us. It could have been a very, very, uh, devastating and damaging, uh, moment for our church, but God gave us favorable contractors and gave us favorable bank and the financing part of it, and it all just flowed. Uh, but it was because we were willing to take a risk and go after what God had said to do at that time.
[00:30:32] Steve Gatena: On part two of this three part series, pastor Dillard talks about conquering failure and how he powered through adversity. In order to advance his life, he surrounds himself with people who are smarter than him and who challenge him on a daily basis. God has given Pastor Dillard a great vision, and now with his powerful preaching style, impactful speaking, and the will of God, his leadership has changed lives.
[00:31:05] Linwood Dillard: I believe that, uh, God teaches us through various experiences and opportunities. I believe, uh, that God allows us to be taught and stretched and empowered, number one, directly through him or through experiences, through other people. And then our personal experiences. And part of our personal experiences are what we consider to be, uh, failures and what I've come to learn and understand, just because you fail at something or at one time, uh, it does not make you a failure, but I believe that, um, error and, um, the need for correction are actually, um, moments of empowerment as moments that would, would, could have be considered as a teachable moment. And so I believe all of the accolades, I believe the commendations, the degrees, the diplomas and certificates are all, uh, a part of our making.
[00:32:15] But also I believe that in the moments that we don't win and the moments that we don't get it right and the moments that we actually failed, they also play a very, very significant role, uh, in our lives. And then also looking at the, uh, failure of others, uh, could teach us what to do and what not to do and how to do and when to do.
[00:32:37] And so when I look back over my life, I can say, Lord, I thank you for everything that, uh, that you've done. I thank you for what you've allowed me to do, good or bad. I thank you for the successes and I thank you Lord for the failures. Uh, the Bible says, for we know all things work together, uh, for the good of them, uh, who love the Lord and those who are called according, uh, to his purpose.
[00:33:06] Uh, if there's anything that, uh, stands out to me, uh, regarding, um, a failure story, uh, maybe when I was in college, of course my undergrad was in Chemical and Environment Engineering. Uh, but the program that I was a part of, you had to take from, uh, uh, each concentration of, of the engineering program. So that means we had to take accountable engineering courses, we had to take electrical engineering courses, industrial engineering courses.
[00:33:39] And my hardest class out of four years, five years really of, uh, undergrad, I, I took, uh, several chemistry courses, physics courses, uh, chemical engineering classes. Uh, but the, uh, hardest course for me was the, um, electrical engineering circuits. And I know some of the electrical engineering, um, majors and, uh, those who working in that field may think it's just like A, B, C, A, B, C.
[00:34:12] But it was a very, very, uh, trying and very difficult time for me. And I remember, uh, I've waited till the last, I think almost that last semester in undergrad before I graduated to take the course. And the class was so hard. And I remember actually making an F on one of the exams. I mean, I just couldn't get it as like I had a mental blocking..
[00:34:40] Uh, there was so much fear that if I failed this, uh, class, I'm not gonna graduate on time or if I ever be able to get outta here. And, uh, I found myself, uh, looking at this thing. I had two options. Either I could just take this F and just say, you know what, after five years, I'm not gonna be able to complete this, this course it's too hard.
[00:35:05] Uh, I could either give up on it all or I could reapply myself. And after five years of being in college, I found that I had to, uh, change some study habits and preparation habits. When I studied electrical engineering. I had to approach it from a different perspective, and I rarely had to have a tutor or, or someone to, uh, help.
[00:35:33] And so I found myself, uh, having to get a tutor and it was just not about all of that. But what I learned from that is humility, uh, and also facing problems and not giving up, and really knowing what you desire and want, uh, out of life and at a particular point in your life. Uh, there are a number of things that I, I look for, uh, for persons that I would consider to be close friends or friends at all.
[00:36:02] Uh, one is their integrity, uh, their character, are they driven, look for people, uh, like to be around people who are self-starters and motivated, um, mature, strong emotionally and mentally balanced and stable. Um, I like to be around people who are smart. I believe, that are smarter than me, that have more than me because it helps me to aspire that it influences me.
[00:36:32] I like to be around people and hang out with people who are where I am trying to get to, um, and, uh, people who challenge me and with ideas and conversation and even sometime beliefs and convictions. Um, and so I don't like to be around yes people, or people who don't have what I have or as much doesn't say that I will not, um, engage or befriend.
[00:37:04] Uh, but I'm very choice in, uh, how I engage. Cause I want to be a better person, wanna be a better husband, a better pastor, better father, the whole nine yards.
[00:37:15] I think that, uh, to create the right kind of environment where motivation, uh, can thrive is to be an example of what, um, I am encouraging others to do and encouraging others to be, and also being transparent about, um, about life, about ministry, about business, uh, just about leadership.
[00:37:45] Sometimes as leaders, we find ourselves, uh, trying to keep certain things away from people cause it will maybe intimidate them or cause 'em to come fearful and walk away. But I believe in being transparent about your own experiences, about your own failures, about your own past, uh, and, uh, really expressing, uh, liberty and freedom.
[00:38:11] So I think the, the, uh, there are a number of things that that should happen though. I would do and actually, uh, implore and create an environment where people are free to be them and, uh, operate and to be celebrated when there is an opportunity to do something that has never been done, when there's an opportunity to see something that has never been seen, especially when it comes from God, you have to bend rules.
[00:38:45] I found out that God many times, Uh, may call us to do things that are illogical or that is against the norm. And a few great things have been birthed out of convenience and comfort. And, and so sometime I believe that there are times that you, you break the rules, uh, so that you can accomplish the goals and the dreams that, uh, that God has placed in your life and in your heart.
[00:39:17] Uh, again, just thinking about my own experience as a younger pastor, when we planted the church at the age of 23, my wife 24 years old, uh, wet behind the ears. We didn't have a whole lot of money. If money at all, we just started, I just started my job as an engineer with Shelby County. My wife was a school teacher. We were newlyweds.
[00:39:42] And so I think the unspoken rule was that you wait till you're a certain age, till you have certain amounts of money, till you have certain kind of people, till you have certain type of training. Uh, but, uh, there was a call of God and the timing that God had, uh, placed in our spirit to step out.
[00:40:02] And there were struggles. There were some challenges along the way. Uh, but as I stand today, I, uh, am thankful that we were obedient to God because, uh, my family would not be blessed as where we are now, our lives, our ministry, our business, our careers would not be where it is now if it were not for obedience and breaking, uh, the rules.
[00:40:29] I, um, during times that, uh, situation seems risky or there's a big opportunity or potential for failure in those times, I really rest on, I know that God has spoken this. I know this is the will of God. And that is important for people to really understand and know, uh, is when God has spoken to them.
[00:40:58] Not, not your flesh. Not, not what somebody else seeded into you, but something that is actually birthed from God in your heart and mind. And when God tells me something, I'm almost like a bulldog. You can't stop me. You can't get it out of my mouth, and you can't get it out of my head. Uh, and so that gives me great courage and inspiration, even if it doesn't make sense, even if it seemed like it is the most crazy idea.
[00:41:34] The fact that God said, do this fact that I'm convinced that this is the right thing to do, really helps, uh, helps me to stand on that. And then I try to share that with those who are serving and working with us so that they too can share in the, the vision and the dream, the objective, the goal, the project or whatever is said before us, uh, letting them know, number one, this is God.
[00:42:07] And then also, uh, find myself, uh, counting, would've counted up the costs and looking at the, uh, potential things that, uh, could challenge the success of what God has said and allow God to give us wisdom on how to overcome this obstacle or this challenge.
[00:42:30] And, Um, yes, we understand that there is a potential for a loss. There's a potential for failure, but we trust God and we trust the process and we do all of our diligence.
[00:42:46] Uh, someone once told me, pray like it all depends on God because it does, but then work like it all depends on you, and it does.
[00:42:56] And so it's about inspiring and putting faith, uh, and hope, um, in those who are called to stand with you.
[00:43:06] But you, yourself, you have to be convinced of it. And I've seen that time and time again in my life, uh, in, in our ministry. I, I remember when we, uh, built our first, uh, sanctuary. We were still a young congregation and, uh, boy, I was so excited about the plans that we had. Uh, and we had really spent all of the money we had raised over the years paying the bills.
[00:43:34] And, uh, we were at the crossroad and the Lord had, uh, spoken to me and said, I want you to start building the church now. And this was pre, um, I guess you say confirmation approval of the bank and didn't have any finances secured. But I had contractors lined up, has them working, and didn't know how I was going to pay them.
[00:43:59] And the church, uh, at that time, the persons that, uh, were with us had faith in God and then they had faith in our leadership. Uh, but I had to obey God. And every step of the way until we got that loan approved, God made ways for us. It could have been a very, very, uh, devastating and damaging, uh, moment for our church.
[00:44:23] But God gave us favorable contractors. It gave us favorable bank and the finance and part of it, and it all just flowed. Uh, but it was cause we were willing to take a risk and go after what God had said to do at that time.
[00:44:38] Uh, when I get in moments in my life and in my ministry where I just feel overwhelmed or anxious, I, um, I just stop.
[00:44:49] I have to stop and no working, no preaching. Not even praying per se, but just sitting there to rest and to really gain focus back and recall back to my mind and my spirit. First of all, why, why am I doing all of this? Why am I doing this? Why should I do this? And for me, it all has to point back to the calling of God.
[00:45:20] Cause sometimes we can get so busy and, uh, making things happen and getting things done that we forget about our purpose. Our purpose is what should motivate us and drive us. And sometimes we take on more than we should at a certain time or season, uh, I believe because we've gotten off focus. And so we tend to stress ourselves out and get bent outta shape.
[00:45:47] And so I just stop everything, even if it's just taken a day to just breathe and understand that life is going to go on. And if you wanna maintain your place in this life and in this world and your time, then you gotta take your time. Be patient. And so I really take a, a rest and really think through some things, clear my mind, why am I feeling overwhelmed? Why am I feeling anxious?
[00:46:15] And then, um, ask God to give me wisdom on what to do and restore me, uh, physically and emotionally. But resting is very, very much so a major part of that. And then having a hobby, uh, either fishing, uh, sometimes reading, uh, grilling or doing something around the house, uh, really takes my mind off of a lot of things that kind of help me, uh, reset. And then after I come out of that, uh, period, I'm ready to go back at it again.
[00:46:48] The biggest challenge, um, I faced in leading people, uh, was, uh, having patience with people, uh, because, uh, everybody is not the same. Everyone have a different value system. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. Uh, when you're dealing with people who are adults and matured, they have been doing things a certain way.
