This is a very powerful article, David. So grateful you shared this. Your dad was a *giant* to so many of us as we learned our way into ministry as young people during those same years you write about here. I recall how profoundly interested he seemed in us young men/women preparing for or just entering into ministry, and the time he invested in us was life changing. He invited me to one of his retreat hermitages once when I was in my early 20's--one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences in my early ministry calling. While this article reveals his own doubt about his impact during those years, his life will reverberate for perhaps centuries in the downstream effect of those he touched, who then go on to touch others, who will touch others... A great lesson for all of us for the impact we bear in ministry and likely have no idea.
Thank you, David, for this authentic peak behind the curtain of your dad’s life. He told me about this private memoir in one of last meetings and I’ve often wondered about that season of his life.
The reflection you've shared about your dad is somewhat of a contemporary iteration of Jesus "who did not consider equality with God (greatness) something to be grasped." When the time came he, Jesus, emptied himself of the privileges of deity (greatness) and gave himself as a servant. Pain and humility were essential and formational in moving from greatness to servanthood. Likewise for your dad. May the Spirit give us grace to pursue Jesus' pattern, one so authentically modeled by your dad.
David, thank you for giving us the privilege of knowing your father a bit better. In the last six months, Keith reached out to thank and encourage me around some recent devos I had written. Our exchange was a gift from God when I needed it and reading your tribute sheds new light on and meaning in his encouragement. Keith was indeed a good and faithful man of God.
I am eternally grateful for Keith Drury’s influence on my life. I identify with your post here especially about overcoming disappointment and discouragement. Keith became my closest e-friend, confidant, and brother. He persistently encouraged me to pursue the virtues of goodness and faithfulness.
When we were just together you must have had this open on your laptop. I only saw the title and commented, “that’s a great title.” I had no idea it was yours! Wow, not just a great title but a meaningful piece that YOU wrote. I love how you and your dad were already onto this better concept well before Jim Collins. Thanks for sharing this. I see how you continue to be shaped in good christlikeness by the ongoing influence of your dad and Jesus himself.
Thanks for this, Dina. Yep--i've been journaling a bit on and off in the cracks of the last three weeks, including in a few meetings when something comes to mind. I have reams of thoughts, but this one emerged more "ready for others to read" I hope.
David, thank you for sharing these glimpses behind the scenes in your father's thoughts. I think Maxwell once said we reproduce what we are. Your dad reproduced many good men and women. You and John, along with your families lead the way. I'll be praying for you guys. Nothing hurts like the loss of your number-one cheerleader and coach.
Thanks for this tender tribute to your father David. I didn’t have the honor of knowing him, but I know many who have been greatly influenced by him. “…living off the fruit of the Spirit instead of off his formidable gifts of the Spirit” is a concept that will stay with me for a considerable time. I’m praying for you and your family as you try to find a new normal.
Thanks for that, Anne. I know I spent much of my early life obsessed with the gifts of the spirit and as I age I have begun to see how it’s all about the fruit!
What a beautiful and raw tribute. It brought me to tears as I read it to Darin. Coach had just emailed me about that season a few days before he passed—now I understand it more deeply because of what you’ve shared.
He was certainly a source of goodness in my life…. A good man, good mentor, good example. I’m so thankful he went from great to good,… otherwise I think my life would have gone quite differently.
As I come to the 1st anniversary of loosing my own father I thank you David for reminding me of the importance and value that a Fathers influence and encouragement is on one’s own life and so on down through the generations. God’s Blessings to you as you process life without dad.
This is a very powerful article, David. So grateful you shared this. Your dad was a *giant* to so many of us as we learned our way into ministry as young people during those same years you write about here. I recall how profoundly interested he seemed in us young men/women preparing for or just entering into ministry, and the time he invested in us was life changing. He invited me to one of his retreat hermitages once when I was in my early 20's--one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences in my early ministry calling. While this article reveals his own doubt about his impact during those years, his life will reverberate for perhaps centuries in the downstream effect of those he touched, who then go on to touch others, who will touch others... A great lesson for all of us for the impact we bear in ministry and likely have no idea.
