So setting narcissism aside for a moment I'd like to share a recent experience centered around someone else. How 'bout that?
I visited Regent University in Virginia Beach this week at the invitation of a first-year Theatre graduate student. Diana Coates came to our church at age nine with her mom, Denise. I have had the honor, and I really consider it to be that, to have a small part in her life since then. I watched her grow up, go off to college and now, embark on this new journey.
Through all of this, she has stayed faithful to the Lord.
I met Diana on Thursday evening in front of the Communications Building. From the moment I saw her it was obvious that she was in her element. This was her domain! She gave me an unauthorized tour of the stellar facility that will be her academic home for the next three years. Diana is one of only ten accepted from a pool of hundreds of applicants to Regent's intensive Master of Fine Arts program. From the look in her eyes and the tenor in her description of every room from the experimental theatre to fight choreography room--she doesn't take this opportunity for granted.
So I was there because she and first year students had been invited to a barbecue at the Chancellor's home. They were each permitted a guest. Denise couldn't make it because of work, so I got the privileged nod. When Diana asked if I would come I didn't hesitate. I mean, it was a great chance to check up on her--make sure she was behaving. :)
But really my thoughts ventured to... hmm... theatre department, worldwide Christian television network, potentially deep pockets. In other words, a great Miracle Mansion opportunity!
Like I said, I didn't hesitate. Cleared my schedule and took the drive.
Regent University is one of the most stunning campuses I have ever seen. It is distinctively "Virginia", boasting stately colonial architecture amidst tree-lined knolls and cobblestone sidewalks. Thursday's afternoon, pre-autumn breeze was just deft enough to coerce a stray drop or two from one of the nearby concrete fountains.
And the house. What?!? The spectacular brick mansion that just screamed, "Want me," was flanked on all sides by continuous 6-foot hedges abutting an impressive iron gate. The large driveway--which could accommodate many more vehicles than the four that were there--led to an outdoor, half-radial staircase and stately entrance.
From outside we could see that Matlock was playing on the TV in the study. A brass lamp illuminated a gorgeous bookcase and framed artwork of the Virginia countryside. I was inclined to suspect all of this to be staged so as to create a sense of "homey" perfection for all of us gawkers. Mission accomplished.
We--Diana, myself and 100 others--were directed past that vision of Americana to a side walkway leading to an expansive, football-field-sized, garden of Eden-esque backyard.
Mm. The aroma of pulled pork provided the warmest of welcomes. With faint recollection I've managed to remember fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, rolls, lemonade, iced tea, apple pie and a dixie quartet playing standards from the deck. I could kick myself for not
being more observant.
The happy eating crowd came to a hush about 20 minutes later as Dr. Pat Robertson appeared on the deck sporting a jogging suit and cowboy hat. He recently underwent heart surgery and was unable to join the party but came out to share a few words and offer a prayer of blessing for the new students.
"Our graduates change the world," he said. His voice echoed in the evening breeze. "You are here to learn how to leave your mark on the culture."
As he quietly returned to the privacy of his home, the band resumed and so did the eating. Too perfect.
We happened to be sitting at the table reserved for the Communications Department. We also happened to be sitting next to the Dean of the Communications Department. We also happened to have Miracle Mansion brochures that Diana had stuffed in her intentionally large purse. Oh yeah.
After my thirty-minute, unplanned introduction of the Project to a very interested University Dean, it seemed logical for him to meet the actual invitee, lol. He had obviously heard of Diana, being the one ultimately responsible for her induction to the program. Now he was able to put a name with a face.
I listened to the two of them converse about her goals and the many opportunities that she would have to hone her craft. The glimmer in Diana's eye had returned as she expressed her desire to learn and develop her gift for God. The Dean listened again with intensity, stopping to compliment her on her early achievements in only a few short weeks at Regent.
"She's really, really good, too!" For some unknowable reason I suddenly felt the urge to break into their already effective conversation with the unsolicited bias of an obnoxious American Idol parent.
We reluctantly left the barbeque, and it was clear to me that Diana had been noticed. Not just for her talent but for her passion and determination.
And, she is already making her mark as a committed first-year student with convictions reflective of her non-apologetic, conservative Baptist upbringing. An extremely rare breed in that beautiful, impressive, but very "not-Baptist" place.
We got to talk for several more hours as I had the special privilege to meet her local "mom," Darlene French. This special Christian lady opened her beautiful home to Diana and her roommate, Erin. Man, I would've killed for a setup like that in college! But as nice as the accommodations were, it is Darlene's spirit and obvious care for Diana that reiterates the fact that God has smiled on this 21-year old kid.
The intended short visit to Darlene's home turned into a three-hour one that included testimonies of God's goodness, singing around the piano and a bit of jealousy over her pristine vinyl record collection. Finally, around 11:00 p.m., I began the 3 1/2 hour drive back home. But that was only after Mrs. Darlene insisted that I lead us all in prayer and standby for a goodie bag packed with PB&Js and other road treasures.
I've made a habit of analyzing the impact of events in my daily life. By the time I reached the Hampton Bridge Tunnel I had outlined the things that stood out about the day. First, I want a house like Pat Robertson's. Ok, that's true, but it wasn't a prevalent thought. :)
My overwhelming impression was simply how proud I am of Diana. So many things that I saw that day convinced me that she is exactly where God wants her to be. The stand that she takes and the passion she exudes made me so thankful to have had a small impact on her life. I texted Denise to tell her that I couldn't verbalize my sense of pride for her daughter's early accomplishments without getting emotional. There are few things more exciting than seeing someone grow up and maintain an intrinsic desire to live for God.
The second thing that struck me was the reality that God honors faithfulness. Even as a single parent, Denise's faithfulness to the Lord was instilled in Diana, and now, Diana is experiencing the rewards. I love it when God's people shatter the notions of stereotypical-ness.
Way to go, D! Do you make me proud? Duh.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:4)
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