[00:47:18] Um, yeah, different attitudes. And so when they come in context under your leadership, there's a lot of, uh, experiences. There are a lot of experiences and a lot of exposures that they've had. And you have to figure out how does that fit into where you are? And sometimes you see conflicts arising among them.
[00:47:43] And then, and then, then what do you do when there's conflict toward you as the leader, uh, but I think I, I sum it all up in saying having patience was, uh, so, uh, important to realize that none of us are perfect. Uh, all of us are different, but the difference is that, uh, on the team is what makes the team so powerful.
[00:48:10] And so, uh, being patient enough to really be able to identify where a person is and why they are, how they are, and then how can I, um, uh, pour into and influence and, uh, bring their energy or channel the energy in the right direction and help individuals overcome whatever shortcomings or insecurities or deficiencies they may feel they have or instability.
[00:48:42] Some people, uh, they are competent, but lack character. And so, uh, imploring patience with this person get the job done. But can you really trust them? Can you move them from a place where they lack character to a place of character that takes time? Or if a person has character, but lack the level of competence that you need at that moment.
[00:49:07] Uh, but you can trust them. And so having patience, being able to, um, help that person grow and develop and be trained in a certain area of competence that God may have called them to.
[00:49:22] Being patient like Jesus was patient with his de disciples. On one occasion, uh, James and John came to Jesus asking him, uh, can we sit next to you when you come into your kingdom, one on the left and one on the right.
[00:49:37] Uh, but when you read that text and that story, Jesus never rebukes them, uh, for, um, aspiring in essence to be great or having greatness. But he channels their motivation to say, hey, it's all right to be great, but I want to teach you how to be great. And he, that is among who he is the greatest among, you'll be the chief servant or be the servant of all.
[00:50:03] And that took patience. And so I think that, uh, that was one of the things that, uh, was most difficult for me to develop in. And I believe God allowed certain situations to happen through people and the other circumstances in my life to teach me patience. As simple as I do a lot of traveling and going to, uh, airports and at times the lines along.
[00:50:27] And then when the lines get long, you go in, your flight is delayed, then something gets canceled. Here used to be a time I used to get all fretful and all bent out shape and upset and be fussing at the, uh, gate agents and fussing at the people on the phone until one day I recognize that, uh, fussing and getting all upset is not changing anything, uh, but there are certain things that you just have to let happen in time.
[00:50:54] Uh, I believe that uh, in order for, uh, healthy community, uh, to be cultivated, there must be a synergy among team and individuals who are connected. Uh, number one, that is based upon genuine love, long suffering, understanding, uh, conflict resolution, uh, must be in place, patience with one another.
[00:51:22] Uh, becoming a, a true team player, uh, and all hands on deck and everyone, uh, believing and knowing that if, uh, they do not do their part, then the entire community is impacted in an adverse way. Uh, many times, uh, people, uh, participate in communities and teams and churches and business ventures, but don't, they're not all in.
[00:51:53] But I believe that we have to be all in and, uh, all in to the extent that all of us win. There are no big eyes on voting views. There is no, no discrimination. Uh, there, there's no classism of individuals, but everyone is viewed as significant and important and valued. And, uh, they're well, well respected.
[00:52:17] Sometimes some of my other leaders and maybe sometimes peers around me would be like, pastor, why are you doing, why don't you do this? You should do this. You should, you should do that. But the Bible said, all souls of mine. And when I started looking at people as best I could, how God would look at them, respond to people, how I believe that Jesus Christ will respond to people, I saw a difference in myself and I saw a difference in the people around me.
[00:52:46] And so I think that, um, uh, looking at people and life through God's eyes will make a world of difference, for his ways are not our ways for his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
[00:53:07] Steve Gatena: On part three of this three part series, Pastor Dillard explains about the importance of loving your neighbor and living with a positive mindset. It encourages and empowers him to push people towards productivity. His purpose is to help people change for the greater good, become a part of the community, and maximize the potential God has given on to them.
[00:53:36] Linwood Dillard: If I had the power to solve one problem in this world, I believe it would be the problem of hatred and division and discord, um, because I believe that, uh, the Bible is right, that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves and the source of a lot of warfare, the source of a lot of contention.
[00:54:03] Racism, classism, sexism, uh, is all based upon the lack of love, uh, the, the hatred and the division that we see, uh, has, uh, torn homes or thunder has, uh, torn so many things apart. As a matter of fact, when I think about the 10 Commandments, the 10 Commandments, uh, deal more with our relationship with others than directly to God himself, although we honor God through our relationship with others. But when you look at the first four Commandments, they deal directly, uh, with our relationship with God. Thou shall not have any other gods before me. Thou should not make unto the, uh, any engraving image. Thou shall not take the Lord name in vain. Remember the sample day to keep it holy.
[00:54:57] But then the remaining six of the 10 Commandments had to do more with how we engage, uh, with one another and how we should respect one another under your father and your mother. Thou should not kill, thou should not commit adultery. Thou should not steal. Thou should not bear false witness against your neighbor. Thou shall not covet.
[00:55:19] These things have to do with, uh, relationship with people. And I believe that the enemy's greatest, uh, tactic and scheme, as has been said, is to divide and conquer. But if we can get the love of God in our hearts, the love of God in our world, that we are patient and gentle, meek, and, uh, honor and respect each other, how much more feasible would our lives be our world be?
[00:55:50] And I would force far to say that even though it may seem to be unrealistic, that uh, we will see ever where everybody has genuine love of one another. We can change this world in people's lives one person at a time. Uh, there's a song we used to sing, oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me. Uh, some people would think that that song is selfish.
[00:56:19] In other words, that I can only love Jesus if he loves me first. But the reality is that love is reflective. The love that you can give and receive is based upon the love that you have been exposed to and shown. Uh, and so the reality is, some people can't love. Some people don't have the capacity because they've never probably seen it or experienced it, but, uh, I'm on a quest and I believe that as many people they can, should get on a quest to show love, share love with as many people as we can, and we can make a difference in our lives and in this world.
[00:57:02] Can you imagine the wars that could be avoided, the divorces that could be avoided? Can you imagine the disputes and legal cases that can be avoided? How many people, uh, would not be in jail if there was love. We can eradicate hate, and the only thing that can drive out hate is love.
[00:57:24] I hate to sound, uh, as if, you know, my only focus is just ministry and church, uh, but I believe any cause, uh, that causes people to be changed, people to be changed for the better, uh, or to recognize the potential that they have and pursue it and then accomplish it. Uh, it resonates with me the most. And, and church and ministry should be about that. Not withstanding that there are other entities and organizations, organizations and communities, uh, that have that goal and purpose.
[00:58:05] But I am so intrigued and, uh, excited when I see people lives change and can be a part of that. Yes, uh, becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. But also I love seeing and helping people overcome addiction. Seeing people, uh, overcome challenges of their past, whether it be, uh, financially or just a family dynamic that was dysfunctional and they had all the odds against them that said that they could not do it.
[00:58:37] Uh, but to see them matriculate in spite of to succeed in spite of is really what, uh, resonates in my heart and in my mind to see a drug addict, uh, sobered up to see a marriage that was on the rocks and in shambles being brought back together again. It, it, it empowers me and encourages me, uh, when I see somebody uh, that all, all they had was potential, an idea, a dream, but, but they were connected to a community, a, a faith, a church, an organization that pushed them, uh, to a, uh, place of productivity effectiveness, and maximizing the potential that God had given unto them.
[00:59:31] Uh, the Bible says if your brother or sister be overtaken in the fault you which are spiritual, restore such a want in the spirit of meekness.
[00:59:40] But the most important part for me of that scripture is considering your own self. I think that if we approach life, uh, and approach the things that we are responsible for, from the perspective as we deal and interact with people, uh, from the vantage point of considering your own self, that it could have been me and not being at a place or seat of judgment or indifference or insensitivity because anything could happen to any of us at any moment, at any time, no matter how much money you have, no matter how many resources you have, no matter where you come from.
[01:00:29] Uh, life presents its own set of challenges, uh, that we could all be in, um, a state or a place that we never imagine. And so when, um, engaging and interacting with people who are experiencing challenges, my heart goes out genuinely because number one, I consider my own self when I see someone else experiencing a challenge with their child on, um, just a few days ago in Branson, Missouri, uh, there were 17 people that were killed on a, uh, duck boat ride on the tour boat, many of them on vacation.
[01:01:08] And I could almost hardly stand to read or watch anything regarding this story. Cause I thought about that could have been me, uh, putting myself in the shoes of those family. How does it feel? What, uh, not just those that survive, but those that were deceased of what, what were they feeling or thinking in those moments where the boat was sinking?
[01:01:35] Uh, and my heart goes out to say they could have been me. They could have been my wife, they could have been my children. That could have been my grandparents, that could have been my uncle. And, and so, uh, when you see that your actions. Uh, somewhat changes, uh, in that you serve and you help and you work from your heart and, and not just from your head or, or, uh, just doing something just to be doing it.
[01:02:03] But I believe that it is quite important that we, uh, engage and interact, uh, from the, uh, spirit and and perspective of it could have been me.
[01:02:15] We believe that the church has been called to impact the world. Jesus says, go into all of the world. Uh, and so we believe that, uh, our world, if you will, uh, has to do with the community and the reach and of our influence and the Citadel delivers.
[01:02:35] I'm so thankful over the years have been so committed, not just to, uh, being inward looking, uh, which yes is important that there's in-reach. Uh, but even more so, uh, remain, um, on, on point with this outreach efforts and impacting people who some may not ever step foot inside of the churches four walls.
[01:03:01] And so our motivation and our drive is not to get everybody that we blessed and impact, uh, to stepping foot in our church, but we can go out and we can impact and make lives better and significant through our nursing home ministries. Uh, prison ministries. We participated in transitional, uh, housing for battered and abused women. Uh, we've, uh, uh, adopted a couple of schools and, uh, shared empowerment to the young people there. We give away school supplies, give away food baskets to needed families, offering free haircuts. We've, uh, do counseling. We've had financial literacy workshops. Uh, marriage workshops and symposiums. Uh, uh, also, uh, various, uh, uh, times that we talk about crime prevention and offering those kinds of opportunities.
[01:03:58] And, uh, so, uh, I'm, I'm excited to know that our churches, uh, not just inward looking, many times the church can become so focused on managing, maintaining buildings and programs and, uh, "ministries" that we lose focus and sight on there's an outside world that is waiting on our influence and our impact.
