Saying good-bye to our heroes
Good-byes are hard.
This past week I said farewell to a dear friend, one of my heroes.
Webster says:
A hero is one greatly regarded for his/her achievements or qualities.
John and his dear wife welcomed us (my soon-to-be husband and me) to their church nearly 35 years ago. Their warmth, kindness and love for Jesus have been the Christian example we’ve endeavored to emulate.
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Philippians 2:1-4
At first our mentor, as we acclimated to a new church family, John soon became our friend. John exemplified the Christian attributes outlined in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He watched out for the better of others. This is not to say that John was a wimp–oh, no! When the going got rough, John got tough! He could stand up for himself. But, he always stood up for Jesus first.
John loved.
John loved God. He loved his family and community. He loved his church.
John loved as Christ loved. He served others unselfishly with mercy and humility. He didn’t put himself first, but instead, watched out for the needs of others.
Sometimes it is the small things that we remember the most. My friend taught me to make Pear-Pepper Relish (he shared his family recipe). It’s yummy!
John was a baker, the creator of wonderful Apple-Nut Cakes that he continued to make and share at the age of 92. He volunteered at our local hospital for nearly three decades. Dedicated to a life of service, John and his wife founded our Food Bank ministry and led our youth group. Following her death, John continued faithful participation in mission projects and never missed a worship service unless sick. Becoming older rarely limited his service–he attended my wellness Bible Study at the young age of 89 and helped make 1,000 quarts of stew this fall!
What a role model!
John never stopped serving the Lord, his church and his community. He continued to be a witness for Jesus by spreading our Savior’s message of love. John left a legacy to inspire us and future generations to make a difference.
The best way for me to honor my friend’s life and ministry is to continue to live a life of service. Who are your heroes? How have they inspired you to Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 ?
John…my hero, my friend…I miss you.
Thank you for loving me and inspiring me.
How wonderful that you had such a special friend and mentor, Katherine! What a treasure. And how wonderful that you recognize that the best way to honor him is by living like him and treating others the way he did! Oh, that we would all strive to live Philippians 2:5!
Yes, Julie, I have been blessed to have John for a mentor and friend for 35 years. He was truly a treasure and has left all who knew him a legacy of love. I’ve been given the gift of love by many wonderful mentors during my life. As children of God, I hope we can all share that gift with others.
Katherine, you certainly did have a godly mentor and friend. Your post inspired me to be more like John in following scriptural guidance. Thank you. It also reminded me of my parents who were a lot like John.
I’m so thankful that I was somewhat able to share what an awesome inspiration John has been for so many. Now we know why you are so faithful and kind–your mother and father’s influence! Isn’t it awesome the God granted us the blessing of loving one another? It makes for great pain when we lose a loved one, but what a blessing to give and receive love.
I’m so sorry about your loss, but what a gain for heaven’s hall of fame! I will pray for your family and all those who are grieving right now.
Heaven’s hall of fame…I like that. Yes, I know John and sweet wife are there. Thank you for you prayers, Joanna.
So sorry for your loss! He sounded like a truly humble servant. It is a gift from God to have people like that in our lives. I’m sure he taught you many things. Thank you for sharing his story.
Thank you, Stephanie. Yes, John was a gift from God and my family is truly blessed for having known him and learned from him. I’m so thankful for the wonderful mentors God has sent into my life. I hope I can somehow give back that blessing. Praying for God’s guidance to be a good example. Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
What a blessing is true friendship and fellowship Ms. Katherine. While I am sad for the loss of your friend, I am joyful knowing that it is but a temporary separation. May your, and Mr. John’s family’s, sorrow be replaced by joyous memories of a life well lived for Christ. God’s blessings my friend. I hope you’ll email me so I may share something with you.
We do have joyous memories, Jim, and that is such a blessing. Like you, I’m thankful that as part of God’s family, the separation from John and other loved ones that have gone on before won’t be permanent. Thank you for your comforting message, my friend.
He sounds like an amazing man. What a beautiful tribute! It encourages us to do everything in the name of Christ.
I agree, Kelly. John and the many other Christian mentors I’ve had in my life have encouraged me to spread the Light and Love of Jesus to others. I’ll be the first to admit that this is often a struggle, not because of the faults of others, but because of my own weakness. I’m so grateful that when I am weak, our Lord is strong.