Fighting in the Church

I grew up in a small college town in the Southwestern United States.

It was a wonderful place to grow up. I always felt safe.

I had lots of friends, and everyone was very friendly.

So when I was twelve years old, it was quite a jolt when a terrible fight developed within the church over issues of leadership. Some of the people were for the leaders, and others were against them. My father worked for our church, so because of that, we found ourselves the target of some of the wrath. Things turned violent one night when a big rock, wrapped in a frightening note, was thrown at our house.

Fortunately, it did not actually hit the house.

I found the rock in our front yard the next morning.

When I read the note, my heart turned cold. I ran into the house to give it to my father. I was scared and so disappointed. I told him that if this was how church people acted, I wanted nothing more to do with the church. My dad gently led me into our living room.

We rarely used the living room, which was for company, so I thought I was in big trouble! He told me something that I have never forgotten.

What he shared with me that day has guided me my whole life.

He said, “Dixie, never let people get between you and your God. People will disappoint you, but God never will.” Since that day, I have served in leadership and have gone through a few fiery trials of my own. There have been times when I have felt angry and helpless and have been tempted to just walk away from my leadership role.

Then I would remember my father’s words and turn to my heavenly Father for help and strength to face the battle. And He never once disappointed me.

The trials would eventually turn into triumphs.

It almost never happened overnight, but when I put my trust in God, I would feel a load lift off my shoulders. My father was right! People have disappointed me over the years—but God has never let me down or failed me.

Dixie Lysinger