By Patricia Holbrook
“Don’t let seminary mess you up, Patricia.”
Those were David Miller’s words at the end of our phone conversation last November. I chuckled. Leave it to David to have such reaction when I announced my decision to start a master’s program last Fall:
“I know, my friend, I know.” I replied, laughing, “I will keep that in mind.”
He was dead serious. His advice was as honest as his heart.
And it is that genuine, fiery zeal for the Kingdom and selfless approach to Kingdom work that characterized, not only the life of David Miller, but also his work at Life Letter Cafe.
I read countless comments left by authors, pastors, bloggers and readers on LifeLettercafe.com after author Susan Shipe wrote a tribute to our friend David following his sudden passing on December 30th. Close friends, virtual friends and acquaintances left messages which give us a small glimpse into this man’s soul: David loved Jesus above all else, and his neighbors as himself. It was never about David Miller – even though he himself was an extraordinarily gifted writer. Rather, his ministry of Life Letter Cafe was focused on helping those of us who are called to magnify the Name above all names.
You will be missed, friend. And I won’t forget your last advice to me, by the way – I won’t allow seminary or anything else to ruin the purity of my faith. Let it be real and raw, just like yours.
I met David about eight years ago, shortly after launching my blog. I came across LifeLettercafe.com and was excited about the prospect of featuring my posts on a larger platform. But I honestly did not think I would be accepted. Insecurities prevented this foreigner from reaching out to David for a while.
After a couple of months, I decided to take a chance. I emailed David and heard back from him within the next couple of hours. His email was full of encouragement: He had visited my website. He loved my voice. He thought I would be a great fit for Life Letter. Wow. In less than 24 hours, I had login credentials to their website and the invitation to share my message with thousands of readers every week.
I did not know it then, but that was David’s heart. Over the years, Life Letter Café has opened its doors to over 300 writers from all over the world: From famous writers to people like me, who accept the call to ministry with trembling knees, knowing the scope of their inadequacy and yet, fully aware of