I barely knew him but I’ll never forget him.
A few weeks ago, while he was still able to get around and before the cancer spread so deeply, I saw him at church, a few pews down from mine. He was weak and I could tell he was in pain, but he stood with his family on either side of his failing body and he sang. “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint,” were the words to the song that was playing when I looked over at him. He was mouthing the words, eyes closed, and I began to cry because I could tell he believed them. Even though he was quickly dying, he believed. And he sang.
His funeral was today. His young children were there, his wife. And the church was filled to overflowing with those who had known him.
What a man. What a loss.
13 Comments
Wow, powerful. There is nothing like a real saint in the Lord singing praises in the midst of losing all his earthly possessions and his beloved family. I can only hope to leave this earth with such confidence and peace in my heavenly father. What a testimony he has to those around her.
I have the same lasting image of him Amanda. The day we left, looking over and seeing him sit there with his hands outstretched, eyes closed. It moved me to tears. he died 2 days later. Hard to believe. WIsh I could have been tehre for the funeral. They’ve been in my thoughts.
There’s a man in my church in the same position (but still alive). He is now in hospital with an inoperable (no idea how to spell that) brain tumor, he lost his sight a couple months back and he just recently lost his hearing as well. He just found out at Christmas time about it and has slowly declined ever since and the tumor has doubled, instead of shrunk. He also has a small child and a wife. It’s so sad.
So sad for his family’s loss. I saw all of the people filing in and was floored by the testimony of this one solitary man.
But MAN is he partying now!
That is so sad :( I really don’t like to hear about young people passing so soon. But I’m sure God has wonderful plans for him. I always like to think that friends and loved ones that pass away look down and feel sorry for US, because we are stuck here on earth while they are in the most amazing place.
I hope his family finds much strength to get through the coming weeks and months.
I dont know him but you made me cry! (could be the PMS) But faith, especially in death, is so powerful.
Thanks for sharing Amanda. I’m so thankful this man was able to live out his life for Jesus… praise the lord.
Perhaps not a loss. Could he be heaven’s greatest gain?
I agree with Angella. Must be PARTYING now… and in great company to watch over his family for eternity.
Isaiah 40:31. Beautiful.
Wow. Really puts things into perspective doesn’t it? Your post was beautifully written.
I pray that I am never that family… But if I have to be, I know that I will hold Jon up with such pride and confidence…
That post was beautiful Amanda, and was very heartwrenching at the same time…
Beautifuly written. Am I right in assuming taht you chose the title from the song by Beth Nielson Chapman? What a song.
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