“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Dick was one of the 20 members of my Sunday school class that I began attending in mid-July. A couple of weeks after that, he sat beside me because he arrived late and I’m always on the back row. He leaned over and whispered that his 25-minute drive from home got delayed because of a dead battery, but being late didn’t stop him.
After that, we talked every Sunday. We happened to end up at a table just the two of us at the church’s first potluck dinner since they reopened after the Covid-19 shutdown. He teared up telling me about living alone since his wife’s death. He was grateful that his roofer (who he never saw again, so I decided he must’ve been an angel) invited him to Solid Rock at Market Common. Dick said, “The minute I walked through the doors, I knew I was home.”
I laughed out loud during the dinner when we played the game “Name That Candy” and the hint was “a popular American rapper.”
“Isn’t there a rapper named Eminem (M&M)?” he said.
“Wow, there sure is. I figured we were too old to get that one.”
After we ate, he asked me to pray for him. It was awkward, but I did it. In hindsight, I realized how much he blessed me by asking. His request made me feel trusted and needed and honored.
He sent me home with a plate of ham he baked. He insisted I take the Tupperware container of juice so the meat wouldn’t be dry when I reheated it.
The last Sunday school class he attended, he shared about praying for a member of his Bible study group that met weekly in his home. His friend asked for prayers, but she hesitated to say why.
“God gives specific answers for specific prayers,” he said.
She broke down and told that she’d been diagnosed with cancer that afternoon. Turns out, two days after he prayed for her, her doctor called and said he misread her chart. She didn’t have cancer after all. Dick said, “When she called me with the good news, I got so excited, I felt like I could fly away.”
Four days later, that’s what he did. Dick flew away, into the arms of Jesus.
I tracked down his friend on Facebook to say I was sorry for her loss. I also wanted to ask if she got her book back. He borrowed it from her so that I could read it. He said, “I was reading it to be nice, but then I got hooked.”
I was doing the same thing for him, reading the book to be nice, until I got hooked too. I ordered my own copy of Genesis in Space and Time by Francis A. Schaeffer after I read, “Love of the creature toward the Creator must include obedience or it is meaningless.”
So many of us benefited because of Dick’s love for and obedience to Jesus.
A group of us sat on the beach and told stories about his generosity, service, and humor.
He bought Panera Bread cards and gave them as gifts … just because. He drove church members to appointments. He baked ham for every potluck dinner.
He worked on the church’s security team that I didn’t know existed, checked on people who needed checking on, and adopted us as family since his grown children lived away.
He grinned every time he shared about God and the Bible. Like the Sunday we discussed how Abraham lied and said Sarai was his sister instead of his wife because she was desirable. We all got a good laugh when Dick said, “Yeah, she was hot.”
What I recognized that afternoon listening to a dozen or more stories …
It’s one thing to hear about Jesus’ love.
It’s another thing to witness examples all around us of Jesus’ love.
It’s a far greater thing, though, to actually experience Jesus’ love.
I might still be questioning why I cried so many tears over a friend I only knew for three months except for Pastor JP’s sermon “Roots and Fruit: Blessed Roots” about the law of sowing and reaping.
He said something like this …
Some people walk around with a cup in their hand, always in need and always waiting for someone to fill it.
Others carry a pitcher and always have plenty because they’re looking for someone to pour into.
The irony is I thought I was the one being kind to Dick. I still think so, but not like he was kind to me. Because of him, I experienced Jesus.
Oh, how I want to be like Dick, a pitcher carrier who pours into others. How about you?
In This Together,
Kim
I loved this, Kim. Everything is so true. Pitchers or cups? I pray to be a pitcher carrier!
I’m praying the same thing, Theresa. I’m so grateful I got to spend time with him. What a wonderful example of being like Jesus.
You know, I just thought about this … Cindra reminds me a lot of Dick. She’s so gracious with her time and talent. I’m blessed to know her and to share art with you.
Much love! ❤️
I am so happy you prayed for him. I know it was scary but when The Holy Spirit enters you, you can pray, talk in front of groups and do just about anything. We are all called to be like Dick. I am so sorry you lost your friend. In those few months, he touched your life in ways that cannot be measured. Our Father sent him to you, be thankful for those few months. Some people touch us in a few encounters than people we have known for a lifetime.
May we all strive to be more like Dick and carry a Water Pitcher around with us everywhere we go. Always be prepared to fill someone up!
Thanks Kim for a Beautiful story that changed your life. Carry the torch onward, for The Love of Jesus! I am filled with Joy watching you grow in The Name of our Lord and Savior. 🙏🙏🙏
Awe, Lyn, thank you! You’re right, God orchestrated it all. I’m so grateful I learned from him. Pastor JP talks about surrounding ourselves with rich soil that includes time in the Bible and also people who lift us up.
You’re another example and experience of God’s love, laughter, and encouragement. Thanks, my friend! ❤️
Thank you your excellent tribute to Dick. I did not know him well, but was impressed with his wisdom in Sunday School. When Vernell asked me to sit by her at the table, where he normally sat the announcement of his passing was not yet made. When it was announced I was sad too, but joyful that his last interactions with people were at his group study. What a life example. Thank you for inviting me to the class and for your commitment to writing.
Joel, I’m thankful you were sitting there instead of his seat being empty. You were right where you were supposed to be. ☺️
I love how you pour into all of us on FB with your photography. We need beauty on there more than anything else. Your photos are a bright spot.
And I’m happy you’re part of our class. What a wonderful group of people committed to learning about God. ❤️
Wonderful writing Kim so like you all praise to others I am happy you met Dick I feel sure God planned this meeting for the two of you. For you to be with his good and faithful servant in his last days to share and care through knowing Jesus.❤️
Awe, Isabel, thank you! 😍
I’m sure God planned it too and gave us extra days to get to know each other. It felt like holy time and I’m so grateful. Just like I am for my relationship with you. So, so, so special and God-ordained.
You’ll never know how much you mean to me. Really, there aren’t words. I love you! ❤️
From Facebook (Kim Henson) ~
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Mark Burlinson
I love how you are doing the same as Dick by sharing your story!
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Kim Henson
Mark Burlinson, thanks so much! I wish you could have met him. ❤
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Gayle Sloan
What a beautiful tribute to your friend! So sorry for your loss; thinking of you.💗
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Kim Henson
Thanks so much, Gayle Sloan! 🥰 I miss you a lot. ❤
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Barbara Barksdale
My favorite Bible verse is:
Eccl 3:1 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.”
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Kim Henson
Barbara Barksdale, it’s perfect. Love you! 🥰
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Barbara Barksdale
So sad/sorry about your friend; she must have been very special and unique. 😢
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Kim Henson
Barbara Barksdale, thank you. 🥰 He was a special friend. ❤
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Barbara Barksdale
Kim Henson oops – a HE; my bad. 😢😢
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Kim Henson
Oops, missed that too. 🙃
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Joel Carter
Yes
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Kim Henson
Joel Carter, I’m grateful we got to know him. ❤
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Joel Carter
I agree Kim Henson
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Nancy Allen Purvis
Thanks for sharing such a special story of inspiration!!!
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Kim Henson
Awe, thanks, Nancy Allen Purvis. 🥰 He lived for Jesus.
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A beautiful tribute to your friend, Kim. May we all look for opportunities to pour from our pitchers – the world could use a good dose of Jesus’ love now!
Awe, thanks, Carol. I’m not sure how I missed your comment until now, but I so appreciate it.
He was Jesus’ hands and feet and, yes, we need that so much right now. I’m grateful I have examples like him and you too. ❤️