We were supposed to leave for Maryland Friday Morning. A trip home to see family, yes, but the purpose was to attend Dr. John Bond’s Funeral on Saturday Sept. 3.

This morning Patty and I made the decision not to leave. A Tropical Storm that may strengthen into a hurricane is making landfall in Florida later today, and the eye of the storm is scheduled to pass over Onslow and Duplin Counties Friday night. Heavy rains with localized flooding, and high winds are expected. I spent the first hours this morning on my home’s roof, nailing down and applying tar to loose shingles, getting it ready to take the first storm of the season.

Having never lived in North Carolina during storm season, we felt it would be unwise for us to leave our home and the Ministry Center during this storm. We may be needed here to manage any damage that may occur. Our hearts are broken though.

We missed the funeral of my good friend Clay Moorman in June. Now Dr. Bond’s. Two men who meant so much to both of us. But this is the life of following the call of God.

We like to think that following God means a marked decrease in pain, heartache and suffering. Sometimes that is true. But it is also true that following the call of God can be painful. We desperately want, we need the company of our friends to share memories, reminisce, and find the healing that only comes in a group setting. John Bond’s meant that much to us. But the Call of God means we have responsibilities we must attend to, even if it means forsaking family and friends.

Matthew 10:37-39… He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Think that’s hard of Jesus to say that? Listen to this:

Matthew 8:19-22… And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

I know this, that funerals are not for the deceased, they are for the living. I am not dishonoring Dr. Bond’s by not attending. He above all persons understands this. He gave his all for the ministry. He took nothing for himself, but poured back out to others everything the Lord gave to him. He would tell me to batten the hatches and take care of the ship God has entrusted to me.

I am duty bound, and bound by love to follow my Lord. As Doc would say, I am in His Bonds. But my heart still aches.