There are quite a few people throughout my life who have made a big impact on who I am – teachers, pastors, friends, family – people far wise than me. I believe all of these wonderful folks were put in my life by God.

This includes the only pastor who ever physically assaulted me. (At least so far.)

Larry Hodge was part of our lives for only a few months, when we attended his church in Aurora IL. This was a particularly difficult time in my life.

I remember Larry as a gentle, loving soul. But he also knew when and how to be tough. One Wednesday night at church (remember Wednesday night church services?), he was giving a message on Philippians 4.

And, honestly, I was in no mood to hear a message about being joyful. I was way too busy wallowing in self-pity and doubt to take in any words of hope. The message simply bounced off my hard head.

My face must have resembled the above grumpy lump of sourdough.

As he continued to teach about rejoicing, he stepped away from the podium and made his way to the pew where I was sitting. When he got to me, he smiled, exclaimed “Be ye glad!”

And poked me in the chest with two fingers.

Hard.

As in “left a mark” hard.

Without skipping a beat, the pastor strolled back to the podium.

This moment – now 26+ years ago – made an impact on me (both spiritually and literally). His message was loud and clear.

Be glad regardless.

Be glad because you have Jesus, a gift greater than any earthly thing.

Refuse to let the world get you down.

Refuse to take the bait of anxiety and self-pity.

Latch onto God Who transcends our circumstances.

The only reason we left Pastor Hodge’s church is because we moved to Minnesota. The 6-hour one-way trek to church was simply unsustainable.

He was in our lives for such a short time. But he made such a difference in my life. When Larry Hodge left this earth five years later, the world lost a wonderful man of God. I can only hope he knows the impact for Christ he made on people. He certainly impacted me.

Are you ready to impact those around you for Jesus? Are you set to love others with grace and truth? Are there any Sourdough Pew Fillers in your life who need the love of Jesus? Today I want to encourage you to encourage those around you with the love of the Lord.

No judgement.

No division.

No preconceived notions.

No assumptions.

Just love in Christ. Just encouragement to keep trusting and following Jesus Christ.

Just that simple.

Thank you Larry Hodge, and all of you who have been – and continue to be – such a blessing to me and my family. Moreover, thanks be to God for putting all of you in my life.