(#9 in a series of people who
changed the course of my life)

So many people in my time here in Dallas have touched my heart. But few moreso than Todd Scoggins, or, as I like to call him—Todd.1.

If I could find one word to describe him, I think it would be…

Sunshine.
No—wait.  Joy.
Definitely joy. Yeah.
Or kindness. Yeah. That.
Or maybe compassionate is better?

Ok so four words. (At least.)

Have you yourself ever met someone who, when you talk to them, you can really perceive that they are listening to you. Not with a “blah blah blah hurry up I have to get to the next person” listening or a “please get through your point so I can tell you something far more interesting that is also more directly about me” posture.

With an intentional focus on you and the heart of what you’re saying, Todd epitomizes:

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy;
share tears when they’re down.

–Letter to the Romans

I have watched him do it, time and again. And I myself have experienced it several times.

I’m not sure how he keeps his well of compassion so full–how he has surmounted his own grief from a variety of tragedies and losses that have happened in his life. Perhaps it is the very deep source Todd is tapped into or just how he’s wired. I don’t know how he time and again ministers to people who are hurting or lost or empty or afraid. And when people rejoice–he’s right there with that big ole Oklahoma grin reminiscent of how I would imagine Jesus would smile. (If he grew up in Oklahoma, anyway.)

And if I have learned anything from the good Rev, it is the importance and the value of this verse I’ve heard all my life:

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in God! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.

–Letter to the Philippians

There is no doubt that Todd is indeed working with us all–shedding a tear here and there, holding our hands, laughing with us.

Oh and I also learned: work hard to be the kind of rev that doesn’t have to wear the girl scout sash.

Todd.2 & Todd.1

Thank you my brother for your big ole compassionate heart. I hate to think where any of us would be without it. And you.

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10. my sibs

Absolutely nothing awkward about this at all. (inside joke)