Today I found out that someone I worked with and cared for very much has passed away. I wanted to take a moment to memorialize them because all too often the folks that I serve don’t have traditional funerals, no one eulogizes them, no one sits Shiva for them. They are simply gone.
I met this person while I was doing outreach several years ago. We connected because they had a very strong believe system and they were excited to talk with someone about their understanding of God, and their faith, and their understanding of their God given gifts and purpose. Much of this was based in liberation theology and a hope of being freed from the stigma of mental illness, from the stigma of being ‘homeless’, from the stigma of poverty, from the onslaught of debilitating physical illness, and from the persecutions of being a young black person in America today. My friend had a dream of being a preacher and would spend their time down by the waterfront sharing the Good News with folks as they walked by. Being a well dressed and well spoken young person, this dear soul evangelized with a heart towards bringing about God’s realm here on earth. They wanted to make a difference, they wanted to bring about healing for those who suffered spiritual pangs, they wanted to share the healing power of God that they had experienced in their lifetime. Even though, or maybe because, their life was riddled with strife and pain they knew that God held them in the palm of God’s hand and that nothing was impossible with God in their life.
My friend was also a very gifted musician, and they shared their musical gifts with the gathered community during outdoor worship. What joy to hear them sing and play music of all genre’s, but their voice soared and their fingers on the keys expressed a deep and abiding faith when playing and singing Contemporary Christian Music.
My friend wasn’t ‘just’ anyone or anything. They made a difference in this world, and in my life, and I am grateful to have met them and am so sad to have learned of their passing. I do know, however, that for them their pain and their struggles have ended and they have been received into the loving arms of God.
I leave you with the lyrics to a song by Cory Asbury that my friend introduced me to, one that was dear to their heart.
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the 99
And I couldn’t earn it
I don’t deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Rest in Peace my friend.
Rev Pam Wannie 