Memory of a Return
September 18, 1994. Caraway, Arkansas. Twenty years ago today. Memories of the day still yet prove a source of encouragement to me.
It was the Lord’s day, and that morning a sister in her mid-30’s came forward after hearing the sermon, “Give No Offense.” She was present along with her three children for the first time in a while, and she seemed sincerely provoked by the thought of herself (as a parent) being a stumbling block to her family. She confessed her unfaithfulness, pledged a renewed allegiance to Christ, and asked for the prayers of the congregation. Joy abounded among all present.
That evening another soul came forward during the invitation song, confessing unfaithfulness in his life. His name was Charles Brickell. There was hardly a dry eye in the assembly. I can remember Lexie Johnson, one of the elders, having difficulty making it through the closing announcements.
The thing was, brother Brickell had been unfaithful for decades. He had been baptized as a young man, one of several Christians in a large family who were part of the beginnings of the church in Caraway. But time and circumstances led Charles away from the Lord and back into the world. Years and years went by.
Thanks be to God for His longsuffering and providence. In the summer of 1993 a young preacher, having just moved to Caraway, asked Charles’ grandson, Eric Branscum, if there were any people he’d like him to visit. “My grandfather!” Eric immediately replied. I visited brother Charles a few weeks later at his barbershop on Main street. He sat beside me and graciously let me tell him what was on my heart. He thanked me for coming by and we parted company. Then, another conversation a few months later. Later still, the death of one of his brothers, Leavie, provided the occasion for even more serious contemplation on his part. He showed up at worship one Sunday. Then another. His attendance became regular. And then… September 18. It yet remains an emotional thing for Tara and I to reflect on that day.
With our family moving from Caraway in 1997, Charles and I saw each other only a few times over the next decade – with 2007 being the last occasion, during a week of meetings there in early April. Charles didn’t have the health to be able to attend worship; but I remember exhorting him, as he sat in his chair in a weakened condition, “Don’t lose your faith.” His response in his soft voice: “Oh-h-h, no.“ He passed away less than four weeks later. I was privileged to speak at his memorial service.
Three things:
1. Let each of us look now within our hearts and lives for any thoughts or actions tending away from Christ. Drifting can happen, even to the strongest of us (Hebrews 2:1) – and such drifting can take us farther and keep us longer than we ever intended. (Decades?!) No matter how close to God we might feel, let’s RESOLVE NOW TO BECOME EVEN CLOSER.
2. Do you have a family member or friend who has left the Lord? We probably all do. We’re concerned and wonder if they’ll ever return. DON’T GIVE UP HOPE while they still have breath in their body. Plead with them if they’ll let you. Pray for them, that time and providential circumstances will bring them to soberly reflect on their condition. It can happen. (James 5:19-20)
3. At this moment are you yourself away from the Lord? Please don’t allow this short piece to in any way encourage you to believe you’ve got years to make things right. Yes, Charles lived even another 13 ½ years after his return – to the age of 91 – but you and I may not have tomorrow (James 4:14). Don’t risk being eternally miserable. COME BACK TO JESUS TODAY. He loves and cares for you.
Thanks for reading, friends, and for allowing me to share a memory with you. I’m glad I knew Charles Brickell, a dear friend and brother in Christ.
It was the Lord’s day, and that morning a sister in her mid-30’s came forward after hearing the sermon, “Give No Offense.” She was present along with her three children for the first time in a while, and she seemed sincerely provoked by the thought of herself (as a parent) being a stumbling block to her family. She confessed her unfaithfulness, pledged a renewed allegiance to Christ, and asked for the prayers of the congregation. Joy abounded among all present.
That evening another soul came forward during the invitation song, confessing unfaithfulness in his life. His name was Charles Brickell. There was hardly a dry eye in the assembly. I can remember Lexie Johnson, one of the elders, having difficulty making it through the closing announcements.
The thing was, brother Brickell had been unfaithful for decades. He had been baptized as a young man, one of several Christians in a large family who were part of the beginnings of the church in Caraway. But time and circumstances led Charles away from the Lord and back into the world. Years and years went by.
Thanks be to God for His longsuffering and providence. In the summer of 1993 a young preacher, having just moved to Caraway, asked Charles’ grandson, Eric Branscum, if there were any people he’d like him to visit. “My grandfather!” Eric immediately replied. I visited brother Charles a few weeks later at his barbershop on Main street. He sat beside me and graciously let me tell him what was on my heart. He thanked me for coming by and we parted company. Then, another conversation a few months later. Later still, the death of one of his brothers, Leavie, provided the occasion for even more serious contemplation on his part. He showed up at worship one Sunday. Then another. His attendance became regular. And then… September 18. It yet remains an emotional thing for Tara and I to reflect on that day.
With our family moving from Caraway in 1997, Charles and I saw each other only a few times over the next decade – with 2007 being the last occasion, during a week of meetings there in early April. Charles didn’t have the health to be able to attend worship; but I remember exhorting him, as he sat in his chair in a weakened condition, “Don’t lose your faith.” His response in his soft voice: “Oh-h-h, no.“ He passed away less than four weeks later. I was privileged to speak at his memorial service.
Three things:
1. Let each of us look now within our hearts and lives for any thoughts or actions tending away from Christ. Drifting can happen, even to the strongest of us (Hebrews 2:1) – and such drifting can take us farther and keep us longer than we ever intended. (Decades?!) No matter how close to God we might feel, let’s RESOLVE NOW TO BECOME EVEN CLOSER.
2. Do you have a family member or friend who has left the Lord? We probably all do. We’re concerned and wonder if they’ll ever return. DON’T GIVE UP HOPE while they still have breath in their body. Plead with them if they’ll let you. Pray for them, that time and providential circumstances will bring them to soberly reflect on their condition. It can happen. (James 5:19-20)
3. At this moment are you yourself away from the Lord? Please don’t allow this short piece to in any way encourage you to believe you’ve got years to make things right. Yes, Charles lived even another 13 ½ years after his return – to the age of 91 – but you and I may not have tomorrow (James 4:14). Don’t risk being eternally miserable. COME BACK TO JESUS TODAY. He loves and cares for you.
Thanks for reading, friends, and for allowing me to share a memory with you. I’m glad I knew Charles Brickell, a dear friend and brother in Christ.