[01:04:23] I believe that, uh, of course my personal devotional and prayer times is very, very, uh, much so, uh, significant to who I am. There's a time I get a chance to meditate and study and, uh, all of that, uh, but I'm very, very thankful for mentors and men and women. Uh, who have, uh, taken the time to, uh, speak into my life, pour into to me, correct me, uh, and to offer wisdom and counsel, and also just being around greatness and, uh, observing.
[01:05:03] Uh, some people can mentor you at teach you from a distance. Uh, and I'm thankful for so many, uh, people, uh, in, in my life. Uh, I remember a number of things, but in particular, Bishop Gene Patterson, who was, uh, one time the presided bishop of the Church of God in Christ. A major, uh, television pastor and evangelist, uh, who was right here in the city of Memphis.
[01:05:33] So he was like a, uh, preaching hero, uh, uh, to me. And, uh, I watched him for a number of years and, and he's probably one of the most, uh, influential influences in my life as it relates to a preacher and, uh, a leader. Uh, uh, but I remember once when, uh, he called for me to preach in one of our major complications in Church of God, in Christ.
[01:06:01] And he said that the Lord had dropped me in his spirit, and he characterized and described our ministry in such an exciting way, and even his wife began to express that, for me, that was a major, uh, moment for me. Cause it revealed that you don't have to be from a certain family or have a certain status for God to be able to bring you into a place that he can use you in a major, major way.
[01:06:30] And so when Bishop Patterson gave us an opportunity and express this sentiment and you hear that from a childhood hero, uh, it really does something to you. It was not, uh, necessarily a moment where I was just felt I was all of that. But it was humbling, uh, to think that God would allow me to be impacted and embraced, uh, by the life of this great man, uh, that I believe set me on a trajectory and a pathway or journey, uh, to even greater levels of ministry and success.
[01:07:05] Um, I think that, uh, one of the, uh, most significant times that. I, uh, probably was deeply moved by our church, and particularly it was the brothers, the men of our church, uh, that had come together. All of the ministerial staff, the lay brothers, uh, came together, uh, to talk about, uh, the vision that God had given us in, uh, moving from one church building facility to another, uh, to accommodate the vision, uh, that God had given us to expand the ministry, to make a wider and greater impact on our community, uh, without me knowing or having to ask of them to do so.
[01:07:51] The brothers came together, uh, to talk about the need and the necessary things, uh, of this community, community and how the church transitioning from one building to another, accommodates that and the responsibility that. They had as men and they began to organize and make commitments of giving and sewing and contributing to the effort and the vision.
[01:08:19] And, uh, what that did for me was not exciting just because they were talking about giving money, but what was so exciting for me and what moved me so is to, uh, when I got the report of how they discussed the, um, the passion for, for why the, the drive and the motivation, uh, for doing something great is not just cause we want a bigger church building, but, uh, they understood.
[01:08:53] What the capacity would do for us in reaching more people, offering more ministry programs, offering more outreach, uh, community-based and focused, uh, programming and ministries. Uh, when I heard that my heart was just so deeply moving, I was thankful to God that, uh, the division is not just the pastor's vision, but now it's a shared vision that will cause our church to go from just a surviving church to a thriving church.
[01:09:24] Years ago in, in my ministry, as I was praying and asking God to work on me. And I want to be a better pastor, better husband, a better father, a better person in general. Uh, the Lord spoke to me and said, I want you to see people how I see them. I want you to treat people, how I would treat them, handle people, how I would handle them, because it is easy being, um, carnal and in our flesh and human perspective to engage in life and people through our eyes.
[01:10:00] And, um, God challenged me and that really resonated with me in becoming more patient. Becoming more understanding and gentle and meek, uh, through the eyes of God. And as we saw an example of Jesus Christ. And when I began to look at, uh, the world and look at, uh, people that I was called to as a pastor and as a leader, it changed how I engaged with them.
[01:10:31] It changed how patient I was with them. It changed how, uh, understanding, uh, I became with them. And sometimes some of my other leaders and maybe sometimes peers around me would be like, pastor, why are you doing, why don't you do this? You should do this. You should, you should do that. But the Bible said, all souls are mine.
[01:10:52] And when I started looking at people as best I could, how God would look at them, respond to people, how I believe that Jesus Christ would respond to people. I saw a difference in myself and I saw a difference in the people around me. And so I think that, um, uh, looking at people and life through God's eyes will make a world of difference.
[01:11:19] For his ways are not our ways, for his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. If I could go back and be less critical of anything, I think that I would be less critical of, of life circumstances and certain seasons. Uh, sometimes God is in something, but because it is not what we believe, uh, that God would allow us to experience or we don't even believe at all that, uh, that this has anything to do with where we are going, we kind of despise it and, uh, we frown on it. I remember, um, growing, uh, in ministry and growing my family all at the same time. Uh, there was some very, very, uh, difficult days and some difficult times and, uh, had to make decisions sometimes whether I'm gonna pay the church mortgage, I'm gonna pay my personal mortgage, cause we didn't have many people at the time, and, and so resources and finances were very, very limited.
[01:12:37] And I remember, um, being aggravated and agitated, I guess is the best word, until I became agitated with the people and became so, um, could have been a little bit overbearing and challenging their faith in the right perspective with the right spirit and attitude.
[01:12:58] And I had to check myself and check my attitude, uh, not to criticize people for where they are and their life circumstances, but sometimes God allows us to go through certain seasons and certain things, uh, I believe to challenge us, number one, and to prepare us, uh, for where he would take us. And so, uh, I don't think I would be so critical of the kind of car I drove in the kind of things that I possess, uh, but looking at them all as a part of the process and the journey that God has for us.
[01:13:40] I wish I had known younger that great things take time to come into fruition. Uh, as a young man, uh, I think many people at the early age wants everything quick, fast and in a hurry. And so we tend to make decisions and do things that we feel is going to give us the, the quickest and, and the quickest turnaround on certain things.
[01:14:12] And so we make decisions. We, um, do things, uh, based upon how fast what we are looking for can manifest. And so some relationships probably I would not have engaged in, some deals I probably would not have made, some places I would not have gone. Uh, and so I think that, uh, being patient and understanding timing, especially at the time of God, It's so very, very important, uh, in our lives.
[01:14:47] There was a man that, um, was planting an apple tree and he was about 95, 96 years old. And some people came around asking him, uh, Hey man, you, you, 95 years old, you planting this apple tree and uh, one day you going to die, uh, before these, this tree grows and you be able to reap the benefits of some of the apples that's going to come from this tree.
[01:15:17] And the man responded to them and said, Hey, I'm not building this for myself. I'm building for those that will enjoy the apples that come from this tree. And I've come to realization that, uh, that's really what life is all about, uh, creating opportunities and doing things, setting things up, not necessarily for myself, but for uh, others.
[01:15:41] Uh, I believe, uh, the ministry is that, uh, God has blessed us to, uh, establish and things you've allowed us to do, uh, in as much as it's impacting people now. Uh, but I believe it is going to impact people in the future, uh, through simple things as writing books and blogs and, uh, various things of that nature, and establishing programs, uh, that will outlive and outlast myself, uh, I believe will, uh, be an, uh, impact on future generations.
[01:16:19] I would like to be remembered as a person, number one, that loved God, loved his wife, loved his family and pursued everything that God had called me to do and to be that ultimately impacted people, changed people lives, and, uh, caused people to realize there's hope, there's, uh, light and there's life no matter what situation or what point they're in.
[01:16:53] I want, I want to be remembered as someone who tried his best to help as many people as he possibly could, uh, and, uh, prepare other leaders and individuals to continue to, uh, impact the world, one life at a time. And I think through, um, how I, uh, engage and interact. And care for my wife and children as the priest, the prophet and provider of my home lens to that.
[01:17:29] Uh, my constant drive and motivation, uh, to ensure that we are, uh, continually being creative and innovative, uh, in the ministries that we believe, uh, change lives and make people better, are cutting edge and remain relevant. Um, and also, uh, just living my life, uh, to the extent that someone can emulate it or look to say.
[01:18:02] I want to be like that. I want to do that. I want to be able to, uh, change lives. I want to be able to bear good news. I want to be able to give people hope and inspiration. And, uh, so I try to maintain a life of integrity and character and a life, uh, that is not self-serving, but self-sacrificing. And I guess to sum it all up, uh, to say that I would like to be remembered as, uh, a person that was a self-sacrificing leader, self-sacrificing father, a self-sacrificing man.
[01:18:47] Steve Gatena: The trials of our lives will test our faith in God, in His plan and His purpose for us. And that's in part what they're supposed to do. Trials show us the strength of our faith in God, and trials help us grow in faith. When we suffer, God wants us to lean on our faith. He wants us to be like Jesus who endured the cross because He had faith in His Father, and faith in His Father's greater vision and purpose for humanity.
[01:19:26] Faith in God doesn't mean we will understand why something has happened or is happening. And faith in God doesn't mean that bad things will pause or pass us by. Faith in God simply means that we are willing to let go of our doubts and concerns, our struggles and strife, and to trust that God is always watching over us to trust that God always has our best interests at heart, and to trust that God has a plan to provide us and this world with a brighter, more brilliant and more loving future.
[01:20:10] This week on Pray.com's Relentless Hope Podcast, pastor Linwood Dillard taught us about having faith in God. We learned that even as a pastor who preaches love and faith, he could have moments of doubt questioning his abilities and his beliefs. We learned how Pastor Linwood's, 13 year old nephew was killed and his niece severely injured in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, and that this tragic experiece actually strengthened his faith in God.
[01:20:47] As Pastor Linwood taught us, everyone will experience moments that test our faith, but our faith is stronger than any trauma, tragedy, or even death. And that God and time will heal all things, and it's through our tragedies and our faith that we can draw closer to God.
[01:21:10] We also learned some of the traits that Pastor Linwood looks for in great leaders like being faithful, having commitment and discipline, a strong character and integrity. And Pastor Linwood encouraged us to be big enough leaders to let someone else be big too.
[01:21:30] And we learned how Pastor Linwood is working to leave a legacy of both faith and love. As a man of God pastor Linwood said, if there is one clear message that Jesus would have us share and spread beyond the gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ, it's that we need to love each other here on earth. Pastor Linwood explained that we can't just look towards heaven because we can't go to heaven without really having loved each other here.
[01:22:05] Pastor Linwood encouraged us to be like Jesus, to accept and love everyone because Jesus never turned anyone away. And to have faith and remember that God put a special calling and purpose inside everyone's heart. Every day God calls us to see ourselves, to see each other, and to see this world for what it can become.
