FIRST GLIMPSE: The Lion of Lyon Street

The 2015 national convention has been over for weeks—boxes unpacked, minutes recorded, thank you notes in the mail, and post-convention review published…typos and all. Usually, by this time, I have turned my attention to the growing honey-do list, begun whipping my neglected lawn back into shape, and started renewing my love-hate relationship with golf. Usually, the only convention I think about in August is the one nearly a year away.

But as the green of summer has given way to the golden hues of early fall, I find my mind wandering back to those days in Grand Rapids. I just can’t shake this particular meeting, for a number of reasons:

That Bird

The resident Red-winged Blackbird was the lion of Lyon Street, fiercely guarding her nest, located somewhere between the headquarters hotel and the convention center. She introduced herself on my first trip to the press office, my arms loaded with files and equipment. Swooping down like a P-51 Mustang in the hands of a World War II ace, she pecked away at my unprotected face and head.

Like any macho man…I dropped my gear and dashed for safety. Papers flying, briefcase dragging—I’m sure it was a sight. It didn’t take me long to learn to avoid her territory. By the way, you can see this little demon in action on YouTube. She made the national news!

That Girl

During the Tuesday evening youth service, a 16-year-old church planter from Utah stood tall beside her friend, and together they shared their testimony. Two lives—one amazing story! A scant 18 months earlier, her friend had been a skeptical member of the Mormon Church. Then Ashton entered the picture, and with kindness, acceptance, and patience, introduced her friend to the Savior. This year, he took part in the Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference, one of a growing army of young leaders poised to take the Church into the coming decades. Perhaps my buddy Jon Forrest put it best: “Gives you hope for the future, doesn’t it?” Absolutely, Jon!

That Moment

It was one of those life-altering conversations you never forget. A good friend and former pastor drew me aside in the main concourse. As people streamed around us, time stood still while he shared his recent diagnosis, a complex neurological disorder that may end with every pastor’s nightmare—the inability to speak.

While my heart broke for him and the challenge he faces, I couldn’t help but think I am glad to be part of a conference where we take time to share blessings, fellowship, and heartaches. I’m sure that many of the people who flowed around us during our conversation will join me on our knees as we lift up my friend in prayer.

That God

He moved in Grand Rapids…in worship, in powerful preaching, in fellowship, in unforgettable ways. And while I could point to many moments that challenged me spiritually, I will never forget Tom McCullough’s call to repentance during the final moments of the convention:

May we repent today of fostering an “us versus them” mentality that restricts access
to the gospel of grace, offered freely to all men by the Father, who is no respecter of persons. God plays no favorites.

No wonder I can’t get this convention out of my head. I hope I never do.

Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of ONE Magazine. Contact him at editor@nafwb.org.