A Lesson Worth Remembering

 Walking into the auditorium of the church building, I noticed that the number of people assembling was very slim, not at all what I had expected for this special Saturday morning devotional with a guest speaker. It was perplexing to me that such a few of the church members came to hear Mike Tanaro, a minister from Paducah, Kentucky. Only about ten to twelve members or guests finally showed up. However, the success of the session would not be determined by the number in attendance but in the power of Mike Tanaro's message that day. It was and is a message that is very impactful and blesses over and over again on how to be positive in this life.

As Mike was introduced, it quickly became apparent that he had a speech impediment, we assumed from a hearing loss early in his life. As he spoke though, we became less and less aware of the handicap and more and more drawn to the dynamic of his message. 

He started by asking the small group of us to turn to the passage found in Philippians 4:4-8. Then he began to read aloud the following verses:

    "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (NKJV)

During his reading, we noticed that he had become emotional with short pauses in his speech and tears flowing from his eyes. Most of us were perplexed until we learned the reason for the emotion. After an extended pause, Mike Tanaro began to tell us his story:

First, in attempting to teach others about Jesus, these verses had come to mean so much to him through the years, especially in dealing with his speech and hearing handicaps. They had helped him to be determined and resolved to not give up. Furthermore his wife had become that strong encourager for him to stay in the ministry.  

But the handicaps were not the source of his emotion this early Saturday morning--no. Something so unexpected and startling was about to be revealed--the tragic, untimely loss of his wife--his great encourager and supporter,  who had been killed in a car accident just a few months earlier on Interstate 24 between Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Her car had been sandwiched between two transfer trucks that were trying to stop. As he related this, his emotions overcame him and he had to pause again for a few minutes to gather himself.

As he gained control of his emotions, he began to teach about the power of being positive, referencing the beautiful passages in Philippians, in view of such tragedy, such grief, such an overwhelming, negative experience. He began to apply this passage to his personal life. What an example it was for all of us in attendance!  Mike laid out for us a lesson worth remembering.

He taught that a believer in Christ is encouraged to rejoice always because the Lord is at hand, as close to us as our elbow. He was convinced that Jesus was at his wife's elbow even in her death. He declared his great faith that, though he is deeply grieved, his Lord is close beside him now in her absence. Thus he advocated that we rejoice in God's nearness and comfort and treat others with gentleness because of it.  

This good man then boldly emphasized the power of transferring our anxiety, fear, and concerns to the Lord in prayer, with a spirit of thanksgiving. He expressed thankfulness for what Jesus had done in his life through all the years of love, encouragement, and support of his dear wife. He told us that he tries to always thank God before he ever lists his concerns and requests. Always thank him first.

Then he moved to the final part of the passage and encouraged us to reflect on the positive things when we are discouraged or in a state of anxiety. Think about things that are true, noble (honest), just, pure, lovely, and of good report--this was his admonition. 

The devotional was over and the small audience was amazed at the teaching of this heartbroken man. He was still reeling from the utter shock and grief. This lesson has continued to help me throughout the years. I hope it will be meaningful to you as well. To remain positive in our approach to life and in our leadership roles even in difficult times. This can be one of the most challenging things we will ever try to do. But the power of positive thinking, prayer with thanksgiving, and the assurance that Jesus is for us, at our elbow, now and forever, can carry us through many a heartache and trial. 

You might be wondering whatever happened to Mike Tanaro? According to my recent search, Mike remarried and is currently a minister in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He has now been in the ministry for over fifty years. What an example he gave--a vivid picture of putting into practice the very words he taught--in that small setting so many years ago!

Remember, I believe we are all leaders regardless of our position.