[01:22:33] He asks us to look beyond the brokenness, to see the world he sees and to believe in the world he is creating for us. He asks us to lay down our fears and our doubts to have faith in him, faith in his plan, and faith in the purpose and calling that he has placed within each of our hearts.
[01:22:59] Faith is unseen but felt. Faith is strength when we feel we have none. Faith is hope when all seems lost.
[01:23:12] If you've been inspired by today's podcast, be sure to share it with someone you love. You never know the impact that you can have on someone's life when you just give hope a voice. My name's Steve Gatena and I'm the host of the Relentless Hope Podcast.
[01:23:34] I hope you have a great day.
Embracing Faith after Losing a Family Member - Linwood Dillard
[00:00:00] Steve Gatena: It's easy to lose hope in this broken world where suffering seems never ending and where life continues to throw unexpected tragedies our way. In such times of strife, it's understandable that we may question God's will, his divine plan and his intentions. God knows we will doubt and question Him. He sees into our hearts and he knows how much we struggle to understand Him and this world.
[00:00:32] God knows how much pain and suffering we endure. It's one of the reasons that He sent His only son Jesus to us. And Jesus suffered mightily on the cross for us. Through His suffering, Jesus showed us what sacrifice looks like. He taught us how to endure, and he taught us about faith. There on the cross, Jesus showed us what faith looks like.
[00:01:05] Faith in God's love, faith in God's mercy and faith in God's divine plan and purpose, for each of us, and our own unique journeys in this world.
[00:01:18] Jesus showed us how to have faith in God, especially when we're called to suffering. In moments of hardship and heartbreak, God asked us to believe in Him, to trust in His ability to hold us up and to have faith that He will lend us His strength and grant us His comfort.
[00:01:44] And most of all, God asks us to have faith in the journey that He's called us to walk.
[00:01:52] This week on Pray.com's Relentless Hope Podcast, Pastor Linwood Dillard teaches us about how to embrace faith, especially in times of tragedy. We learn how Pastor Linwood learned to take faith walks and big, bold faith steps by trusting in God's calling for him to become a pastor and to plant a church when Pastor Linwood was only 22 years old.
[00:02:24] And we also learn how Pastor Linwood suddenly found his faith both tested and strengthened after his 13 year old nephew was killed, and his niece seriously injured after a drunk driver struck them in a head-on collision.
[00:02:43] We hear about how Pastor Linwood believes the mark of a true leader is someone who can be patient and hold onto their faith and believe that God has placed a special calling and purpose on their life, and that where someone is on their journey in this life, that is exactly where God intended them to be. As Pastor Linwood explains, our job as leaders, whether we hold the title and position or not, is to support people as they grow and develop at their own pace. We hear about how Pastor Linwood is trying to leave a legacy of faith and love. Pastor Linwood shares how he strives to love everyone just as Jesus did.
[00:03:32] No matter what someone may have done, no matter how imperfect they are, we can choose to meet them in faith and give them love just like Jesus. Whether we're focused on life, becoming a great leader or leaving an incredible legacy, Pastor Linwood encourages us to become rich in faith and to trust that the best is yet to come.
[00:04:01] God will never abandon us. He's always by our side.
[00:04:06] And while we may not understand why we're called to experience a tragedy or a trauma, God teaches us how to endure. He shows us that He's truly there for us, and that there is a larger and greater purpose to everything that happens in our lives. We can always turn to God for comfort, for strength, and for courage.
[00:04:33] Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.
[00:04:42] A few years ago, Pastor Linwood Dillard would receive a call that his nephew had been in a car accident not too far from home.
[00:04:51] Linwood Dillard: He was riding in the car with my niece, great niece and a boyfriend, uh, on a Saturday night before Sunday. And, uh, we got a call to come out to the accident site. I didn't think too much of it, you know, maybe of some type of fender bender and, uh, we going to go home.
[00:05:10] Uh, when we got out there, I saw, I could see it like it's yesterday or even today. We got out there, there were, um, fire trucks and, uh, emergency response units and police, uh, lights shining everywhere. And they were holding our family back. Wouldn't let us get to the crime, I'm sorry, accident scene. And, uh, then we knew something was very, very, uh, wrong and strange when the helicopter, uh, uh, touched down on the highway or the street where we were.
[00:05:44] And my nephew had to be airlifted to the here in Memphis. My other, uh, niece and great niece and her boyfriend, they were, uh, put in the ambulance. Uh, ultimately, uh, there was a lot of devastation. Almost get kind of emotional now thinking about that moment. But, uh, when we got to the hospital and, uh, we were praying and hoping through the night that God would work a miracle, and the doctors was letting us know how critical my nephew was, uh, in the condition that he was in.
[00:06:24] Steve Gatena: On part one of this three part series, Pastor Linwood Dillard, chairman of the International COGIC Convention, tells us about his upbringing in a family of faith and the struggles that he had to overcome, which helped him become the man that he is today.
[00:06:42] At the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, pastor Dillard leads one of the fastest growing churches in Memphis, Tennessee.
[00:06:55] Linwood Dillard: I was so blessed to be reared and raised in what I considered and yet considered to be a very functional home and cause I was so blessed and, uh, highly favored, uh, to have both parents in the home that loved God, loved each other. Loved their family and was committed to the kingdom of God and committed, uh, to their family.
[00:07:18] Of course, being raised in the mid-South and the city of Memphis, Tennessee, which is known for its uh, barbecue and also, uh, known for its music, Elvis Presley and BB King and the Blues and all of that. Uh, but, uh, greater than that, I think what stands out to me for me being in the mid-South, in the Bible belt of our nation is that, uh, our family was very, very, uh, involved and committed to our faith, committed to the church.
[00:07:50] Uh, and so at an early age, I was exposed to ideals and values, um, based upon the word of God or the Bible, uh, that really shaped, uh, how our family, uh, dynamic, uh, would be and should have been. And so our family was very, very heavily involved in ministry and in church.
[00:08:15] My grandfather actually was the pastor. My grandmother was church mother, first lady. My father was a Deacon Sunday school, uh, superintendent and leader. My mother was choir president, children's ministry leader, and, uh, prayer warrior, all of that. And so, uh, my sisters and I have three sisters. My sisters and I, we had no choice, uh, rather than to go to church and become involved in church.
[00:08:45] Uh, as a matter of fact, uh, we were in a, uh, small church. So, uh, there were limited resources and sometime limited, uh, volunteers that, uh, could participate. And so our family, uh, was very, very much so, uh, involved in almost every aspect of the church in that early age. Uh, we found ourselves. Um, uh, teaching, we found ourselves serving and working in ministry, uh, and really being a blessing to others and, uh, really understanding what it, uh, truly means to sacrifice yourself and your life, uh, for the sake of the kingdom of God and for the sake of others.
[00:09:28] Uh, because we were so, um, uh, and grafted into the work of the ministry, uh, and other levels of the denomination that we were a part of, uh, we just saw what we did as normalcy and it was a normal part of our lives. And so we didn't always understand and know what we was actually missing. Uh, cause we learned to have a love for God, a love for the church, love for serving others.
[00:09:58] And I'm so thankful, uh, for my parents because, uh, they, uh, are and they were at their time. And yet, they yet are the epitome of, of faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, dedication to life and to the kingdom of God and serving out purpose. Uh, and I don't want to make it sound as if all we did was church, even though that was a major part of our lives.
[00:10:28] We actually had, uh, I thought a good balance. We had fun together. We vacationed together from time to time. Uh, my sisters and I, we were given opportunities to participate in other activities with school and at school with, uh, I remember playing basketball. My sister, uh, one of them was a major red one, was in the All West Choir here in Tennessee.
[00:10:53] Had another one that actually played the clarinet.
[00:10:56] Uh, so we, we had normal lives. We were not, uh, rich, uh, we did not have the, the most money. But of course when I was a child growing up, I guess I didn't recognize that we really didn't have, uh, whole lot because our, our parents made sure, uh, that we had the best kind of life.
[00:11:19] Our birthdays were celebrated, holidays were celebrated. And uh, when I look back on it, uh, I'm just thankful to God even more of how blessed we were. Again, we were not just wealthy or rich, but we were so blessed and, uh, content.
[00:11:40] But, uh, I believe the most pivotal moment in my life came at the age of 15, uh, after years of, uh, of hearing prophecies and people speaking over my life saying that you're going to minister, you're going to be a preacher.
[00:11:54] And even had a desire, uh, as a kid to be a minister and preacher, considering my grandfather was a pastor and involved, and, uh, a lot of my friends around me, uh, of my age and a little older, uh, they began to enter the ministry. And it seemed like God was dealing with all of us around the same time. And I'll never forget, uh, after, uh, weeks and probably months of just, uh, praying and I was so serious about God and studying the word at 15 years old. Uh, and when I look back on it, it was so amazing. It had to be God.
[00:12:32] Um, and God began to deal with me in dreams and visions. And there was just something in my spirit, uh, that I knew that it was time for me to acknowledge and accept, uh, the call of God on my life as a young minister.
[00:12:48] And I remember one Saturday night, uh, the Holy Spirit, uh, came in my room, which was next to the kitchen, um, where my mother was that Sunday morning cooking breakfast.
[00:13:00] But the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. I felt tangible, uh, presence of God, and God just began to reveal to me that, uh, you're not too young and it's time for you to step out. Uh, and, uh, it was almost, if it was so real that I could touch it, I could feel it, I could sense it, and a, a referential fear came over me.
[00:13:23] And I came out of my room that Sunday morning before we went to church and told my mom that, uh, God had called me to the ministry. And, uh, that was so pivotal because, um, uh, I understood that ministry was nothing to play with, and, you don't play with people's lives and definitely don't play with God.
[00:13:43] And so I understood from that point on, I was, uh, locked in. I was like, Paul says, a prisoner for Christ. And so who I am now, uh, points back to, uh, that moment where, uh, I acknowledged and accepted my call, uh, to the ministry.
[00:14:02] I believe after 17 years of, of pastoring, uh, 25 years of preaching, uh, went to college, got a degree in engineering, worked in engineering, uh, ultimately for Shelby County government, uh, as a staff engineer, and then as a project manager.
[00:14:23] And, uh, then also planting a church, serving our denomination as a national youth leader. And its national AIM Convention. Uh, some of the things that, uh, I think, uh, if not one thing, uh, which is most significant that have changed, um, the way I approach life approach ministry is one day the Lord spoke to me and said, I want you to see people as I see them and not as you see them.
