What made Rupert so special?

I have been inundated with calls, emails, posts to my Facebook wall, etc. on the impact my dad had on so many. The outpouring of love, prayer and concern is both needed and appreciated. Our “family road trip” (Chloe named it for us) has been really uneventful, which is quite nice. After leaving much later than anticipated, we began the 1400+ mile trek to the holy land (Texas) and have landed to rest for the night a little more than halfway there. The rest of the crew is crashed in our deluxe Econolodge digs while I’m in the lobby using the wi-fi. Apparently the in-room wi-fi didn’t specify WHICH room – note: always read the fine print! They say it should be working, but after 20 minutes of being frustrated with no signal, I have wound up on the sofa out front and I think I’m making the desk clerk a little nervous (maybe it’s the PJ pants). I digress, sorry.

So the title of this post is all about trying to figure out what it is that made my dad the man he was…I’ve had over 700 miles to ponder this question, and I’ve come up with a couple of ideas I’d like to share about R.U.P.E.R.T. that tell about his character.

Resourceful – My dad could rig things in such a way that he’d have Macgyver scratching his head. Mind you, his “inventions” weren’t always works of art, but they never failed to get the job done. I can remember umpteen times helping him fix something on the car as a kid, and we never failed to end the job without at least a handful of screws or other parts left over. He didn’t mind and I thought nothing of it. He was also resourceful in finding ways to help other people. It may not always be money, since he wasn’t wealthy by the world’s standards, but he often gave of his time to lend a hand to someone in need. If you needed help, Rupert would always “find a way”.

Unforgettable – There’s no denying that Rupert made a lasting impression on anyone he met. Just this past month, when he and mom came for a visit to see us in Virginia, this fact was proven over and over again. Over a dozen different people told me how much they had “enjoyed my father”. They actually used those words. They didn’t really know him, having only been around him an hour or so. But somehow, he had lifted their spirits in a unique way – in a lasting way – in a real way. For those of us who knew him well, his corny jokes and silly smile were a reminder of the gentle spirit and genuinely caring, fun-loving, endearing person he was.

Positive – I consider myself a positive, upbeat, glass 2/3 full person. Many people would agree. But I have my days, trust me. I’m not what you’d call a steady, even keeled personality like good ‘ol Rupert. When Romo blew game after game, I was ready to fly to Texas and do something about it. Dad would just take it in stride and say, “Well, he’s still getting used to the system…yada yada yada”. He most often found the silver lining, I guess you could say. This character trait was attractive to others. If you were having a bad day at work and Rupert showed up, you’d be smiling soon thereafter. He looked for, and found, the best in people. He would loan money to folks who often didn’t repay him. When asked about it, he would defend them like they were his own kids. Definitely the kind of guy you’d want as a friend, right? A number of times, he would talk me down off of the ledge when things got tough in ministry. He was an encourager and brought out the best in me.

Evangelistic – My dad was the quintessential evangelist. He wasn’t the guy with the bullhorn, passing out tracts on the steetcorner. He was the guy who came into PepBoys for years, got to know the guys behind the counter, and invited them to church enough times that they finally came – and gave their lives to Christ. He was the guy who gave a Bible to my sister’s boyfriend (a story he has recounted to me in how it impacted his life). Rupert loved people and saw them in their humanity as individuals loved by God. I believe this is what drove him to be so friendly – he knew that his love would reflect Christ’s love to them. He epitomized lifestyle evangelism. He was also overt about his faith.

Real – What you saw was what you got with my dad. He put it all out there for the world to love or hate. Most often, he was loved for be the unique, fun, kinda quirky and silly, very sincere man he was. These days, often people are anything BUT real. Folks are worried that if they “just be themselves”, somehow that won’t be good enough. So instead they try to be something other than who they really are. Anyone who knew Rupert Gayle can attest that he never even ATTEMPTED to be somebody he wasn’t. Occasionally his candor might leave you scratching your head, but in the end I am so grateful to have a role model in my life who was the same person one-on-one as he was at work, church or anywhere for that matter.

