A video I never imagined, a postscript I will always remember
Steve Carr and I share a passion. We believe in the potential and power of the local church.
Steve Carr
Because of his conviction, Steve has worked with his employer, CDF Capital, to produce a series of short video documentaries about people who have found hope and meaning and peace in the church. That kind of transformation is at the core of what CDF works to facilitate.
Earlier this year, Steve asked if I would be in one of those videos.
Not a hero
I balked at first, because, as I told Steve, “I’m no hero.” My sadness and sacrifice were no different than the struggle experienced by thousands of other caregivers. What I did was often difficult, but it was not unique.
But Steve persisted, and as we talked, I thought about the part of my story that continues to amaze me. It centers around that passion he and I share.
“God used the church—our local congregation and the church at large—to help me in remarkable ways,” I told him. “If we’re going to do a video, that’s what I’d want it to say.”
The result is now online, and I’m mentioning it here as an afterword to my long string of blog posts chronicling our “unchosen journey.”
I’m happy to share the video, but I still have reservations.
Not about its technical quality. I couldn’t be more pleased with how beautiful it is.
Joe Porter and his team at Innovatory Films did a remarkable job. These seven-plus minutes were fashioned from several hours of videotaping. Creative producer Christina Russell skimmed through dozens of my blog posts to find excerpts that frame the story. What a job!
But working with her and Joe was easy for me. They are as kind as they are creative, and I’m so glad for the chance to know them.
I posed with Joe while he filmed at my church on a Sunday morning.
What you see, and what you don’t
So, why the reservations?
For one, I’m taken aback by how emotional I became when I remembered experiences from Evelyn’s sickness. I’m working not to be embarrassed by my tears on display here for anyone with access to YouTube.
And I realize this video is not the whole story.
It doesn’t mention the life-giving encouragement I found in weekly online support group sessions with a circle of folks from across the country who became like family. That experience could be another whole video.
Likewise, I certainly could talk for more than seven minutes about my family. Their gentle encouragement and patience were a great source of strength, even as they coped with their own grief.
So . . . the video is not comprehensive, but it is true. I’m pleased for CDF to share it.
More than four years ago, I started this blog so I would always remember the forgetting. I think I’ll look back and decide this videotaped postscript is one more good step toward achieving that goal.