Our family is in Nashville, Tennessee for a brief vacation to visit good friends. Right now, my teenage girls are asleep in the next room. All is quiet.
This is Jude Gilliam. I never met him, but heard of his tragic struggle for life and recent death via a close friend.
I do not for a second understand this sort of thing.
After reading the order of worship at his memorial service, I felt moved to right this note in the journal at his web site.
"Silent now is the laughter, the noise, the commotion that must have been Jude. But bold and strong, without fail, sustaining through the ages, is the praise to the God of All Creation from His created. This sound will not and cannot be silenced.
I just read through the order of worship for Jude's service, and was touched by the balance of genuine grieving, praise, longing, and celebration. What a remarkable balance - no denial, acceptance, and through the pain a deep joy and rest that was, for me, almost palpable.
I wish you all, Jude's family, the full impact of those things we share in faith in Christ. Grace. Peace beyond understanding. Balm for your weary souls. Mercy. Love abounding. Joy.
Through the countless and abiding tears, there is hope in a World beyond time. We will all dance and play there together, someday. Amen."
This is Jude Gilliam. I never met him, but heard of his tragic struggle for life and recent death via a close friend.
I do not for a second understand this sort of thing.
After reading the order of worship at his memorial service, I felt moved to right this note in the journal at his web site.
"Silent now is the laughter, the noise, the commotion that must have been Jude. But bold and strong, without fail, sustaining through the ages, is the praise to the God of All Creation from His created. This sound will not and cannot be silenced.
I just read through the order of worship for Jude's service, and was touched by the balance of genuine grieving, praise, longing, and celebration. What a remarkable balance - no denial, acceptance, and through the pain a deep joy and rest that was, for me, almost palpable.
I wish you all, Jude's family, the full impact of those things we share in faith in Christ. Grace. Peace beyond understanding. Balm for your weary souls. Mercy. Love abounding. Joy.
Through the countless and abiding tears, there is hope in a World beyond time. We will all dance and play there together, someday. Amen."