Thoughtful – Dad was always going the little extra to make sure you felt loved. His regular Sunday afternoon phone calls to debrief the Sunday services were always nice. He’d call if he knew I had been super busy at work, just to check on me. He would routinely check on folks in the hospital, drop by the church to visit the pastor, pop in the local pawn shops – not to buy anything – just to visit. He and I talked on average a couple of times each week, if not more. He knew I was typically quite busy with work, school and my own family, but he also knew I am loved by words of affirmation. So he would make the extra effort to talk with me and encourage me in my life and all my endeavors. When mom was recovering from back surgery last year, he always did the little extra something for her, just so she knew she mattered to him. He really loved mom so much and it showed. Their 48 1/2 years together is a testimony to their love and friendship.

So…was Rupert flawless? Heavens, no. He was human like the rest of us. But God somehow took a shy, introverted farm boy and grew him into an outgoing, funny, sweet man that blessed many lives during his time here on earth. I can still see that silly grin, even as I’m finishing up this post. And right about now, he’d be saying “Son, I appreciate this and all, but don’t you think you should get to bed? You’ve got a long day ahead of you tomorrow and you’re carrying precious cargo with you…”. You’re right, dad. Good night…Love you too.

Legacy of my Father

Thanks to everyone for the kind words to my family and me in the midst of this great loss of my father and best friend.

To those of you who have posted stories and memories of Rupert Gayle Brown on facebook, thank you. They are a reminder to me of just how much of a difference the life of a simple, humble son of a share cropper has made. For those of you who didn’t know him, you would’ve liked him if you had. Thanks to you for lifting my family up in your prayers.

A little about my dad:

My dad loved people, and it was evident if you were ever around him. He truly never met a stranger. He was also always on the ready to share a joke or story too. So, you have him to blame (or thank) for my sense of humor.

I cannot begin to count the ways he has impacted my life – they are innumerable. I cannot begin to thank him for what he has done as an example to me in my life, although I tried to put it into words in a previous post last Father’s day (in the June 2010 folder).

As a pastor, I have travelled the path of loss with many people. I have seen tragedy strike the lives of so many, and watched as parents have buried children in the face of illness or other untimely deaths.

This loss, while sudden and unexpected, is not tragic in that sense. My dad passed away in his sleep, resting in his own bed. He spent the last night of his life doing one of the things he loved most – watching TV till the wee hours of the night with his bride of almost 49 years. Mom said he was feeling fine and in a good mood (he was almost always in a good mood).

It’s true he didn’t live to see the Cowboys win another Super Bowl, but then again, none of us may live that long. I did have the blessing of watching the last 2 Cowboy games of this past season with him on the couch of our family room. And he played the last round of golf (his favorite pastime by a long shot) here in Virginia with me. God gave us the gift of an unseasonably warm December day, and we were joined by my 2 boys. It was so sweet. Thank you, God.

He and mom got to come out for our Christmas program and see their grand babies sing and share their love for Jesus. It was a great visit. I am blessed to have spent Christmas with my dad this past year. Another gift from God.

Anyway, all throughout the visit, dad kept telling me how proud he was of me – how much he loved my family and how he knew I was making a difference with my life…always the encourager.

So, for me there will be no more Sunday afternoon phone calls to see how church went. No more days of “pawn shopping” with no other goal than just hanging out. No more corny jokes or great big bear hugs. But I’ll be okay. As the tears pour down my face, I know I’ll be okay. He’s in the presence of God as I type. I can only imagine what that’s like for him. He’s seeing his mama right now and getting reacquainted. Whatever he’s doing, I’m sure he’s doing it all out.

Now it’s my job to continue the legacy he began – to be a man of God like he was. To be the guy who was always on the lookout for someone in need. The guy who could brighten your day just by showing up. The man who demonstrated servant leadership and shared his faith with no apologies.

Here’s to you, Rupe Dog!

You are missed, but we celebrate your life!

a new date for New Year’s Day

I wish the new year didn’t come January 1st.

For starters, I’m usually exhausted from a hectic season of multiple Christmas services, hosting relatives (or traveling to be with relatives), shopping, traffic, and so on. Add to that the fact that this it gets dark at 4:30 in the afternoon, we have to endure bitter cold temperatures and barren trees with little real signs of life and it’s no wonder that I actually spent $85 on a “happy lamp” a couple of months ago.

For me, I’d much rather start the “new year” on Easter. Doesn’t it make more sense? Signs of life are literally popping up everywhere with amazing displays of color melding into the green all around. The temperature lends itself to being outdoors to enjoy the beauty given to us by our Creator, and the whole point of Easter to me is the amazing true story of God giving us all a new hope, a new future, and new life.