[00:14:56] I want you to treat people as I see them and not as you see them. I need you to handle people, uh, as I see them and not as you normally would. And when the spirit of God spoke to me at that level, uh, because everything that we do, I believe centers around how we treat people, how we engage with people, especially in ministry and leadership, and being patient with people, being long suffering.
[00:15:24] The word of God talks a lot about relationships, interpersonal relationships about resolving conflict. And sometimes we can become so inward focused and self-focused until we don't give people an opportunity to grow and develop, and, uh, not knowing how to manage personalities, manage differences in people, people that are different from you, people that had a different upbringing, and how God is so patient with all of us, and how God is so long suffering with all of us.
[00:16:00] Uh, it is, it, it, it is something, uh, when you get to that place that you understand that God has called you to a place of leadership where you don't have your own agenda and that you must, uh, uh, implore those ideals and values, uh, based upon the word of God and the very nature of God.
[00:16:24] And so I had to, uh, take a step back and take an introspective look and put myself in a place of humility. Uh, not that I was not loving people or not being patient with people, but even more so considering my own self and, uh, giving people opportunity and to grow and develop and sewing into them and pouring into them and loving people for who they are and where they are.
[00:16:52] I believe that, uh, that has most improved my life. I, I saw our church and our ministry, uh, take off in a different light. I saw the various, uh, committees and business ventures and leadership opportunities that I've had, uh, take on a different form because of me. Many times, people, uh, may shift to blame. Uh, but a lot of times we take an introspective look and, and, and then through the filter and through the eyes of God, view life, view people. And when you do that, you will handle life and people in a very, very different way.
[00:17:32] I think the most difficult, uh, thing that ever happened to me, uh, was a few years ago, uh, when my nephew was killed by a drunk driver. He was riding in the car with my niece, great niece and a boyfriend, uh, on a Saturday night before Sunday.
[00:17:51] And, uh, we got a call to come out to the accident site. I didn't think too much of it, you know, maybe of some type of fender bender and, uh, we going to go home. Uh, when we got out there, I saw, I can see it like it's yesterday or even today. We got out there, there were, um, fire trucks and, uh, emergency response units and police, uh, lights shining everywhere.
[00:18:17] And they were holding our family back, wouldn't let us get to the crimes, our accident scene. And, uh, then we knew something was very, very, um, wrong and strange when a helicopter, uh, uh, touched down on the highway or the street where we were. And my nephew had to be airlifted to the here in Memphis.
[00:18:41] My other, uh, niece and great niece and her boyfriend, they were, uh, put in ambulance. Uh, ultimately, uh, there was a lot of devastation. Almost get kind of emotional now thinking about that moment. But, um, when we got to the hospital and, uh, we were praying and hoping through the night that God work a miracle, and the doctors was letting us know how critical my nephew was, uh, in the condition that he was in.
[00:19:11] And eventually there was nothing else they could do. And so he passed away at the hands of a drunk driver at the age of 13 years old. A young kid that loved God, that, uh, aspired to be a preacher. As a matter of fact, he always told me one day he was, when he grew up, he was gonna take my church, he was gonna pastor and, uh, very outgoing, talented, very, uh, focused young man. And seemed like his life was just seemingly taken away from him. That was my sister's only child. Uh, and what even, uh, kind of makes it even more devastating, he was almost like a son to me. Uh, he and my son played together all the time, almost every weekend they were together.
[00:19:59] Uh, but something happened, uh, that my son was not actually in that car. Usually they would've been together, but as God would have it, my son was not in the car that night. But when I tell you that was a hard, uh, season, hard time. Here we are, people of faith, people who have prayed others through, people who have seen miracles. We have preached miracle signs of wonders.
[00:20:24] And uh, now my great niece has a lacerated aorta, uh, main valve going to a heart. She has a torn, uh, kidney, broken bones. I mean that was devastating. And my nephew was killed. And this is my sister's only child. Uh, this is family. He was involved in church. I was his pastor and his uncle only pastor of, pastor, my family, I pastor, my mother, father, all my sisters, they were all in the church. So I had to be pastor to them, pastor to our church and the young people that were connected.
[00:21:03] That was the roughest and most difficult point in my life that, uh, I was really tested. The enemy began to deal with me in my mind and my spirit to say that it was all in vain.
[00:21:15] I remember saying, God just take me. You should have taken me instead of him. And oh my goodness, I was thinking about all the things that I preached, the enemy even tried to get me to question what I preached. And how could God allow this to happen to your family? How can he allow this to happen to your sister, your, your parents, your grandparents who have loved God and sold out to God?
[00:21:37] And so I was in a low, dark place of, uh, discouragement and, uh, let down and yet trying to be strong for everybody else. And, uh, thank God for true friends and a loving church, family and counseling. Uh, found myself, uh, surrounded by the love of God through people. And, uh, thank God for the Holy Spirit, uh, body on the inside during the moment, uh, did not bring all together, answer all questions about why God allowed it to happen, but to accept the, uh, sovereignty of God and God allowing that to happen and what God was teaching us through that moment. And yet today there are times thoughts come in our minds, but our faith is stronger.
[00:22:29] Love is stronger than death.
[00:22:31] Faith is stronger than death.
[00:22:32] And we were able to come through that death season and yet, uh, coming through that, uh, but I always tell people that God and time will heal, God and time will bring you through. And, uh, if there was a most difficult and challenging time, I believe that season was.
[00:22:51] It may be a number of things I guess that, that actually, uh, that I could say scares me, but I will just zero in on when God gives me an idea and a, a vision or a dream for something that I don't seemingly have all of the resources for or the backing for, or the, uh, maybe I may not even feel qualified to do it. Uh, but yet, um, being a man of faith, I often find myself, um, fearful of what if. Uh, but when I come to those moments, I pull on two things.
[00:23:35] One, I pull on the word of God that, um, is full of examples of people of faith. Hebrews 11, uh, we called it the Hall of Faith because the right of Hebrews enumerated a number of individuals in scripture that did some amazing exploits for God. And then I also pull on past experiences and begin to think about how I've taken what people will call risk when you walk into what God is calling you to do and pursuing what he's saying to you to do.
[00:24:15] And I find joy and inspiration, uh, from that. And at that point, once I bring the word of God and my past experiences together, I just say, God, this is your idea. You got this and I'm gonna follow suit, uh, with what you have revealed.
[00:24:35] Uh, in my life there, there are so many examples and testimonies of that. Of course, being 15 years old when I started, uh, preaching, but at 23, fresh out of college, newly married, uh, one of the scariest things that I've had to do was when I planted the church so early and I went to any type of orientation and I gone to any type of class.
[00:25:01] Uh, but the inspiration of God and the blessing of my pastor, uh, planted, uh, a ministry with my wife and I and just a handful of people, and I had to endure a lot of, uh, opposition and a lot of, uh, people, uh, talking against and chattering against what I believe God had called and what minute didn't realize, I guess, is that, and so much that they were saying different things about I was too young and I needed to wait and didn't know what I was doing, and, uh, his fam his marriage is going to be torn up. He's moving too fast. He and his wife just got married.
[00:25:43] And so there was, there was scary because some people that, uh, I thought would've supported, did not support. And some of the people I looked up to spoke against it, but all I had was, uh, faith in God and faith in what I believe God was calling me to, uh, at that time in my life.
[00:26:04] I think that, uh, uh, where I am right now in my life that I believe may have been impossible to predict, uh, just 10 years ago, uh, and that, yes, serving as pastor in the city of Memphis, but the opportunity to, uh, serve as the leader coordinated chairman of the Church of God in Christ Summer Convention, which is, uh, one of the top 10, um, African American events that's held and hosted in the nation.
[00:26:37] Uh, being able to lead and, um, coordinate that, uh, particular convention and conference. I never saw that coming just 10 years ago. Never in my wildest dream would I've imagined having the opportunity, uh, to serve and impact thousands of individuals who, uh, would, uh, be exposed to the International Auxiliaries and Ministries convention of the Church of God in Christ.
[00:27:03] Not only that, uh, of course being in ministry, you know what God is saying, you know where God is, is, is saying He's going to take you, but when you see things unfold as they are, you see what God said. But then, uh, the Bible says now to him that it's able to do exceedingly and abundant above all. You can ask the thing according to the power that works in you.
[00:27:25] When you see God do more and above what he showed you, push you in a place of great humility and awe, and it was sobering, uh, to, uh, see all of the dynamics of the local church and also the ministry of literally traveling around the nation and the world preaching and, uh, inspiring people and, uh, empowering people through seminars and symposiums and participating in business ventures and sitting at the table with politicians.
[00:28:00] Uh, I didn't see this 10 years ago. Uh, we were just doing what God called us to do, what we believe we were, uh, um, destined to do, and God continued to open up doors.
[00:28:11] So I think, um, uh, really fulfilling purpose and, um, all the opportunities that, uh, God has given us to exercise our gift and share work, the influence that he's given us for the betterment of our community.
[00:28:30] And, uh, just again, just growing up, uh, in a, in a very graceful atmosphere, doesn't, does not mean that we didn't have challenges or problems as life would present itself to any group of people, especially families. Uh, but our faith is what has kept us over the years have brought us, uh, to where we are. And I'm thankful, uh, for my upbringing.
[00:28:52] Now at times, yes, as, uh, as I mentioned a few moments ago, uh, we were blessed and didn't realize what we were missing out on, but yet there may have been some times, uh, that I wished, uh, that uh, things could be different or wanted more. Uh, but I believe that had to do with, uh, me being a, a child. Uh, Paul says when I was a child, I speak as a child and I thought, uh, as a child.
[00:29:19] Uh, and so, uh, now that I've matured, I'm actually, when I look back on it, I am very, very, thankful, uh, for my upbringing, thankful for all of the teachings, thankful for even all of the corrections, and really getting a good view on life, on the kingdom of God and living out purpose. I would not be who I am and where I am and what I am today, if I am anything at all, were not, uh, for the, the base, the foundation, uh, that was laid in my life by my parents and just by all of those awesome experiences.
[00:30:01] And every step of the way until we got that loan approved, God made ways for us. It could have been a very, very, uh, devastating and damaging, uh, moment for our church, but God gave us favorable contractors and gave us favorable bank and the financing part of it, and it all just flowed. Uh, but it was because we were willing to take a risk and go after what God had said to do at that time.
[00:30:32] Steve Gatena: On part two of this three part series, pastor Dillard talks about conquering failure and how he powered through adversity. In order to advance his life, he surrounds himself with people who are smarter than him and who challenge him on a daily basis. God has given Pastor Dillard a great vision, and now with his powerful preaching style, impactful speaking, and the will of God, his leadership has changed lives.
