GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
Old westerns are some of my favorite movies (along with mob movies but that’s another post). From a very young age my mom helped me to develop a love for Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, Big Valley, Wagon Train… and the list is endless because there is a million mile long collection of good old westerns to pick from.
My dad has always been Papa to me. Ever since I can remember, my sister and I always called him Papa. I’m not sure if that’s because we’re Italian or not but it’s just how I’ve always known my dad.
I have a deep affection for mafia movies. I’m sure someone will take issue with this. A pastor who has a deep appreciation for mob movies? This just can’t be right. Right? Nevertheless… part of the reason I enjoy mob movies is because I’m part Italian, I’m the only grandson to carry the Italian family name forward to the next generation and because my grandfather introduced me to mob movies at a young age telling me that this was a good way to understand part of my heritage.
I’m nearing the end of the halfway mark of my first sabbatical. After seventeen years of following Jesus and fifteen of those years being devoted to lots of volunteer ministry that lead into full time vocational ministry for the last ten years, it was evident this last Spring that the time for a sabbatical of some sort was way over due.
The last few months have been tough. Truthfully… the last few years have been tough.
Every year that goes by seems to be cluttered with difficulty and hardship and loneliness and pain. Seasons of loss and disappointment have left my soul feeling empty and shallow and thirsty.
I love listening to preachers.
It’s been this way for me since I began following Jesus seventeen years ago.
My dad (affectionally known to me as Papa) was the one who fanned this love for preaching into a roaring fire when he encouraged me to listen to a local radio station with back to back preachers.
Something I struggle with is putting my feelings on paper.
I’ve always thought I was a good verbal processor when it comes to my feelings.
That might be true.
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