So, let’s wait till April 8th to celebrate New Year’s day, whadaya say? If you’re in, I’ll throw a party and we’ll do it up right. Maybe we can call it Easter Eve or something? I’m open for ideas. I can’t imagine a better way to kickoff the celebration of our risen King Jesus this Easter. Mark your calendars for the evening of April 7th…but no black-eyed peas, okay?

Beautiful Things

Yesterday, we sang “Beautiful Things” at church. I love this song. It reminds me that God can use anyone, can change anyone, can restore anyone. We can’t do that. We can’t save ourselves. We try. I try. I try to save my kiddos when they’re disappointed or sad. Sometimes I can, often I’m unsuccessful.

For some reason, I’m finding peace in knowing that God uses me (and people like me) with warts and all. This is good to know as the pressures of school and a huge upcoming Christmas program are looming large in my life. Add a couple of physical health struggles and I feel a bit more worn than usual. Today, though, as we were all singing in church, God reminded me (again) of how powerful He is. How His restoration is so amazing. How through Him we can run and not get weary – I really need that in my life right now.

God, I’m so grateful for being strong in my weakness. And I also am thankful for the team of folks you have blessed me with that I have the opportunity and good fortune to lead on a weekly basis. May you be right in the midst of everything we’re doing for Christmas and beyond. And thanks again for making something beautiful out of all of us.

Thankful

With the feast of Thanksgiving barely a day ago, I felt the need to stop for a minute and reflect on my life and what I am truly thankful for (now that I’ve recovered from overindulging in turkey and sweet potato casserole and lived to watch the Cowboys eek out another victory at the last second). In the depths of busyness and the hectic nature of the Christmas season, it’s easy for me to just plow through days and weeks at a time without pausing to appreciate all the “good” that is going on around me, along with the blessings that I have been so graciously given.

I’ll start with my family. I seriously couldn’t come up with a better family than the one I get to call my own. They are all so amazing. My wife, Lisa, is such a blessing. She has been so supportive of me in every area of my life for as long as I can remember. She handles all the responsibilities of being a “single parent” during the super busy seasons of ministry like Christmas and Easter, and never complains. She prays for me all the time and is the one person I feel like I can truly rely on to “have my back”. I don’t tell her enough what she means to me, but I am so blessed by God to have known her for over half my life. The best thing she’s ever done for me is be the mother of my three precious children.

There isn’t a Dad in the world who is more loved than me. I’m not saying I deserve it, but I soak it in for sure. My three babies (well, they’re not babies anymore really) are all so completely unique and special and all are so loving and passionate about life. Parker, Chloe and Marshall all deeply impact my life in ways they’ll never know. What a blessing to be loved in as close to an unconditional way as I’ll ever see this side of Heaven. God is constantly teaching me through them even though they have no clue. I consider it an honor to their father.

These are just a few things in my life I have to be thankful for. Thank you, God…for blessing me with such a great family who loves and supports me.

Blessed Beyond Measure

What a week!
Other than the sweltering heat of Kansas City, it was a great time of spiritual nourishment and very uplifting to my soul. Being surrounded by other dedicated, talented worship leaders was really inspiring too. For me personally, it was nice to not have to be “on” all the time and instead be poured into for a change of pace.

The music was incredible. Nicole C. Mullen, Tommy Walker, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Gungor, Kari Jobe, Leeland, Casting Crowns and more….simply amazing. More than just the songs, the testimonies and encouraging words were just what I needed. Thank you, God, for speaking to me through everything.

So now, it’s back to the day-to-day for a day or so…then I’m off to TEXAS to see family and spend even more time in sweltering heat! But at least it’ll be with my wife, kids and all our family. I am blessed beyond measure.

Worship Conference Update #1

Well, I am so blessed to be able to spend the better part of the week at the National Worship Lader Conference. The fact that it’s in Kansas isn’t all that bad except the 103 degree heat wave that’s melted the city. So far so good (even with a migraine!).

Got to here Scotty Smith speak tonight and he’s always spot on. He relates so well to all of us as worship leaders. Next up, Nicole C. Mullen sang her heart out. Buddy Owens is cracking cheesy jokes (which unfortunately reminds me of me) and now we are all about to enter into worship with the conference choir and Tommy Walker.

God is so good and I am praying that He will meet me and speak to me in a profound way this week. I know that I need to hear from Him and be reminded of his plan and His goodness. I can’t wait!!

…more to come.