[00:31:05] Linwood Dillard: I believe that, uh, God teaches us through various experiences and opportunities. I believe, uh, that God allows us to be taught and stretched and empowered, number one, directly through him or through experiences, through other people. And then our personal experiences. And part of our personal experiences are what we consider to be, uh, failures and what I've come to learn and understand, just because you fail at something or at one time, uh, it does not make you a failure, but I believe that, um, error and, um, the need for correction are actually, um, moments of empowerment as moments that would, would, could have be considered as a teachable moment. And so I believe all of the accolades, I believe the commendations, the degrees, the diplomas and certificates are all, uh, a part of our making.
[00:32:15] But also I believe that in the moments that we don't win and the moments that we don't get it right and the moments that we actually failed, they also play a very, very significant role, uh, in our lives. And then also looking at the, uh, failure of others, uh, could teach us what to do and what not to do and how to do and when to do.
[00:32:37] And so when I look back over my life, I can say, Lord, I thank you for everything that, uh, that you've done. I thank you for what you've allowed me to do, good or bad. I thank you for the successes and I thank you Lord for the failures. Uh, the Bible says, for we know all things work together, uh, for the good of them, uh, who love the Lord and those who are called according, uh, to his purpose.
[00:33:06] Uh, if there's anything that, uh, stands out to me, uh, regarding, um, a failure story, uh, maybe when I was in college, of course my undergrad was in Chemical and Environment Engineering. Uh, but the program that I was a part of, you had to take from, uh, uh, each concentration of, of the engineering program. So that means we had to take accountable engineering courses, we had to take electrical engineering courses, industrial engineering courses.
[00:33:39] And my hardest class out of four years, five years really of, uh, undergrad, I, I took, uh, several chemistry courses, physics courses, uh, chemical engineering classes. Uh, but the, uh, hardest course for me was the, um, electrical engineering circuits. And I know some of the electrical engineering, um, majors and, uh, those who working in that field may think it's just like A, B, C, A, B, C.
[00:34:12] But it was a very, very, uh, trying and very difficult time for me. And I remember, uh, I've waited till the last, I think almost that last semester in undergrad before I graduated to take the course. And the class was so hard. And I remember actually making an F on one of the exams. I mean, I just couldn't get it as like I had a mental blocking..
[00:34:40] Uh, there was so much fear that if I failed this, uh, class, I'm not gonna graduate on time or if I ever be able to get outta here. And, uh, I found myself, uh, looking at this thing. I had two options. Either I could just take this F and just say, you know what, after five years, I'm not gonna be able to complete this, this course it's too hard.
[00:35:05] Uh, I could either give up on it all or I could reapply myself. And after five years of being in college, I found that I had to, uh, change some study habits and preparation habits. When I studied electrical engineering. I had to approach it from a different perspective, and I rarely had to have a tutor or, or someone to, uh, help.
[00:35:33] And so I found myself, uh, having to get a tutor and it was just not about all of that. But what I learned from that is humility, uh, and also facing problems and not giving up, and really knowing what you desire and want, uh, out of life and at a particular point in your life. Uh, there are a number of things that I, I look for, uh, for persons that I would consider to be close friends or friends at all.
[00:36:02] Uh, one is their integrity, uh, their character, are they driven, look for people, uh, like to be around people who are self-starters and motivated, um, mature, strong emotionally and mentally balanced and stable. Um, I like to be around people who are smart. I believe, that are smarter than me, that have more than me because it helps me to aspire that it influences me.
[00:36:32] I like to be around people and hang out with people who are where I am trying to get to, um, and, uh, people who challenge me and with ideas and conversation and even sometime beliefs and convictions. Um, and so I don't like to be around yes people, or people who don't have what I have or as much doesn't say that I will not, um, engage or befriend.
[00:37:04] Uh, but I'm very choice in, uh, how I engage. Cause I want to be a better person, wanna be a better husband, a better pastor, better father, the whole nine yards.
[00:37:15] I think that, uh, to create the right kind of environment where motivation, uh, can thrive is to be an example of what, um, I am encouraging others to do and encouraging others to be, and also being transparent about, um, about life, about ministry, about business, uh, just about leadership.
[00:37:45] Sometimes as leaders, we find ourselves, uh, trying to keep certain things away from people cause it will maybe intimidate them or cause 'em to come fearful and walk away. But I believe in being transparent about your own experiences, about your own failures, about your own past, uh, and, uh, really expressing, uh, liberty and freedom.
[00:38:11] So I think the, the, uh, there are a number of things that that should happen though. I would do and actually, uh, implore and create an environment where people are free to be them and, uh, operate and to be celebrated when there is an opportunity to do something that has never been done, when there's an opportunity to see something that has never been seen, especially when it comes from God, you have to bend rules.
[00:38:45] I found out that God many times, Uh, may call us to do things that are illogical or that is against the norm. And a few great things have been birthed out of convenience and comfort. And, and so sometime I believe that there are times that you, you break the rules, uh, so that you can accomplish the goals and the dreams that, uh, that God has placed in your life and in your heart.
[00:39:17] Uh, again, just thinking about my own experience as a younger pastor, when we planted the church at the age of 23, my wife 24 years old, uh, wet behind the ears. We didn't have a whole lot of money. If money at all, we just started, I just started my job as an engineer with Shelby County. My wife was a school teacher. We were newlyweds.
[00:39:42] And so I think the unspoken rule was that you wait till you're a certain age, till you have certain amounts of money, till you have certain kind of people, till you have certain type of training. Uh, but, uh, there was a call of God and the timing that God had, uh, placed in our spirit to step out.
[00:40:02] And there were struggles. There were some challenges along the way. Uh, but as I stand today, I, uh, am thankful that we were obedient to God because, uh, my family would not be blessed as where we are now, our lives, our ministry, our business, our careers would not be where it is now if it were not for obedience and breaking, uh, the rules.
[00:40:29] I, um, during times that, uh, situation seems risky or there's a big opportunity or potential for failure in those times, I really rest on, I know that God has spoken this. I know this is the will of God. And that is important for people to really understand and know, uh, is when God has spoken to them.
[00:40:58] Not, not your flesh. Not, not what somebody else seeded into you, but something that is actually birthed from God in your heart and mind. And when God tells me something, I'm almost like a bulldog. You can't stop me. You can't get it out of my mouth, and you can't get it out of my head. Uh, and so that gives me great courage and inspiration, even if it doesn't make sense, even if it seemed like it is the most crazy idea.
[00:41:34] The fact that God said, do this fact that I'm convinced that this is the right thing to do, really helps, uh, helps me to stand on that. And then I try to share that with those who are serving and working with us so that they too can share in the, the vision and the dream, the objective, the goal, the project or whatever is said before us, uh, letting them know, number one, this is God.
[00:42:07] And then also, uh, find myself, uh, counting, would've counted up the costs and looking at the, uh, potential things that, uh, could challenge the success of what God has said and allow God to give us wisdom on how to overcome this obstacle or this challenge.
[00:42:30] And, Um, yes, we understand that there is a potential for a loss. There's a potential for failure, but we trust God and we trust the process and we do all of our diligence.
[00:42:46] Uh, someone once told me, pray like it all depends on God because it does, but then work like it all depends on you, and it does.
[00:42:56] And so it's about inspiring and putting faith, uh, and hope, um, in those who are called to stand with you.
[00:43:06] But you, yourself, you have to be convinced of it. And I've seen that time and time again in my life, uh, in, in our ministry. I, I remember when we, uh, built our first, uh, sanctuary. We were still a young congregation and, uh, boy, I was so excited about the plans that we had. Uh, and we had really spent all of the money we had raised over the years paying the bills.
[00:43:34] And, uh, we were at the crossroad and the Lord had, uh, spoken to me and said, I want you to start building the church now. And this was pre, um, I guess you say confirmation approval of the bank and didn't have any finances secured. But I had contractors lined up, has them working, and didn't know how I was going to pay them.
[00:43:59] And the church, uh, at that time, the persons that, uh, were with us had faith in God and then they had faith in our leadership. Uh, but I had to obey God. And every step of the way until we got that loan approved, God made ways for us. It could have been a very, very, uh, devastating and damaging, uh, moment for our church.
[00:44:23] But God gave us favorable contractors. It gave us favorable bank and the finance and part of it, and it all just flowed. Uh, but it was cause we were willing to take a risk and go after what God had said to do at that time.
[00:44:38] Uh, when I get in moments in my life and in my ministry where I just feel overwhelmed or anxious, I, um, I just stop.
[00:44:49] I have to stop and no working, no preaching. Not even praying per se, but just sitting there to rest and to really gain focus back and recall back to my mind and my spirit. First of all, why, why am I doing all of this? Why am I doing this? Why should I do this? And for me, it all has to point back to the calling of God.
[00:45:20] Cause sometimes we can get so busy and, uh, making things happen and getting things done that we forget about our purpose. Our purpose is what should motivate us and drive us. And sometimes we take on more than we should at a certain time or season, uh, I believe because we've gotten off focus. And so we tend to stress ourselves out and get bent outta shape.
[00:45:47] And so I just stop everything, even if it's just taken a day to just breathe and understand that life is going to go on. And if you wanna maintain your place in this life and in this world and your time, then you gotta take your time. Be patient. And so I really take a, a rest and really think through some things, clear my mind, why am I feeling overwhelmed? Why am I feeling anxious?
[00:46:15] And then, um, ask God to give me wisdom on what to do and restore me, uh, physically and emotionally. But resting is very, very much so a major part of that. And then having a hobby, uh, either fishing, uh, sometimes reading, uh, grilling or doing something around the house, uh, really takes my mind off of a lot of things that kind of help me, uh, reset. And then after I come out of that, uh, period, I'm ready to go back at it again.
[00:46:48] The biggest challenge, um, I faced in leading people, uh, was, uh, having patience with people, uh, because, uh, everybody is not the same. Everyone have a different value system. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. Uh, when you're dealing with people who are adults and matured, they have been doing things a certain way.
[00:47:18] Um, yeah, different attitudes. And so when they come in context under your leadership, there's a lot of, uh, experiences. There are a lot of experiences and a lot of exposures that they've had. And you have to figure out how does that fit into where you are? And sometimes you see conflicts arising among them.
[00:47:43] And then, and then, then what do you do when there's conflict toward you as the leader, uh, but I think I, I sum it all up in saying having patience was, uh, so, uh, important to realize that none of us are perfect. Uh, all of us are different, but the difference is that, uh, on the team is what makes the team so powerful.
