Deacon Henry – a stalwart of a church in Derby died today. Death at the best of times is something to take seriously, but this one had a big impact on me. I needed somewhere to express my gratitude to God for his life and here seemed to be the best place.
The years in which I grew up at home were spent with family being the four other people in the house. The other members of the small church I attended were also helpful and I still refer to the church elder and his wife as my Aunt and Uncle. Yet I never really knew family beyond that. Where others were talking of grandparents and cousins and nephews and nieces, it was virtually alien to me. Family in the wider sense came about from those outings to other churches and coming across folk who would take a more than paternal interest in me.
As a result Deacon Henry wasn’t just a church deacon to me. He was as good as my Grandad.
What marked him out as being so special was the interest he took when he saw me. As in genuine interest. As in ‘how are you?’ and actually being interested in my wellbeing. Such a generous and loving man with those critical hallmarks of strength, humility, meekness and wisdom. That’s from me who never lived with him or saw him behind any scenes, but who got to know a little of him every time I saw him. He didn’t have to give me the time of day – most others didn’t – but he chose to and was happy to do so and that made me feel valued. I cherish that in him.
I’m grateful for his words of wisdom whether expressed in caution or encouragement. I still love his no-nonsense manner that would have no truck for foolishness dressed up in pretty talk or whatever the case was. I love his sense of humour and his whimsical laughter. I love his sense of authentic gratitude to God for life and its benefits. I love the manner in which others did come first as an expression of service to them and to his Father. No I wasn’t a close family member, but his warmth and kindness made me feel accepted as a part of his family. I am so grateful for that character and can still picture his bony old hands reaching out and shaking mine with a strength that belied his years. He was an incredible man and another huge hint as to what Jesus would expect of those who would claim to follow Him.
The man wasn’t perfect – but that’s the point in a tribute. The point is to share what is remembered about the man and declare for those who read that this was a man of God who didn’t need sermons, positions, fancy rhetoric or the such to express that. His influence came directly from a character submitted to God. It cannot be beaten.
On the one hand I’m sure he’ll be missed by many. Those who are closely related will suffer loss as we all suffer loss when a loved one – especially his kind – leave this mortal sphere. However old or young there is that sense of loss with which we must grieve and mourn.
On the other hand, I am glad that he is relieved of any ongoing struggles he faced in his final days. Remembering the things that my maternal grandmother suffered before death, I can see how it is a release and relief for all concerned.
Yet more than ever from my humble position there is an even greater sense of joy at his having finished the course. I rejoice that the race has been complete and in death Grandad is not defeated but on the contrary he is the victor as his faith was in one who conquered death and granted eternal life. What a way to go! With that full assurance that your hope was built in Him who holds eternity and grants it to those who believe and in whom He delights. What a promise!
So there is the legacy that Grandad will leave of a noble, strong character of a man and there is the promise that as he has been faithful he shall rejoice in the presence of his Beautiful Saviour in the New Jerusalem. That should be enough of a spur for those who knew him whether near or far to passionately pursue, as he did, that relationship that means more than any other.
So among the tears of those who mourn at the passing away my prayer is as follows. Thank you, Lord for the life of another faithful, diligent servant of yours. Thank you for the example of humility, grace, strength and wisdom. Comfort and console those who mourn the loss and point them ever to your love. Four Your Name’s Sake.
Goodbye Grandad.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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