Confession time.
The main overseer of the denomination in which I was brought up passed away recently. Last night I discovered that Larry Hagman, the man who was J.R. also passed away.
The death of Hagman had a bigger impact on me than the death of the overseer.
Yes, I accept what a sad indictment that must be on me. I will in no way look to ‘justify’ that in this blog. But it is worth exploring.
The overseer was evidently a man well-loved in this country’s branch of the denomination. As the figurehead leader, a lot of people looked up to him and many of those in leadership positions across the country had sufficient contact with him to be deeply saddened by the news. The tributes that will flood in concerning him, will reflect the influence he has had on their lives. Rightly so. They had a knowledge of him. They had a connection with him. When that connection is broken, it obviously hurts.
Here’s the thing.
I didn’t know him.
I knew of him. I was aware of him. He certainly was aware of me. My dad being a Deacon meant that the overseer knew him and so knew me. We shared the occasional brief conversation which was just about the pleasantries type of thing and obviously centred on a welfare update on my parents. I was aware of him, then. That, however, was the extent of the relationship.
Thus I appreciate that his loss is a big deal for the denomination in this country and indeed around the world. Yet in a very real and personal way, there was little depth of relationship to make the loss particularly deep.
I knew Larry Hagman less than I knew the overseer. Never met Larry Hagman and he certainly had no idea of my existence. (No, he didn’t read this blog, can you imagine?!)
Here’s the thing, though. The character of J.R. was one that really left an impression on me. It was good portrayal. It had me gripped when I could sneak to watch it when I was a lot younger. It was still gripping even as I got older and saw how it was slightly two dimensional. Yet there were characteristics of the man that I could certainly relate to. His presence in my life was a lot more regular. His fictional exploits were known to me on a regular basis. Storyline wise it was though I knew this guy.
When the new series came on the screen in this country just a few weeks ago, I was engrossed again with what was going on with the man. It was gripping stuff. Not it wasn’t real – it was fiction – but it was still something, JR was still someone I could relate to a lot more than an overseer who I rarely saw or contacted. That was down to terrific acting work by Larry Hagman.
There are probably other actors who could play J.R. but it will always be inextricably linked to Hagman’s performances. With that being such a big part of me upbringing, the loss is felt that bit more.
Still an indictment on me, right? Knowing a fictional character more than the overseer of the denomination in which I was raised. However, the real issue here is about missing those you know. When you’re in a relationship with someone, when you know them, and are allowed to be known by them, when the exchange is on matters of the heart that relate, it leaves a mark.
You’ll be delighted to know there are followers of Christ who I know a lot more than J.R. Ewing. I am grateful to God for them, and the joy they bring and the Christ they share leaves a deep impression on me. Such is the depth of that impression that they remind me that when we leave this earth death is not the end, it is but sleep until the trumpet shall sound. That hope, is one I hope consoles those who were close to the overseer.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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