[00:48:10] And so, uh, being patient enough to really be able to identify where a person is and why they are, how they are, and then how can I, um, uh, pour into and influence and, uh, bring their energy or channel the energy in the right direction and help individuals overcome whatever shortcomings or insecurities or deficiencies they may feel they have or instability.
[00:48:42] Some people, uh, they are competent, but lack character. And so, uh, imploring patience with this person get the job done. But can you really trust them? Can you move them from a place where they lack character to a place of character that takes time? Or if a person has character, but lack the level of competence that you need at that moment.
[00:49:07] Uh, but you can trust them. And so having patience, being able to, um, help that person grow and develop and be trained in a certain area of competence that God may have called them to.
[00:49:22] Being patient like Jesus was patient with his de disciples. On one occasion, uh, James and John came to Jesus asking him, uh, can we sit next to you when you come into your kingdom, one on the left and one on the right.
[00:49:37] Uh, but when you read that text and that story, Jesus never rebukes them, uh, for, um, aspiring in essence to be great or having greatness. But he channels their motivation to say, hey, it's all right to be great, but I want to teach you how to be great. And he, that is among who he is the greatest among, you'll be the chief servant or be the servant of all.
[00:50:03] And that took patience. And so I think that, uh, that was one of the things that, uh, was most difficult for me to develop in. And I believe God allowed certain situations to happen through people and the other circumstances in my life to teach me patience. As simple as I do a lot of traveling and going to, uh, airports and at times the lines along.
[00:50:27] And then when the lines get long, you go in, your flight is delayed, then something gets canceled. Here used to be a time I used to get all fretful and all bent out shape and upset and be fussing at the, uh, gate agents and fussing at the people on the phone until one day I recognize that, uh, fussing and getting all upset is not changing anything, uh, but there are certain things that you just have to let happen in time.
[00:50:54] Uh, I believe that uh, in order for, uh, healthy community, uh, to be cultivated, there must be a synergy among team and individuals who are connected. Uh, number one, that is based upon genuine love, long suffering, understanding, uh, conflict resolution, uh, must be in place, patience with one another.
[00:51:22] Uh, becoming a, a true team player, uh, and all hands on deck and everyone, uh, believing and knowing that if, uh, they do not do their part, then the entire community is impacted in an adverse way. Uh, many times, uh, people, uh, participate in communities and teams and churches and business ventures, but don't, they're not all in.
[00:51:53] But I believe that we have to be all in and, uh, all in to the extent that all of us win. There are no big eyes on voting views. There is no, no discrimination. Uh, there, there's no classism of individuals, but everyone is viewed as significant and important and valued. And, uh, they're well, well respected.
[00:52:17] Sometimes some of my other leaders and maybe sometimes peers around me would be like, pastor, why are you doing, why don't you do this? You should do this. You should, you should do that. But the Bible said, all souls of mine. And when I started looking at people as best I could, how God would look at them, respond to people, how I believe that Jesus Christ will respond to people, I saw a difference in myself and I saw a difference in the people around me.
[00:52:46] And so I think that, um, uh, looking at people and life through God's eyes will make a world of difference, for his ways are not our ways for his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
[00:53:07] Steve Gatena: On part three of this three part series, Pastor Dillard explains about the importance of loving your neighbor and living with a positive mindset. It encourages and empowers him to push people towards productivity. His purpose is to help people change for the greater good, become a part of the community, and maximize the potential God has given on to them.
[00:53:36] Linwood Dillard: If I had the power to solve one problem in this world, I believe it would be the problem of hatred and division and discord, um, because I believe that, uh, the Bible is right, that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves and the source of a lot of warfare, the source of a lot of contention.
[00:54:03] Racism, classism, sexism, uh, is all based upon the lack of love, uh, the, the hatred and the division that we see, uh, has, uh, torn homes or thunder has, uh, torn so many things apart. As a matter of fact, when I think about the 10 Commandments, the 10 Commandments, uh, deal more with our relationship with others than directly to God himself, although we honor God through our relationship with others. But when you look at the first four Commandments, they deal directly, uh, with our relationship with God. Thou shall not have any other gods before me. Thou should not make unto the, uh, any engraving image. Thou shall not take the Lord name in vain. Remember the sample day to keep it holy.
[00:54:57] But then the remaining six of the 10 Commandments had to do more with how we engage, uh, with one another and how we should respect one another under your father and your mother. Thou should not kill, thou should not commit adultery. Thou should not steal. Thou should not bear false witness against your neighbor. Thou shall not covet.
[00:55:19] These things have to do with, uh, relationship with people. And I believe that the enemy's greatest, uh, tactic and scheme, as has been said, is to divide and conquer. But if we can get the love of God in our hearts, the love of God in our world, that we are patient and gentle, meek, and, uh, honor and respect each other, how much more feasible would our lives be our world be?
[00:55:50] And I would force far to say that even though it may seem to be unrealistic, that uh, we will see ever where everybody has genuine love of one another. We can change this world in people's lives one person at a time. Uh, there's a song we used to sing, oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me. Uh, some people would think that that song is selfish.
[00:56:19] In other words, that I can only love Jesus if he loves me first. But the reality is that love is reflective. The love that you can give and receive is based upon the love that you have been exposed to and shown. Uh, and so the reality is, some people can't love. Some people don't have the capacity because they've never probably seen it or experienced it, but, uh, I'm on a quest and I believe that as many people they can, should get on a quest to show love, share love with as many people as we can, and we can make a difference in our lives and in this world.
[00:57:02] Can you imagine the wars that could be avoided, the divorces that could be avoided? Can you imagine the disputes and legal cases that can be avoided? How many people, uh, would not be in jail if there was love. We can eradicate hate, and the only thing that can drive out hate is love.
[00:57:24] I hate to sound, uh, as if, you know, my only focus is just ministry and church, uh, but I believe any cause, uh, that causes people to be changed, people to be changed for the better, uh, or to recognize the potential that they have and pursue it and then accomplish it. Uh, it resonates with me the most. And, and church and ministry should be about that. Not withstanding that there are other entities and organizations, organizations and communities, uh, that have that goal and purpose.
[00:58:05] But I am so intrigued and, uh, excited when I see people lives change and can be a part of that. Yes, uh, becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. But also I love seeing and helping people overcome addiction. Seeing people, uh, overcome challenges of their past, whether it be, uh, financially or just a family dynamic that was dysfunctional and they had all the odds against them that said that they could not do it.
[00:58:37] Uh, but to see them matriculate in spite of to succeed in spite of is really what, uh, resonates in my heart and in my mind to see a drug addict, uh, sobered up to see a marriage that was on the rocks and in shambles being brought back together again. It, it, it empowers me and encourages me, uh, when I see somebody uh, that all, all they had was potential, an idea, a dream, but, but they were connected to a community, a, a faith, a church, an organization that pushed them, uh, to a, uh, place of productivity effectiveness, and maximizing the potential that God had given unto them.
[00:59:31] Uh, the Bible says if your brother or sister be overtaken in the fault you which are spiritual, restore such a want in the spirit of meekness.
[00:59:40] But the most important part for me of that scripture is considering your own self. I think that if we approach life, uh, and approach the things that we are responsible for, from the perspective as we deal and interact with people, uh, from the vantage point of considering your own self, that it could have been me and not being at a place or seat of judgment or indifference or insensitivity because anything could happen to any of us at any moment, at any time, no matter how much money you have, no matter how many resources you have, no matter where you come from.
[01:00:29] Uh, life presents its own set of challenges, uh, that we could all be in, um, a state or a place that we never imagine. And so when, um, engaging and interacting with people who are experiencing challenges, my heart goes out genuinely because number one, I consider my own self when I see someone else experiencing a challenge with their child on, um, just a few days ago in Branson, Missouri, uh, there were 17 people that were killed on a, uh, duck boat ride on the tour boat, many of them on vacation.
[01:01:08] And I could almost hardly stand to read or watch anything regarding this story. Cause I thought about that could have been me, uh, putting myself in the shoes of those family. How does it feel? What, uh, not just those that survive, but those that were deceased of what, what were they feeling or thinking in those moments where the boat was sinking?
[01:01:35] Uh, and my heart goes out to say they could have been me. They could have been my wife, they could have been my children. That could have been my grandparents, that could have been my uncle. And, and so, uh, when you see that your actions. Uh, somewhat changes, uh, in that you serve and you help and you work from your heart and, and not just from your head or, or, uh, just doing something just to be doing it.
[01:02:03] But I believe that it is quite important that we, uh, engage and interact, uh, from the, uh, spirit and and perspective of it could have been me.
[01:02:15] We believe that the church has been called to impact the world. Jesus says, go into all of the world. Uh, and so we believe that, uh, our world, if you will, uh, has to do with the community and the reach and of our influence and the Citadel delivers.
[01:02:35] I'm so thankful over the years have been so committed, not just to, uh, being inward looking, uh, which yes is important that there's in-reach. Uh, but even more so, uh, remain, um, on, on point with this outreach efforts and impacting people who some may not ever step foot inside of the churches four walls.
[01:03:01] And so our motivation and our drive is not to get everybody that we blessed and impact, uh, to stepping foot in our church, but we can go out and we can impact and make lives better and significant through our nursing home ministries. Uh, prison ministries. We participated in transitional, uh, housing for battered and abused women. Uh, we've, uh, uh, adopted a couple of schools and, uh, shared empowerment to the young people there. We give away school supplies, give away food baskets to needed families, offering free haircuts. We've, uh, do counseling. We've had financial literacy workshops. Uh, marriage workshops and symposiums. Uh, uh, also, uh, various, uh, uh, times that we talk about crime prevention and offering those kinds of opportunities.
[01:03:58] And, uh, so, uh, I'm, I'm excited to know that our churches, uh, not just inward looking, many times the church can become so focused on managing, maintaining buildings and programs and, uh, "ministries" that we lose focus and sight on there's an outside world that is waiting on our influence and our impact.
[01:04:23] I believe that, uh, of course my personal devotional and prayer times is very, very, uh, much so, uh, significant to who I am. There's a time I get a chance to meditate and study and, uh, all of that, uh, but I'm very, very thankful for mentors and men and women. Uh, who have, uh, taken the time to, uh, speak into my life, pour into to me, correct me, uh, and to offer wisdom and counsel, and also just being around greatness and, uh, observing.
[01:05:03] Uh, some people can mentor you at teach you from a distance. Uh, and I'm thankful for so many, uh, people, uh, in, in my life. Uh, I remember a number of things, but in particular, Bishop Gene Patterson, who was, uh, one time the presided bishop of the Church of God in Christ. A major, uh, television pastor and evangelist, uh, who was right here in the city of Memphis.
