The Don

Most of us with some Italian persuasion in them recognize the title of this blog as being a sign of respect and if you’ve seen the Godfather, the name “Don” Corleone reminds us of the wisdom and power that one shown this respect possesses. In many past meetings I have even pulled out my character, “The Godfather of Recovery” to use as an example of how one’s life can change from crime to one of God’s  perfect rhyme.

Last Sunday our own “Don”, Don Latham taught on Step One of the 12 Steps For Christians, and did what many of us believe to be, his best effort in all his years of putting forth the name of the Lord. He and his wife Charlotte have been tireless warriors for Christ, and their signatures of encouragement preface many of the books in my library. But “The Don” as we may affectionately begin to nickname him has never been as on fire for the Lord as he is now.

What a great example Elders set for us of loving, wise shepherds who are not there to judge us, but to be a light for our own dark moments. Don and Charlotte are not afraid to share their own, and they were involved at North Atlanta as mentors for those in the recovery ministry there. They will readily step in to the middle of a distressful situation and help to create peace. They are also encouragers of the highest magnitude, even when their own lives are imperfect.

At Across The Bridge we welcome a very diverse group of folks, people who are of course in recovery, but also just people who care, or people who want to improve their relationship with the Lord. Doesn’t matter why you are with us, someone like Don and Charlotte, or many others who are ready to serve, will be there to not only put their faith in action, but also show us how to get excited about our salvation, and about our healing.

I thank God for everyone involved, but this week I am especially thankful that people like Don and Charlotte help make the world go around, and help show us how we are supposed to live our faith! The Don made us an offer we couldn’t refuse this week….live like sheep who shake the mud and mire of a messy life off, or live like hogs who want to continue to wallow in it. Take your pick.

Ciao!