You would have thought his name to be Barnabas but it wasn't. His name was Bill, an encourager of his day and thankfully of this time at Bethany. I think we all were touched by him as he made his way around our church and the community, spreading pure and genuine God-given love.
He was tall in stature of towering heights with a heart just as big. He gave sincere compliments that made you feel you could conquer the world. You couldn't help but believe what he said about you was true, you would hold your head a little higher, walk a little taller. Isn't that what we are suppose to do for one another?
Our tears for now are for our own sweet memories of this man. His words, hugs, and kindness will definitely be missed as we wonder why he had to go, but the light he held inside of him lives on inside of each of us. May we learn from his example how to give that light to others.
I will choose to remember Bill as I saw him sitting on the church pew each Sunday with a contented, peaceful smile on his lips as he worshipped his Lord. I will remember the words he spoke to me and allow them to lift me up as I keep walking my journey here.
"So long for now Bill, you were a good and faithful servant. We will see you soon!"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16