[01:05:33] So he was like a, uh, preaching hero, uh, uh, to me. And, uh, I watched him for a number of years and, and he's probably one of the most, uh, influential influences in my life as it relates to a preacher and, uh, a leader. Uh, uh, but I remember once when, uh, he called for me to preach in one of our major complications in Church of God, in Christ.
[01:06:01] And he said that the Lord had dropped me in his spirit, and he characterized and described our ministry in such an exciting way, and even his wife began to express that, for me, that was a major, uh, moment for me. Cause it revealed that you don't have to be from a certain family or have a certain status for God to be able to bring you into a place that he can use you in a major, major way.
[01:06:30] And so when Bishop Patterson gave us an opportunity and express this sentiment and you hear that from a childhood hero, uh, it really does something to you. It was not, uh, necessarily a moment where I was just felt I was all of that. But it was humbling, uh, to think that God would allow me to be impacted and embraced, uh, by the life of this great man, uh, that I believe set me on a trajectory and a pathway or journey, uh, to even greater levels of ministry and success.
[01:07:05] Um, I think that, uh, one of the, uh, most significant times that. I, uh, probably was deeply moved by our church, and particularly it was the brothers, the men of our church, uh, that had come together. All of the ministerial staff, the lay brothers, uh, came together, uh, to talk about, uh, the vision that God had given us in, uh, moving from one church building facility to another, uh, to accommodate the vision, uh, that God had given us to expand the ministry, to make a wider and greater impact on our community, uh, without me knowing or having to ask of them to do so.
[01:07:51] The brothers came together, uh, to talk about the need and the necessary things, uh, of this community, community and how the church transitioning from one building to another, accommodates that and the responsibility that. They had as men and they began to organize and make commitments of giving and sewing and contributing to the effort and the vision.
[01:08:19] And, uh, what that did for me was not exciting just because they were talking about giving money, but what was so exciting for me and what moved me so is to, uh, when I got the report of how they discussed the, um, the passion for, for why the, the drive and the motivation, uh, for doing something great is not just cause we want a bigger church building, but, uh, they understood.
[01:08:53] What the capacity would do for us in reaching more people, offering more ministry programs, offering more outreach, uh, community-based and focused, uh, programming and ministries. Uh, when I heard that my heart was just so deeply moving, I was thankful to God that, uh, the division is not just the pastor's vision, but now it's a shared vision that will cause our church to go from just a surviving church to a thriving church.
[01:09:24] Years ago in, in my ministry, as I was praying and asking God to work on me. And I want to be a better pastor, better husband, a better father, a better person in general. Uh, the Lord spoke to me and said, I want you to see people how I see them. I want you to treat people, how I would treat them, handle people, how I would handle them, because it is easy being, um, carnal and in our flesh and human perspective to engage in life and people through our eyes.
[01:10:00] And, um, God challenged me and that really resonated with me in becoming more patient. Becoming more understanding and gentle and meek, uh, through the eyes of God. And as we saw an example of Jesus Christ. And when I began to look at, uh, the world and look at, uh, people that I was called to as a pastor and as a leader, it changed how I engaged with them.
[01:10:31] It changed how patient I was with them. It changed how, uh, understanding, uh, I became with them. And sometimes some of my other leaders and maybe sometimes peers around me would be like, pastor, why are you doing, why don't you do this? You should do this. You should, you should do that. But the Bible said, all souls are mine.
[01:10:52] And when I started looking at people as best I could, how God would look at them, respond to people, how I believe that Jesus Christ would respond to people. I saw a difference in myself and I saw a difference in the people around me. And so I think that, um, uh, looking at people and life through God's eyes will make a world of difference.
[01:11:19] For his ways are not our ways, for his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. If I could go back and be less critical of anything, I think that I would be less critical of, of life circumstances and certain seasons. Uh, sometimes God is in something, but because it is not what we believe, uh, that God would allow us to experience or we don't even believe at all that, uh, that this has anything to do with where we are going, we kind of despise it and, uh, we frown on it. I remember, um, growing, uh, in ministry and growing my family all at the same time. Uh, there was some very, very, uh, difficult days and some difficult times and, uh, had to make decisions sometimes whether I'm gonna pay the church mortgage, I'm gonna pay my personal mortgage, cause we didn't have many people at the time, and, and so resources and finances were very, very limited.
[01:12:37] And I remember, um, being aggravated and agitated, I guess is the best word, until I became agitated with the people and became so, um, could have been a little bit overbearing and challenging their faith in the right perspective with the right spirit and attitude.
[01:12:58] And I had to check myself and check my attitude, uh, not to criticize people for where they are and their life circumstances, but sometimes God allows us to go through certain seasons and certain things, uh, I believe to challenge us, number one, and to prepare us, uh, for where he would take us. And so, uh, I don't think I would be so critical of the kind of car I drove in the kind of things that I possess, uh, but looking at them all as a part of the process and the journey that God has for us.
[01:13:40] I wish I had known younger that great things take time to come into fruition. Uh, as a young man, uh, I think many people at the early age wants everything quick, fast and in a hurry. And so we tend to make decisions and do things that we feel is going to give us the, the quickest and, and the quickest turnaround on certain things.
[01:14:12] And so we make decisions. We, um, do things, uh, based upon how fast what we are looking for can manifest. And so some relationships probably I would not have engaged in, some deals I probably would not have made, some places I would not have gone. Uh, and so I think that, uh, being patient and understanding timing, especially at the time of God, It's so very, very important, uh, in our lives.
[01:14:47] There was a man that, um, was planting an apple tree and he was about 95, 96 years old. And some people came around asking him, uh, Hey man, you, you, 95 years old, you planting this apple tree and uh, one day you going to die, uh, before these, this tree grows and you be able to reap the benefits of some of the apples that's going to come from this tree.
[01:15:17] And the man responded to them and said, Hey, I'm not building this for myself. I'm building for those that will enjoy the apples that come from this tree. And I've come to realization that, uh, that's really what life is all about, uh, creating opportunities and doing things, setting things up, not necessarily for myself, but for uh, others.
[01:15:41] Uh, I believe, uh, the ministry is that, uh, God has blessed us to, uh, establish and things you've allowed us to do, uh, in as much as it's impacting people now. Uh, but I believe it is going to impact people in the future, uh, through simple things as writing books and blogs and, uh, various things of that nature, and establishing programs, uh, that will outlive and outlast myself, uh, I believe will, uh, be an, uh, impact on future generations.
[01:16:19] I would like to be remembered as a person, number one, that loved God, loved his wife, loved his family and pursued everything that God had called me to do and to be that ultimately impacted people, changed people lives, and, uh, caused people to realize there's hope, there's, uh, light and there's life no matter what situation or what point they're in.
[01:16:53] I want, I want to be remembered as someone who tried his best to help as many people as he possibly could, uh, and, uh, prepare other leaders and individuals to continue to, uh, impact the world, one life at a time. And I think through, um, how I, uh, engage and interact. And care for my wife and children as the priest, the prophet and provider of my home lens to that.
[01:17:29] Uh, my constant drive and motivation, uh, to ensure that we are, uh, continually being creative and innovative, uh, in the ministries that we believe, uh, change lives and make people better, are cutting edge and remain relevant. Um, and also, uh, just living my life, uh, to the extent that someone can emulate it or look to say.
[01:18:02] I want to be like that. I want to do that. I want to be able to, uh, change lives. I want to be able to bear good news. I want to be able to give people hope and inspiration. And, uh, so I try to maintain a life of integrity and character and a life, uh, that is not self-serving, but self-sacrificing. And I guess to sum it all up, uh, to say that I would like to be remembered as, uh, a person that was a self-sacrificing leader, self-sacrificing father, a self-sacrificing man.
[01:18:47] Steve Gatena: The trials of our lives will test our faith in God, in His plan and His purpose for us. And that's in part what they're supposed to do. Trials show us the strength of our faith in God, and trials help us grow in faith. When we suffer, God wants us to lean on our faith. He wants us to be like Jesus who endured the cross because He had faith in His Father, and faith in His Father's greater vision and purpose for humanity.
[01:19:26] Faith in God doesn't mean we will understand why something has happened or is happening. And faith in God doesn't mean that bad things will pause or pass us by. Faith in God simply means that we are willing to let go of our doubts and concerns, our struggles and strife, and to trust that God is always watching over us to trust that God always has our best interests at heart, and to trust that God has a plan to provide us and this world with a brighter, more brilliant and more loving future.
[01:20:10] This week on Pray.com's Relentless Hope Podcast, pastor Linwood Dillard taught us about having faith in God. We learned that even as a pastor who preaches love and faith, he could have moments of doubt questioning his abilities and his beliefs. We learned how Pastor Linwood's, 13 year old nephew was killed and his niece severely injured in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, and that this tragic experiece actually strengthened his faith in God.
[01:20:47] As Pastor Linwood taught us, everyone will experience moments that test our faith, but our faith is stronger than any trauma, tragedy, or even death. And that God and time will heal all things, and it's through our tragedies and our faith that we can draw closer to God.
[01:21:10] We also learned some of the traits that Pastor Linwood looks for in great leaders like being faithful, having commitment and discipline, a strong character and integrity. And Pastor Linwood encouraged us to be big enough leaders to let someone else be big too.
[01:21:30] And we learned how Pastor Linwood is working to leave a legacy of both faith and love. As a man of God pastor Linwood said, if there is one clear message that Jesus would have us share and spread beyond the gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ, it's that we need to love each other here on earth. Pastor Linwood explained that we can't just look towards heaven because we can't go to heaven without really having loved each other here.
[01:22:05] Pastor Linwood encouraged us to be like Jesus, to accept and love everyone because Jesus never turned anyone away. And to have faith and remember that God put a special calling and purpose inside everyone's heart. Every day God calls us to see ourselves, to see each other, and to see this world for what it can become.
[01:22:33] He asks us to look beyond the brokenness, to see the world he sees and to believe in the world he is creating for us. He asks us to lay down our fears and our doubts to have faith in him, faith in his plan, and faith in the purpose and calling that he has placed within each of our hearts.
[01:22:59] Faith is unseen but felt. Faith is strength when we feel we have none. Faith is hope when all seems lost.
[01:23:12] If you've been inspired by today's podcast, be sure to share it with someone you love. You never know the impact that you can have on someone's life when you just give hope a voice. My name's Steve Gatena and I'm the host of the Relentless Hope Podcast.
[01:23:34] I hope you have a great day.
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