Tag Archive - friendship

Do They Get Along?

June 1, 2010 in Church with 3 Comments

If you are in need of insurance, Clovis NM is the place to come! Insurance agencies are in abundance. Take your pick from any of the big boys: Allstate, Farmers or State Farm. Or you can go with one of a number of independent agents. There’s definitely no shortage of insurance agencies from which to choose.

Consequently, I’ve noticed that when it comes to Farmers and State Farm agencies, in particular, there are more than just a few of each. On my short drive to the office I count four different State Farm agencies and there is at least one more not on my route to the office.  Knowing the insurance business is extremelycompetitive, I wonder if all the State Farm agents get along. Is there enough business to go around, or does the competition create tension? Do these agents, serving the same company, get along? I’ve come to learn something of an answer to the question. After all, I’m a fan of my State Farm agent, Mike Morris, the one not on my route to the office.

Over the years, I haven’t had the best of relationships with other preachers in communities where I’ve lived. My relationship with ministers of other faiths was non-existent, but it wasn’t much better with those of other Churches of Christ.

Especially in the South, Churches of Christ are ubiquitous in communities. Large cities are prone to having tons of congregations. Sadly, though, a lot of small communities are prone to having a significant number of them, as well. I’m no longer certain whether this is good or bad. We are a people who’ve been prone to division. Much of that division is born out of people believing they were doing the right thing, which may or may not have actually been the case. That it looks so terrible that communities of 10,000 or less might have five or more congregations, I wish more would see. All you have to do is ask around and you’ll discover that we’ve marginalized ourselves because we struggle to get along with one another.  

My time in Clovis, though, has been different for me personally. I have a wonderful relationship with Larry Tittle, the preacher for the West 21st Street Church of Christ. He’s become a very dear friend to me. In the year that I’ve been with 16th & Pile, we have done a lot together. We’ve played golf, had coffee, ate lunch, worshiped, studied, and prayed with each other. We’ve done all of these activities, and more, on more than one occasion.

I am proud of the relationship Larry and I have forged. Sadly, I am on my way to the NM Christian Children’s Home and will no longer be preaching at 16th, but that doesn’t mean we will no longer be getting together. After all, Portales, NM is only 20 miles from Clovis.

Here’s what I love most: for the last twelve months, anyone who might have wondered if the preachers from the 16th & Pile Church of Christ and the West 21st St. Church of Christ got along could be answered in the affirmative!

A Letter to Clay Martin (aka Question)

May 4, 2009 in Letters with 4 Comments

Note: When I first started writing these letters, I made up my mind that the last two were going to Jon, Tami, and Sam Gappa and my wife Tisha. Up to this point, all of the letters that I’ve written have been directed to family, but there are a few friends that I want to sandwich in between.

To provide a little background, Clay and I grew up together. I have known him since 3rd grade. We went our separate ways during our college years, but we reunited at my wedding. A year later, we were attending Southwest together. The two of us are extremely close. Our families, too, are very close. He and Joanna have three wonderful children. Clay is a minister in Hobbs, NM.


Dear Question,

Did you ever suspect that your life would turn out the way it has? I didn’t expect mine would. Given what our majors were in college, and for me, the direction my life was heading then, I am miles apart from where I thought I would be.

While our lives are clearly distinctive one from the other, they also bare many similarities. I’m really amazed after thinking about it. We both have

1. Wives with some fire underneath them

2. 2 girls, 1 boy

3. The same profession

4. Irreparable golf swings

I could list a whole lot more, but these suffice to prove my point. I am really not surprised that two of us have so much that is intertwined and similar.

Speaking for myself, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for a few very special friends. Of those special friends, you are at the top.

For whatever reason, you get me. You understand me. I know a lot of people don’t and that frustrates them. But you do, and I know on more than one occasion you’ve sought to clarify the misconceptions that people have of me. To me, that’s one of the marks of a real friend.

You’ve been a tremendous sounding board for me. I am persuaded that a number of people we’ve both held in high esteem have struggled because they had no one that they felt they could talk to without there being repercussions. I have feared being in a similar situation. Thank you for always giving me your ear!

I also appreciate that you’ve never been afraid to let me know your genuine thoughts, particularly, when you thought I might be off base. Moreover, you know how to do it! That, in and of itself, makes for a compelling case that you are in the right line of work. Too many seem clueless about how to “reprove.” At least, as it pertains to me, you know how to go about it.

Clay, finally I want to thank you for your “no strings attached” friendship. As a kid, I used to attach conditions to friendships. You could be my friend if… I know that I am not the only person who’s recognized that youthful tendency. I’ve learned, though, that some never grow out of it. I am thankful that I have, but I am more appreciative of the fact that you seem immune to the notion.

I know God is working mightily through you and your family. The video of Caleb you posted on Facebook from LTC affirms this. The Jefferson St. church in Hobbs, NM is fortunate to have you. I, for one, am fortunate to have you and yours in my life. May God continue to bless you in his service.

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