Liverpool Warriors

Tonight I’m sitting in the parking lot of our local high school.  Twenty-three years ago, my wife and I were in town to take our first look at the possibility of moving to Liverpool where I was being considered to come serve as pastor.  While we knew the decision was ultimately the Lord’s we were getting to know the area. We decided to drive to the high school (just a mile from the church buildings) and see the school.  I was particularly interested in the mascot for some reason – in case my kids played sports – what would they be?

 

As we drove to the parking lot by the stadium Kathy and I were struck with the words ‘Liverpool Warriors’.  The spiritual implications of that word for a possible move for ministry here were profound that day and still are tonight.  Our kids were 8, 5, and 2.  We went back up north and the next week my wife heard the Twila Paris song ‘The Warrior is a Child’ sung as a special at a women’s gathering.  Kathy sat there and wept as God was revealing His will to us in so many ways. 

I still remember when our son came off the practice field as a seventh grader 7 years later with his Liverpool Warriors soccer jersey.  He would play for Liverpool the next six years.  He was a warrior.  I also remember his last band concert.  The piece was not a Christian piece per say – but the song included a powerful section where the trombone section (which was his instrument) and the lower brass played the tune that correlates to the song ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’.  One of the finest bands in America played with moxie that night and I sat there amazed.  I went to my car after the concert and happened to be tuned to a Christian station only to here Larnelle Harris sing these words:  ‘so you were in it after all’.  I sat there in amazement of the journey from 1993 to 2005.

Today those three young kids are grown, college graduates, married and moving on with life.  They all graduated from Liverpool High School.  Our fourth will graduate next year, 2017.  To God be the glory they are all doing well and spiritual warriors for the Lord.  Last night I came here to vote on the school budget and for board members, and the meaning of this parking lot hit me profoundly.  I was blessed for sure and knew that I wanted to write this blog story. 

Today I did a little study on the word warrior in the Bible.  I read that ‘The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is his name.’  Exodus 15:3.  I read that the angel of the LORD had a word for Gideon though he may have doubted it.  That angel said to him ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’  Judges 6:12b.

I’m heading home from this parking lot to watch a basketball game.  The Golden State Warriors are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.  I’m a Warriors fan.  I plan on enjoying the game.  This much I know – that team is full of warriors.  But I also know this too – since I came to Liverpool, God has call me to be a warrior – not militant – but vigilant.   And this much I also know – it’s not a game – but rather eternity is on the line for multitudes.  To that end I’m glad to be on the Northside team.  We are warriors too.  It’s been a great journey.  I’m looking forward to the future.  It could be the best is yet to come.