Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
“If Tom could come to this church, then I can too.”
“He always wanted to see this church “filled up”.
“His charisma even in his addiction was evident.”
“His love for GOD even when his decisions weren’t the best was never in question.”
All quotes during a celebration of life for a good friend yesterday. My friend Tom after years of fighting for sobriety and after a very positive and redemptive 10 months went home to be with the LORD while reading “his homework” from his Pastor on Tuesday of last week.
Yes you heard me right.
He was sitting at the desk, Bible open to his assignment when the Lord freed him once and for all from his challenges.
He fought HARD right to the end.
And as person after person stood up to remember and reflect on Tom who without question had his share of warts and failings, there was a most evident theme.
Tom never stopped trying.
Tom never gave in to his addiction.
Tom never allowed the enemy to STEAL HIS JOY!
Tom always got up.
…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again...
Tom’s life was one that while not perfect, was blessed.
His heart was never in question even when his head was full of them.
Tom did his share of hurting, but he also did his share of blessing.
It is interesting when I attend the celebrations of lives of other “addicted folks” like me. The transparency is remarkable, the HOPE infectious, the honesty profound.
It is always inspiring
For Tom throughout his life demonstrated a valuable lesson for all of us.
Keep going.
Keep believing.
Keep blessing.
He always believed that GOD was ALWAYS good even when he was not so good.
That is my memory of Tom.
Never defeated. Always ready to 'try again".
Always willing to embrace grace but not abuse it.
He was never one to not own his challenges. He was honest with himself and others. To a fault this was his M.O.
He will be missed.
He saved many lives even when his was in jeopardy. Many were there yesterday to bid him “see you later”.
His lesson for us today is a simple one. Stay forward. Stay true. Keep trying. GOD is always GOOD.
It was ironic that one of Tom’s greatest goals in life was to see his friend Pastor Pam’s church filled on a Sunday.
It was yesterday to say goodbye to its flawed evangelist who never quit hoping that it was…
“It is easy to give up than to endure. Always choose the latter.”
Tom endured…
The question today is will we?
I love you ALL!
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