Upon the announcement of his retirement from @LifeWay next year, allow me to share a few thoughts about president @ThomRainer.
When he arrived at LifeWay in 2006, aside from his considerable business and seminary accomplishments, what struck me first about Thom is the deep love he clearly has for his wife Nellie Jo.
Thom consistently modeled both quiet strength and firm resolve in the way he spoke of Nellie Jo from the pulpit, always with respect and deference, obviously believing he had "married up."
During a time when I had serious concerns about a direction I perceived LifeWay was taking in its product line, Thom listened intently and graciously to me. Some CEOs say they have an open door. Thom actually did.
When LifeWay decided my time with them was over, Thom personally expressed deep sadness and regret about my departure. He even mentioned this from the pulpit during what would be my final chapel service. I'll never forget it.
Finally and most importantly, during the 2005 Christmas chapel, while I led the audience in "The 12 Days of Christmas," Thom got up on the stage of @theryman and did a pirouette. This was before the smartphone. I have no proof.
But it was wonderful and hilarious and glorious. And I had been warned not to go off script with Thom during his bit in the show. But I did anyway. And Thom rolled with the punches and played right along with me. What a sport.
I cannot separate my memories of 12 years at LifeWay without thinking of Thom's solid and humble leadership and friendship. I would serve under him again in a heartbeat. LifeWay's loss will be considerable.
