A Glorious Unfolding

Go Crazy, Cadillac. Go. Crazy.

When I first heard the news, like everyone else, I was devastated. I spent a while praying, "These kids need a parent! What are you doing, God?"  Of course, a while later, I heard the news that he had passed. I spent the next day reading the comments and tributes of people who knew him well or knew him.  The first thing I thought was, "God, why does this keep happening to us? Why would you take him and his wife? What about these kids?"

Artwork courtesy of @AURobUSA Used with permission. 

During worship the next morning, God presented this song to me:

"You called my name

Then I ran OUT OF THAT GRAVE

Out of the darkness

Into your glorious day"

Glorious Day by Kristian Stanfill

Used with permission from @CFullman

I was comforted a little bit at that time. However, the more I read what people had to say, the more I was blown away. I did not know Rod. I saw him innumerable times at games. He was always doing his game day broadcast. Sometimes I would stop and listen for a little while. I wish I had stayed a few minutes longer. I wish I would've taken them time to tell him thank you or to meet him. I procrastinated writing this post. I used the excuse that I could not find a particular radio broadcast that I wanted. I still have not found it, but it was really just that I was not ready to write. I do not know why the days of Rod's life were fewer than we wanted. It does not seem to be that taking home two lovely people would be part of the master plan, but God's ways are not our ways. Here is what I do know. Rod radiated joy. He felt what we felt. He made us feel what he wanted. He had the ability to turn a phrase like no other person. He was generous. He loved Auburn. He loved our players. He made them feel important. He loved with his whole heart and let us know that he did. There is not a better Auburn man that I can think of. Rod got to do what he loved and had some really special calls. I have found it extremely hard to name a favorite, but if I had to name one, it would be this: "The view from up here is sheer perfection."

Used with permission from @kimt205

I did not know much about Paula. I know Rod spoke of her often. She let us love him too. That says a ton about her character to me. 

I do not know why we lost Philip, Rod and even players in 2012. It makes it hard. I will be honest. I really struggle with it sometimes. I know that God must have something really special in store for the Bramblett family and Auburn. I am trying to choose to trust Him. It is going to be a long road for his children and other family members.Would you join me in praying for the Bramblett kids and the rest of their families? Would you join me in praying for his friends?

" And this is going to be

A glorious unfolding.

Just wait and see

And you will be amazed.

You've just got to believe

The story is so far from over

So hold on to every promise

God has made to us.

And watch this glorious unfolding."

- Glorious Unfolding, Steven Curtis Chapman

This song means a lot to me. I know there is something great in store. God's timing is not our timing. Rod and Paula are not sad tonight, even if we are. 

Tomorrow, as Rod and Paula are memorialized, even if you cannot make it, let's wear our orange blue. Let's post our favorite phrase of his. Post a picture of the orange and blue sunset if you can get a photo. One day this week or next, let's do something. Let's do an act of kindness like paying for the next person's meal, coffee, gas or helping someone who you see that needs help. You can post about it or it can be completely anonymous. Rod loved with his whole heart. Let's do the same. 

War Eagle!