The Unprecedented Week

My 93-year-old mother cited the events of this week as unprecedented. Our small church congregation buried (a term my father often used) three of its older members in one week. Following the Apostle Paul’s admonition, we sorrowed – not as those without hope, nevertheless, we sorrowed.

On April 5, 2018, Jean Norton died. My mother once characterized our society’s attire and decorum as “extremely casual” whereas Dad described it as “sloppy.” Jean, even in her leisure times, retained a classy, coordinated appearance with well-coiffed hair and a posture most 20-year-olds would envy. Her love of her family energized her to maintain a productive activeness, grounded in unshakable godly principles until her death at 90.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
Proverbs 31:27

Jean Norton
photo from her funeral folio

Bob Hightower died on April 7, 2018 at the age of 88. Bob valued worshiping in the Lord’s house every week. He held to doing what was right. (Bob always drove the posted speed limit for the stretch of road on which he was traveling. I have been convicted of my speeding just by following him.) Bob felt his death was imminent. As his younger son described it, Bob, a sensible planner, formulated a mental checklist of what needed to be done before he departed from his family. Each family member knew at the top of the list was the commitment of his life and death to Jesus. Bob epitomized King Solomon’s counsel, when he tackled each new endeavor by learning from others the "best practices" and then implemented them to the best of his ability.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might… 

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Bob Hightower
photo from his funeral folio

The last of the three and the oldest at age 92, Harvey Myers died on April 10, 2018. Harvey's favorite cure for what ailed a person was “work it off.” Productivity diminished physical pain, emotional weariness, and mental stress for Harvey, subsequently providing renewal for him. Those closest to him knew he fought frequently the battle with pain during his later years with hardly a murmur or complaint. Harvey’s deep-seated belief that only Jesus could change the sinful heart of each of us propelled him to share the good news of Jesus with all he met.

We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 

 II Corinthians 5:20

Harvey Myers
photo from his funeral folio

Strong, Sustaining Faith in Jesus

Loving Devotion and Support of Family

Unwavering Commitment to Hard Work

These three phrases summarize the lives of these elder saints so beloved by our congregation. Each of us who knew and loved Jean, Bob, and Harvey can live out their legacy of faith in Jesus by nurturing our relationship with Him daily and make the choice to worship weekly with our church family. Treat family members with respect while affirming those virtues that build a strong family. We will honor and emulate these three beloved ones when we purpose to give an honest day’s work whether working for an employer or ourselves.

Pray for each of the family members of Jean, Bob, and Harvey. Only God can truly comfort hearts and give peace and solace to aching, sorrowing hearts.