I'm quite often asked (particularly in church circles) whether I am related to THE Lloyd-Jones. To which, of course, I respond ... But I AM the Lloyd-Jones.
But they're really asking: are you related to THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. (Seen here wondrously on a horse.) And it's a huge compliment. Because Dr David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is such the rock star of theologians and preachers. And I'm a total groupie.
But when you're such a fan, of such a great man, of course you'd love to be able to say you're related or connected somehow. You wish you had met him. And been able to hear him preach. Or had him as your great Uncle. You sometimes even wish (inappropriately) you could tell all manner of lies to make it a better story--you remember him singing welsh hymns to you, he took you riding on his horse--in short, you wish you could say anything other than, "no". Which for some reason I can't help but follow with "sorry". (I feel it is such a let down and I'm rather let down by the whole thing myself.)
The only connection is that half of me is from that same passionate celtic corner of the world as he (Wales). But it doesn't quite do, since I've never lived there and only know maybe three words (hello, goodnight, and darling--handily they are perhaps the most essential ones, but nevertheless.)
But all silliness aside. I'm pleased when people ask me this--because it means I've found someone else who loves DML-J's teaching and sermons and books--and (if they're not too disappointed) probably I've found a new friend, too.
If you haven't heard of him, then I'm happy to introduce you... Meet THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Check out one of his most brilliant books (especially the chapter on listening to yourself/versus speaking to yourself) and my favorite: Spiritual Depression.
where AM I?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Are you THE Lloyd-Jones?
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7 comments:
Sally-
thanks again for coming to our class to speak with us last night. it was seriously a really great time, and i enjoyed it temendously. :-)
so yea thanks.
You're so welcome Becca. I had a blast. You were all so fun to be with! And such good sports--particularly singing the Handbag Song!
Well I think that really we are all just little kids in big people bodies. :-) Thats why we long so much to be children again, because we are, but just pretending to be grown up. (But shh don't tell, I wouldn't want the secret to get out).
I am so happy I ran across your blog (via Amazon). Yes, the first question that came to my mind when I saw your name was: Is she related to The Doctor?" He is my most favorite writer. I have read him for years. And, yes, my favorite book is "Spiritual Depression". I've read it a number of times. He and Charles Spurgeon are the pastors I pattern my ministry after.
I was once a reference librarian in a public library. I worked closely with the children's librarian and enjoyed her passion for children's books. Now I am a pastor of a little Baptist church in the Midwest and work in retail (my tentmaking).
God bless you, Sally!
Hi Ivan: it was great to hear from you. Thanks for tracking my blog down. It was also fab to learn that your favorite book by Dr ML-J is also Spiritual Depression! I love particularly that first chapter (I think it's the first one) where he makes the distinction of listening to yourself vs. talking to yourself. And taking yourself in hand the first minute you wake up. Like the psalmist--"why art thou downcast oh my soul? I will yet hope in God." I come back to that again and again.
The other writer I love is the splendid German preacher, Helmut Thielecke. Have you read his essay on The Waiting Father? Brilliant... and moving.
All the best in your ministry, Ivan--it's so great to meet you
Sally
Hey Sally, i think that is very likely the best job of letting someone down i have ever experienced. Instead of just dropping me you picked me up and got me laughing and then by the time you dropped me i looked down to see that my feet were already on the ground.
i actually have not had the privilege of reading much of the Doctor's work, although i am young and have just begun teaching so i have plenty of years ahead of me. i also now am going to go look up the german man you mentioned.
Isn't it great to have faithful men to look to as we all pursue and pattern our lives after Christ. It encourages me. i hope your writing draws many children to Christ.
Joe:
Thanks for your kind comments and generous thoughts.
i think you've got some treasures awaiting you in those two learned men!
yes, we're all standing on the shoulders of these great people who have gone before us
and isn't it great to think they're cheering us on
in that great cloud of witnesses!
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