When I’m Gone

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16

Gerald R. Ford, 38^th President of the United States died on December 26, 2006. A little over 20 months later, journalist Thomas DeFrank published a book about his conversations with the President stretching out over a 32-year span. This in and of itself is not newsworthy. It is a common practice for books to be written about famous people in the months after their passing. U. S. Presidents are no exception. Most authors will rush to publish their works while public interest is heightened, and curiosity is piqued. This race to the printing press pushes writers to reach out to friends, family, business associates, ex-lovers, and next-door neighbors to get interesting, if not scandalous stories to share. So, what makes this book of posthumous observations about President Ford and his circle so unique? The source of the candid reflections is President Ford, himself.

As the story goes, in 1974, DeFrank, working as a journalist for Newsweek, was interviewing then Vice-President Ford. During their conversation, the Vice-President slipped and blurted out his true feelings about the future of his beleaguered boss, Richard Nixon. It was something he immediately knew he shouldn’t have said. Knowing that his comments couldn’t be printed, he insisted that DeFrank promise not to publish them. Finally, Ford told DeFrank to, “write it when I’m dead.” DeFrank, almost as shocked as the Vice-President, agreed to the request and honored it by not sharing this incident until he released his aptly titled book, “Write it When I’m Gone.”

I must admit that I find this a most curious arrangement. The journalist had to know that it was in his best long-term interest to agree to Ford’s request. Additionally, Ford was able to develop a deeper relationship with the journalist. Over the years, Ford opened up to DeFrank on many other topics that would be similarly released when he was dead and gone. This arrangement provided the author with an interesting book, but I find myself far more intrigued by what it provided Gerald Ford.

I can’t imagine the immense pressures that must come with being a part of the highest levels of government. Governing takes a toll. Just look at pictures of US Presidents on their first day in office and their last. These men all look as if they’ve aged 25 years, not the actual four or eight as recorded by the calendar. Confidants who could be trusted would be a precious commodity for people in these positions without fear of repercussions. Come to think of it, you don’t need to be the President of the United States to want to have someone with whom you could freely and safely share your thoughts. In Ford’s case, because the agreement was that these reflections couldn’t be revealed until after his death, he is afforded safety from any scrutiny or offense that the statements might create.

And that’s the part that appeals to me.

Do you have anyone in your life with whom you can speak the fullness of your heart, with whom you can share your deepest feelings and beliefs without any fear or concern of the consequences? Before you answer, really focus on that zero consequences part. Is it possible to speak to another person and not create a change in the relationship? When we share details of our lives, our beliefs, our responses, and our values that our audience hears, ponders, processes, and ultimately adds to their collection of thoughts that they keep about us. And this happens during any conversation we have, let alone when we are vulnerable.

Words carry an alarming amount of power. A single sentence from the President about interest rates can cause economic markets to drop or skyrocket. A spouse can speak a few words in frustration or anger that will leave an indelible mark on the marriage. So, with that in mind, I ask again if it is possible to bare your soul without fear of the consequences. Thankfully, the answer is yes.

In prayer, we find the perfect opportunity to lay our worries at the feet of our Lord without fear of repercussion. We know this to be true, because God tells us in His word that He wants us to bring our prayers to Him. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 confirm this. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Peter also provides us with the direction to, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you, (1 Peter 5:7).” God wants us to share everything with Him, and we can do so without fear for several reasons. First, because God is our creator, He understands who we are on an intimate level. He knows us and what is important to us.

Second, God is omniscient, meaning He knows everything, and omnipotent, meaning He is all-powerful. There’s no need to hold back because He already knows what we’re feeling and thinking. Moreover, He knows our fears and He can help us find our way through it. This is demonstrated in the words of Psalm 107:28-30. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.”

Finally, God loves us more than any other person or thing ever could. This is demonstrated in His plan for our salvation based upon the death of Jesus Christ, His own Son, on Calvary’s cross. Who sacrifices their beloved Son for sinners? Would you? Would I? No. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8).”

With that in mind, we should always seek out our Lord in prayer. Share your joys and triumphs. Share your heartaches and fears. Trust Him to hear your cries, to comfort your anxieties, to guide you on your path, and to save you from every threat you’ll ever face. Live in that love and share this good news with others also seeking a safe place to unburden their souls today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

Senior Director of Operations