Robert Lowery

Dr. Lowery, center, receives The Restoration Award from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary President Dr. Keith Ray (right) and Vice President of Alumni Development Lynn Laughlin (left). Photo by Scott Sarver.

Last night, May 11, was the annual faculty-staff-administration-trustee dinner. By tradition, it is a night of celebration, praising God for his faithfulness. In the midst of the festivities, members of the Lincoln Christian College and Seminary community receive special recognition for a variety of reasons–some for their longevity and quality of service as faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees and some because of their transitioning to other ministries that will remove them from regular ministry on our campus. Last night was familiar, except something was different. It was unexpected.

At one point in the program, President Ray announced that the school was giving another award, The Restoration Award, one given by the LCCS Alumni Association to an alum of the school who has done “distinguished” service. The lights were dimmed, and a video accompanied by narration began. I recognized the voice but not the pictures. The first one showed a girl and a very young boy. I leaned forward and thought: “Wow! That little girl could be my sister.” The second slide showed the little boy by himself; I did not recognize him. And then the third informed the audience that the boy had been born on October 4, 1948. And I thought: “Isn’t that something! He and I share the same birthday.” After the next slide or two, I realized that the little boy was me! (My colleague, Paul Boatman, was sitting at the table to my left and was watching my expressions as the photos flashed across the screen; he observed afterwards that it was apparent that I had no idea what was happening. He remembers the “Aha!” moment happening about four or five slides into the presentation.)

My wife and children had participated in the conspiracy. I had been completely blindsided. I was and still am stunned. At the end, the lights were brightened, and President Ray asked me to come to the front of the auditorium. He introduced Marilyn, my wife of nearly 36 years, our daughter Rachel and her husband Joe, and then he pointed to the back of the room, and announced that my son, Brian, and his wife, Sarah had just arrived from Chicago fifteen minutes before the presentation. Frankly, I beamed.

And I shed not a few tears. The President announced that I had been chosen by the powers-that-be to receive the award The Restoration Award for Christian Higher Education. May I repeat, I was stunned. You often get something like this after some notable achievement or life-long achievement or as you are nearing retirement or if you are dead. The gathering stood and applauded. I could barely walk to the front, because of weak legs accompanying the tears blurring my vision. When the President embraced me, he privately shared some kind, affirming words and then made a public statement that I will treasure the rest of my life. He gave me an opportunity to address the audience. I spoke briefly and softly, something seldom experienced by those who have heard me speak.

What a school year it has been! It has been a humbling one, a grateful one. It has been one, on many front, that has stretched my faith. And I pray, a God-honoring one.

Related posts:

1. On Receiving The Restoration Award