Thanks for sharing that, Chris. Amen
Thank you, David, for this authentic peak behind the curtain of your dad’s life. He told me about this private memoir in one of last meetings and I’ve often wondered about that season of his life.
Thanks for visiting him recently—he told me of that visit with joy
The reflection you've shared about your dad is somewhat of a contemporary iteration of Jesus "who did not consider equality with God (greatness) something to be grasped." When the time came he, Jesus, emptied himself of the privileges of deity (greatness) and gave himself as a servant. Pain and humility were essential and formational in moving from greatness to servanthood. Likewise for your dad. May the Spirit give us grace to pursue Jesus' pattern, one so authentically modeled by your dad.
Well said, Ed
David, thank you for giving us the privilege of knowing your father a bit better. In the last six months, Keith reached out to thank and encourage me around some recent devos I had written. Our exchange was a gift from God when I needed it and reading your tribute sheds new light on and meaning in his encouragement. Keith was indeed a good and faithful man of God.
Neat to hear
This was so special to read thank you for sharing some of his intimate thoughts. He was truly a light in my life while at IWU as a student and RD🤍🕊️
Great to hear!
Thank you, pastor David, for this memoir for you Good man (Dr. Keith Drury)
May the Lord continue to bless people to learn how to set aside their greatness to shine the spotlight on Jesus instead.
Appreciated brother
I am eternally grateful for Keith Drury’s influence on my life. I identify with your post here especially about overcoming disappointment and discouragement. Keith became my closest e-friend, confidant, and brother. He persistently encouraged me to pursue the virtues of goodness and faithfulness.
He sure loved corresponding with you
When we were just together you must have had this open on your laptop. I only saw the title and commented, “that’s a great title.” I had no idea it was yours! Wow, not just a great title but a meaningful piece that YOU wrote. I love how you and your dad were already onto this better concept well before Jim Collins. Thanks for sharing this. I see how you continue to be shaped in good christlikeness by the ongoing influence of your dad and Jesus himself.
Thanks for this, Dina. Yep--i've been journaling a bit on and off in the cracks of the last three weeks, including in a few meetings when something comes to mind. I have reams of thoughts, but this one emerged more "ready for others to read" I hope.
David, thank you for sharing these glimpses behind the scenes in your father's thoughts. I think Maxwell once said we reproduce what we are. Your dad reproduced many good men and women. You and John, along with your families lead the way. I'll be praying for you guys. Nothing hurts like the loss of your number-one cheerleader and coach.
Thanks for sharing that, Mark. You're a good man and I happen to know your father was too!
Thanks for this tender tribute to your father David. I didn’t have the honor of knowing him, but I know many who have been greatly influenced by him. “…living off the fruit of the Spirit instead of off his formidable gifts of the Spirit” is a concept that will stay with me for a considerable time. I’m praying for you and your family as you try to find a new normal.
Thanks for that, Anne. I know I spent much of my early life obsessed with the gifts of the spirit and as I age I have begun to see how it’s all about the fruit!
Beautiful words. Dangerously vulnerable. Honouring of a good man, indeed 🙏💙.
Thanks Peter
What a beautiful and raw tribute. It brought me to tears as I read it to Darin. Coach had just emailed me about that season a few days before he passed—now I understand it more deeply because of what you’ve shared.
He was certainly a source of goodness in my life…. A good man, good mentor, good example. I’m so thankful he went from great to good,… otherwise I think my life would have gone quite differently.
Amen and amen. So glad you had ongoing contact
As I come to the 1st anniversary of loosing my own father I thank you David for reminding me of the importance and value that a Fathers influence and encouragement is on one’s own life and so on down through the generations. God’s Blessings to you as you process life without dad.
Thanks for reading and sharing this Ian… your sharing about your dad in Cambodia still rings in my ears—a special talk
A gift from a father to a son, years in the making.
And now your words and life are a gift from a son to a father.
well said, Dwight
Thank you for sharing! I didn't realize the depth of the phrase!
;-)
Brought a tear to my eyes
gracias hermano!