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- Chris Fabry
- Married to Andrea since 1982. We have 9 children together and none apart. Our dog's name is Tebow.
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After finding and remediating mold twice in our Colorado home, we abandoned ship in October 2008. Because of the high levels of exposure, our entire family was affected. After months of seeing different specialists for all of the problems, we came to Arizona to begin comprehensive treatment to rid our bodies of the toxic buildup. In August 2009 we moved into a larger home, four bedrooms, south of Tucson, north of Mexico. I am doing my daily radio program/ writing from that location. Thanks for praying for us. We really feel it.
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013
I’ve been doing call-in talk radio for more than 20 years. I’ve never had to use the delay or “dump” button. Callers have, for the most part, been considerate, compassionate, and kind. Some have been upset, angry, and agitated, but have always conducted themselves with respect and a sense of decorum.
That changed yesterday on my program, Chris Fabry Live. A man called to tell a story that I thought illustrated the topic of the show. The story turned out to be gross and profane.
I was shocked. All of those working behind the scenes were shocked. So much so that I wasn’t able to give the cue in time to dump the content of the call.
Earlier in the hour I said that I felt two words rising to the surface of my life in the past few days. The first was opposition. The second was kindness. I mentioned this long before we took that call.
Opposition comes in many forms. An opposing force can defeat your, bowl you over, or make you stronger for the fight. Opposition seeks to disarm you and defeat you. The caller represented this opposing force well.
After the call I tried to simply move on with the program, not knowing exactly what was on the air and what wasn’t. It was clear after a few minutes that people did hear the offending remark and I felt like I had to say something about it.
In the closing moments, a lot of people ran through my mind. The mom driving her kids home from school. The dad doing the same. The elderly woman who listens every day for encouragement. The station managers who trust us to protect their listeners from such outrageous and offensive material.
And then I thought of that man. He sounded young. He sounded nervous. What happened in his life to make him think this would be funny? Is he angry with the church for some reason? Is he angry at God? Does he even believe God exists? When I began to think of him, instead of anger and vitriol, I felt very sad for him. And I tried to be kind. And many of our listeners wrote and mentioned this—that the offensive, crude and undignified remarks were handled in a way that treated the caller as a person who needed God’s grace. Who am I to withhold grace when I’ve received so much of it?
So if you think of the gentleman who called and start getting angry, pray for him. Pray that God’s grace and mercy will overwhelm him and that he will become a trophy of that grace.
That changed yesterday on my program, Chris Fabry Live. A man called to tell a story that I thought illustrated the topic of the show. The story turned out to be gross and profane.
I was shocked. All of those working behind the scenes were shocked. So much so that I wasn’t able to give the cue in time to dump the content of the call.
Earlier in the hour I said that I felt two words rising to the surface of my life in the past few days. The first was opposition. The second was kindness. I mentioned this long before we took that call.
Opposition comes in many forms. An opposing force can defeat your, bowl you over, or make you stronger for the fight. Opposition seeks to disarm you and defeat you. The caller represented this opposing force well.
After the call I tried to simply move on with the program, not knowing exactly what was on the air and what wasn’t. It was clear after a few minutes that people did hear the offending remark and I felt like I had to say something about it.
In the closing moments, a lot of people ran through my mind. The mom driving her kids home from school. The dad doing the same. The elderly woman who listens every day for encouragement. The station managers who trust us to protect their listeners from such outrageous and offensive material.
And then I thought of that man. He sounded young. He sounded nervous. What happened in his life to make him think this would be funny? Is he angry with the church for some reason? Is he angry at God? Does he even believe God exists? When I began to think of him, instead of anger and vitriol, I felt very sad for him. And I tried to be kind. And many of our listeners wrote and mentioned this—that the offensive, crude and undignified remarks were handled in a way that treated the caller as a person who needed God’s grace. Who am I to withhold grace when I’ve received so much of it?
