Greetings!
Thank you for reading this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen. I have some great news about DHD, but you’ll have to wait until topic #6 to find out (or you can just scroll down and read it before you read the other topics).
Let’s get to it.
- Stetzer’s pandemic summations
I have touted Ed Stetzer during the pandemic because I believe he is a voice of reason and one of the most trusted national Christian leaders. Stetzer’s article “This is not the Crisis, But it is Just a Few Weeks Away” was very timely back in March when the pandemic was on the rise. His insight resembled the heralding from prophets of old.
Now, Stetzer has a four-part series in the works titled “Praying in a Pandemic.” Parts one and two have been posted and are worthy reading.
- Progress in the pandemic
I watched President Trump’s press conference on Thursday, April 16, and was encouraged. He and his leadership gave great information that helped us see progress and gave us hope.
I know there are skeptics, and that is fine. I don’t believe the president is misleading. I don’t agree with many of his responses to the media, but I definitely don’t defend the antagonizing “gotcha” questions either.
What is helpful is understandable direction, the three phases and the reasonable approach, knowing many states are in better conditions than others.
I appreciated Trump not singling out certain states’ conditions but allowing the governors to decide how to approach the recovery stage.
My friend Christi gave a good synopsis of the press conference:
“I appreciate the Phases,” she commented on Facebook, “and think states having the freedom to use their data to decide the needs of their communities is the most common sense approach.
“We have been living in essentially Phase 1 already here in Oklahoma.
“Will we have a surge that may arise here and there? Yes.
“I appreciated that Dr. Birx and Dr. Fauci acknowledged we are looking at numbers that appear to be more applicable to a flu season. Numbers that can easily be mitigated, just as we do yearly—those at risk or sick stay home. Wash your hands. Respect other people’s space. Cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Masks will not be necessary, but if you feel more comfortable wearing one, by all means do what makes you feel comfortable.
“I also appreciated that there was recognition that if we continue, we are creating a higher risk of death due to suicide, increased delay of surgeries, domestic abuse, drug overdose and other issues that arise in prolonged isolation.
“Today’s press conference left me feeling better about our outlook than I have since all of this began.”
Christi, I concur.
- Wax on the pandemic
Trevin Wax co-wrote an article titled “What Every Church Must Embrace to Survive COVID-19,” and gave great insight to what pastors are saying and doing in this pandemic. Pastors struggle as much, if not more, than others, and this article features their concerns.
But I like how the article sheds light on aspects many church leaders don’t consider. For example, the piece suggests the possibilities of identifying church members who have not been plugged in to serve and lead. Difficult seasons may allow these members to realize how they can be used in the church and for the Kingdom.
“Perhaps a time like this reminds the church the importance of discipleship and training servant leaders. Or maybe this is a time to call out servant leaders to meet immediate needs.”
- Study on Trusting God
I had mentioned in a previous DHD about my consideration of leading a Bible study using the book “Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts.” Well, it’s going to happen.
Beginning this Sunday, April 19, at 4:15 p.m., I am hosting an informational meeting about the study. It will be done through Zoom teleconferencing, and I am opening up to whoever would like to participate. There is no commitment to attending this Sunday’s meeting, but the study will begin the following week, also through Zoom.
If you are interested in joining, email me at cdoyle@oklahomabaptists.org and I will give you some insight.
- 25 years of remembering
This Sunday will be the 25th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing in Oklahoma City. I wasn’t living here on April 19, 1995. I was in Lynchburg, Va., but it did not take long for me to hear about it. I fielded numerous calls from friends who knew I was an OKC native.
I remember what my parents told me what they thought when the bomb went off. My mom, who was working at the church, thought there was excessive dynamite going off less than a half-a-mile away. This was when the Kilpatrick Turnpike was developing, and workers were clearing some land for construction. The bombing was about 20 miles away, and Mom thought it was just down the street.
My dad was about 15 miles away from the bombing, and he thought the water heater in the house exploded. For those who, like myself, were not in the area, this tells you the magnitude of the explosion, which was reported to be felt from a 30 mile radius.
The Baptist Messenger has as its cover story of the April 9 print edition, a reflective piece from Bob Nigh, former managing editor and current historical secretary for the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission.
Today, George Schroeder posted an article on Baptist Press that gives further insight. It’s another good article to read about what happened on that day in downtown Oklahoma City.
- DHD wins BCA award
I am happy to announce that the Baptist Communicator Association gave first place honors to Doyle’s Half Dozen in the BCA’s annual awards competition in the division of Blog Series.
I appreciate my friend Walker Moore making it known on Facebook:
“Congratulation to Chris Doyle for taking FIRST PLACE IN A BLOG SERIES – Doyle’s Half Dozen – 2020 Wilmer C. Fields Awards/Baptist Communicator Association”
I am humbled and appreciative for this recognition—just as I am humble and appreciative for you taking the time read DHD.
