Shining Lights: Roderick Fifer Goodloe

Roderick and I spoke at Carver park on September 13, 2022. Naturally, he was eager to share his Christian testimony. But this wasn't a typical interview. Nevertheless, it is one that I will never forget.

I am grateful to God and Rodrick for his willingness to share where he came from, where he is now, and the direction God is calling him. He is an inspiring Man of God.

Darkness Before the Dawn

The interview began, and I asked Roderick about his school-age years. He told me about his childhood, the absence of his father, playing running back on the football team, running track, and graduating in 1979 from Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas. A typical story.

But then Roderick said, "I was interested in the Big Money." So he said he "started using and selling drugs and abusing people, including murder." All of this landed him in prison. I asked Roderick if he wanted me to write this aspect of his life. He said they all know. He shares it on his social media platforms. Further, he said, "I've tried to go back and ask all those people for forgiveness. So many of them did forgive me, but not all."

Roderick found the Lord in prison. Of his prison experience, he said, "I'm going to be what God wants me to be." Amen.

A New Light Shining in the Darkness

Sitting at the picnic table, he typed something on his cell phone. Then, he placed the phone in front of me. On the screen, I saw two verses from the Book of Exodus. These verses follow immediately after the angel of the Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush.

"So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up." When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" Exodus 2:3-4

Roderick acknowledged that God had called him out of the pit, the consuming fire of Hell, into his new mission in life. He has a purpose in working for the Lord. I can hear God calling, "Roderick! Roderick!" I see Roderick responding, "Here I am, Lord!"

Roderick is one of the lights shining in the darkness. Jesus said,

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Roderick lives the scriptures. Letting His light shine is what Roderick is all about. I have yet to see him without a Jesus baseball cap, Christian-oriented t-shirt, and cross around his neck. Although promoting Jesus on baseball caps and t-shirts doesn't prove that one is a Christian, it does prove that this on-fire believer is unashamed of his faith! I'm not ashamed of my faith; however, I don't usually wear a Christian t-shirt. Perhaps I should.

The Interview Changes: Pick Up Your Cross

I felt like something was missing in this interview, like the last piece of a puzzle that's not in the box. But without it, the picture isn't complete. So at that moment, the interview changed.

God must have heard my prayers for the missing piece. Roderick casually mentioned that he carries the cross in town. So what? Do you mean a full-size cross? Roderick confirmed that he frequently carries an eight-foot cross across Kerrville.

Once again, he handed me his phone with a YouTube video playing. Again, Roderick was carrying the cross and sharing his testimony with the world, utterly unashamed of the gospel.

Here was the spotlight moment for me. God said in my spirit, "This is his testimony. Use this!" Although there was much more to our meeting, the purpose was to share Roderick's testimony. God said it's in his video.

Thus, I am honored to include Roderick's video below. As you will see, God shines a spotlight on those who deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him. In this case, literally.

Please note how God uses one's raw, unedited, windblown video to bring attention to His work. Incredible! If you ever wonder if you have to be perfectly polished to work for God, look no further than Roderick and me. You don't!