A Fitting Memorial

Do you remember Kevin from this post?

He passed away last Monday, January 4, 2010. Peacefully. So ready to meet his Lord. So ready to be HOME!

We learned that Kevin had family here in the Dallas area but chose to live independently, even when that meant homeless. His Aunties and several cousins were there. And the family that brought Kevin into our church, into our lives, was listed in the obituary as his family!!!

The memorial Friday morning, Jan 8, was officiated by the Pastor that oversees S.O.U.L. Ministries and I love how he blended Kevin's favorite scriptures in his brief message! One of Kevin's favorite scriptures has stood out to me during these few days...Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith!

I desire to have the same level of faith that Kevin did. To know, beyond knowing, that the path I am on is the perfect path God has for me...the same way Abraham, and Noah, and Enoch did. I desire to live surrendered, the way Kevin did, to whatever it is the Lord has for me - whether pain, trial or a sense of comfort, like Paul! As you can see, God has really used the end of this man's life to shape some of my thoughts to look more like His, and the journey has been awesome.

I was totally moved by some of the stories when the podium was opened for audience members to say something about Kevin...oh, and the audience....HUGE!!! The funeral home was somewhat small but the room was filled, wall to wall with people there to remember Kevin and pay their respects! The last audience member to speak, though, (if I can stop crying long enough to type this out!) totally got to me! He was a homeless man that never met Kevin. NEVER! Someone had invited him that morning at The Bridge, Dallas homeless shelter, and again, someone invited him at The Stewpot.

It was no random invitation, though! NO, SIR! He was meant to be in that packed room on a very cold Friday morning - and it wasn't just to get warm. He heard the gospel preached, and he saw how people from all walks of life had loved Kevin. And he had a word to share - stay in touch with family. Don't start walking a path so alone.

I struggle with this, to a degree. I get busy and forget to call my Mom - I did it just this past Sunday...so sorry, Mama! I spend my time writing this blog to give family a glimpse of our lives, but then forget to e-mail or write them later on.

Now, I am trying...to be available, first for my sweet man and our girls!

I don't think I can convey in this little blog just how much of a blessing Kevin was to me. I know I cannot give enough glory to God - He deserves it ALL!!! I'm thankful we found a sitter for Miss PD (man, it was hard leaving her!) and found our way to Oak Cliff for a memorial service that I won't soon forget.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela

A Homeless Man Made our Church Cry.....

His name is Kevin.

We were introduced to Kevin shortly after we began attending our new church. At that time, he had recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer and was having surgery to remove part of his tongue. Soon after, we got to meet him when one of our families began bringing him to church after S.O.U.L. ministry. He is such a sweet man and we have all been blessed by knowing him!

Within a few months, the cancer spread and he lost the rest of his tongue and some of his throat. At that time, we rejoiced as a church family because it looked like it was done! During the following months, he was a regular attender and several of us got to know him...even though he could not speak!

Well, last week Pastor Jerry read a letter written to Kevin's church family...and we all cried! Not a dry eye in the house, y'all!!! Sobs were heard all around our area, where many of the usual S.O.U.L. ministers sit.

The cancer has returned...and has become very aggressive. It doesn't appear that Kevin has long to live on this Earth, unless God intervenes. However, his life has already touched so many of us, it has not been in vain.

This is a homeless man, our ministry was to reach out to him, but as God so often does, Kevin blessed us more than we could ever imagine!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like Kevin, a homeless man

How have you been blessed by others, when you were wanting to bless them???

God's girl, Pamela