Good-bye, Uncle Harvey

The past several days have been difficult for our church family in Chicago Fil-am, as Uncle Harvey has been fighting for his life. I know I talked about him here not too long ago, when we celebrated what he meant to our church family and had an anointing service for him as well. Today, he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Our church lost a warrior for God. He lived almost 7 months from diagnosis. Auntie Lita and all their children and extended family are devastated but they have shown tremendous courage and strength during this difficult time. Uncle Harvey has left a legacy of faithfulness and trust in His God, in spite of the cancer that has ravaged his body. He has given encouragement to me and other people with his positive attitude and his humor and his music. We listened to his CD last night and again today on our way to and from his house. I will carry his voice in my heart and I hope that if I am ever faced with the challenges that he has faced, that I will have his positive attitude and show my love for my family, my church family and my friends as much as he did before he died.

I am tired and yet I cannot sleep. I cannot help but wonder why him? why now? I know that in God's wisdom and in His timing, this is what His will is. As I listen to the rain drops breaking in the silence of the night, I know that God was there today, as we said good-bye to him, as we tried to comfort each other with the hope of seeing Uncle Harvey when Jesus comes. Death always gives me a different perspective... all of a sudden, all the things that I spent so much energy worrying about does not seem to matter anymore. What seems to matter is how much have I told my loved ones that I really care for them and love them? What seems to be important is, have I aligned my life with God so that I know I am doing His will in my life everyday. What seems to hinder me from finding peace and growth in my relationships is when I hang on to past hurts and grudges, instead of giving forgiveness and grace. I think about so many broken relationships that I've experienced and have seen others experience as well. I think of churches splitting and feelings hurt and judgments made and gossip spread and criticisms that have destroyed.... and in the end, when all is said and done, these things did not matter at all. What mattered were the words of comfort and hope and peace that were shared. What mattered was the support and love and friendships that have been experienced together. What mattered was the faith and prayers and trust in a God who understands all that we're going through and is there with us every step of the way.

"When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul". Good-bye for now Uncle Harvey and I hope to see you when Jesus comes again. Thank you for your faithfulness... we will miss you and your smile and your beautiful voice.

because I knew you, I have been changed for good.....