The Flog – The Fabry Log

I love it when I get an e-mail that shows the listener writing "gets" what we're trying to do on the program, Chris Fabry Live! (Don't forget the exclamation point.) I include this not to puff up myself or the program, but to provide a little insight into the people's lives who populate the other side of the microphone. Here is one such e-mail that really encouraged me.

I have been listening to your radio program since October. I have to tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to hearing your program. I work in downtown Chicago and listen to your podcast on the train rides to and from work.

I want you to know that I am deeply touched by your honesty and sharing of your family's current challenges. Please don't feel you have to apologize when you share the latest events. I, too, have had many years of such unforeseen difficulties in raising three children as a single parent. When I share some of our experiences (which have for years seemed to come upon us like ocean waves), I sometimes hesitate to tell my friends the latest event in our lives. It is almost like I can hear them say "not again." But I also know that by sharing our lives' challenges, it helps me cope with what sometimes has been overwhelming. After time passes, I can always look back and see God's hand all over us. I have come to trust in his wisdom completely.

God bless you and your family, Chris. Know that you will all be closer to God and have more depth in your souls because of the trials that have come your way. You are giving to your listeners more than you can know.

I picture this person walking to the train, enjoying the late spring and fall weather, sweating in the summer, freezing in the winter. Someone who is just going about life, trying to make sense of the pain and the problems. Trying to be faithful in whatever calling God has. Putting one foot in front of the other. And if I can be part of that step-by-step process in one person's life, I'm so grateful.

At the risk of making this too long, let me include a portion of another email from another area of the country. This one is from Florida, and I've heard this sentiment, that listeners really didn't like their routine changed when I first came on the air.

Dear Chris, my brother in Christ,

I'd like you to know that I've been listening to your program since its beginning. At risk of being completely honest, I'd like to say that at first, I was not impressed. I'll even go as far to say that I was a little "torked" about the change in my Moody afternoon schedule. I remember thinking, "Who is this guy? Can anyone get a radio show these days?" LOL

In the beginning, I would even change the station, occasionally feeling frustrated and not happy with the "talk show gig". I mean, I enjoyed the preaching on Moody, but this new program didn't seem to have an angle! What was it's purpose? Ultimately, I would find myself drawn to listen in just a tad each day before I'd hit the scan button on my radio. Finally, one day...not sure when...I could not stop listening and now I never want to! :)

Although I've wanted to write in many, many times, this is the first chance I've taken. I can't possibly express all the thanks that my spirit has for you and your program. I LOVE the Friday sigh...it's the best and I LOVE it when you spell your name! (I'm a teacher!) But I think the thing I LOVE most is the friendship...fellowship. You have a powerful tool in your program. I can be feeling very alone and the program allows me to feel surrounded by FRIENDS! You have created something so real. There are no gimmicks, no tricks...it's just the daily walk/talk of the Christian life. Thank you.

At the end of the e-mail the listener asks me to pray for a spouse who is awaiting a transplant. We may do a program based on this situation because I know there are many in their position awaiting a chance at a new life. But I can't help thinking there are others who need the transplant of another sort. That's what keeps me going, really. To be able to talk about the love of God for us, and how we don't have to perform for him in order to get him to like us. And to try and make sense of the pain and the longing and the difficult times we're all facing.

Thanks for your feedback over the past few months. It's really shown that many of you "get" the new program.