So if you think of the gentleman who called and start getting angry, pray for him. Pray that God’s grace and mercy will overwhelm him and that he will become a trophy of that grace.
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11 comments:
Still praying for that caller Chris. My guess is that most listeners did not catch what he said, I barely did. After I heard it, I thought to myself, "oh, I heard wrong." It was so fast and not very clear, I am sure the mom driving home with her loud kids in the car didn't even catch it. We live in a desperate world with people in so much need, yes they need our prayers. If I were in their shoes, I would hope someone with Christ like love would pray for me!
I missed the program yesterday- and I rarely do- so I didn't hear how it was handled. BUT, I love that you are suggesting we pray for this young guy. I will do so!
Chris, I did not hear your show yesterday, but I am sure that you handled it with grace and love. I'm glad so many of the listeners affirmed that. Opposition is very real for those who are on the front line. Kindness is a beautiful word to pair up with the word opposition. However, it requires more Spirit than flesh. It goes against what we often WANT to do. So glad that you were able to respond and still are responding in such a beautiful grace-filled way.
You recovered well on air. I was in the car by myself, but it was shocking. I thought about the caller, too. Why would he do that? Your point is well taken. Pray for the caller.
Chris, I must admit... I was flabbergasted at the remark that young man made. I was driving and literally hit the "rumble strip" on the outside edge of the highway. The beginning of his story DID sound genuine, but I agree he sounded nervous. I figured it was due to being on the radio. I immediately (after regaining my composure, lol) said a prayer for him. And after that I felt as if someone said to me "but, he WAS listening to a great radio show..." so that's that. Truth. That man may have gotten more prayers yesterday than all his life before yesterday. God be with him.
Also, I think you handled it well. :)
I listen every chance I get. Your show always brings a smile. God bless you.
Patsy
Chris, I'm sorry that someone took advantage of your kindness to respond as he did. I didn't hear yesterday's show, but you are correct in asking us to pray for him.
In all honesty Chris, I am surprised something like this has not happened before. You are on the front lines as a public figure representing faith in Jesus. It is hard to describe but I remember a era, long ago (before Christ),when I would look at sweet loving Christians and wonder 'how do you do that?'It drove me nuts because I was always getting in trouble for lack of discipline or going too far. Behind the observation and wondering was a little jealousy because I couldn't be that way. Behind that was a little anger at them because they were that way. I don't know what was going on in this man's mind but I do know there was a time when I actively wanted to trip up the sweet ones. I can't tell you how many people I inconvenienced, asking questions, arguing just to argue - angry that I didn't have what they had. If we are in the end time and opposition is becoming antagonistic, I would think you and your staff might consider how to prepare or drill to face such scenarios. Reality is that most people are not sweet loving Christians and they possess the very attitude I once had. It wasn't that I was going out opposing Christians, it was just this weird combination of not knowing how to ask, what to ask mixed with human immaturity, jealousy and anger. I can't tell you how miserable I was. ...and all this was long long long before you were stealing your kids' Halloween candy! Blessings and yes, this one warrants prayer...for him and for you (in case you didn't realize it)Love being a fan of your show.
You handled it very well, at the moment of the call and in your comments at the end of the show. You are a wonderful example of grace extended, and I hear it in your show every day. Thank you for helping me to re-think the reactions I tend to have towards people and situations. I have been praying for the young man, and hope he tunes in again.
Thank you Chris...I thought you handled it well and I was very grateful you did say something on the show.
Thank you for your show and your faith.
May God continue to bless you and your family and your show.
I missed the total content of his rant (had the program as background for life). When I heard your response perked up to listen We always need to remember who we are and Whose we are. Think that your encouragement to pray with and for him is spot on.
Chris, I came in right as you were making your closing comments about the man's remark. Even though I didn't hear what he said, what you said was remarkably kind, considerate and something he and all of us needed to hear. You are always so gracious, tolerant and insightful. Thank you. And, God bless that man, young or old, and you as well.