Mr. Irv, our neighbor, is a former state policeman, and a devout follower of Christ. As horrible as the event was, it is amazing to watch how Mr. Irv gives God all the credit and all the glory for watching over a difficult situation. No matter who Mr. Irv tells the story to (local media, insurance adjusters, rescue workers, contractors working on the reconstruction), he praises God that he and his wife weren't in the front room, praises God that his daughter only had minor cuts and bruises, praises God that the driver of the SUV wasn't seriously hurt. He also praises God that it was cold outside, which kept the neighborhood kids inside. On a normal Saturday, 5-20 kids would have been outside playing.
It has been amazing to watch a lifelong follower of Christ live out his faith. Oftentimes people will give God the glory simply because it is the "Right thing to do", but you wonder about their sincerity, (see post-game interviews.) In watching Mr. Irv, I don't see any posing. I see a man who is sincere in his faith, who is simply telling life as it is. God isn't the "Right Answer to give", he is the only answer to give. God is reality, not giving him the glory is like ignoring life's very existence.
People who seek spiritual truth are rarely swayed to faith by a well presented argument. They are constantly looking for authentic faith lived out in peoples lives, and it is that winsome personality that guides people to their moment with the God of the Universe. Seeing Mr. Irv live his life through this situation is an inspiration to live an authentic Christian life. There is no telling the impact he had on those he came in contact with. If nothing else, he was an encouragement to me!
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