Though he died, he still speaks

Hebrews 11:4 says of Abel, “…through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.”

Tonight i met with some longtime family friends who had spent a lifetime with my dad. It was so humbling and a huge blessing. Thank God for making me raise support and meet so many loving and seasoned Christians who gently redirect me towards Jesus. 

One of the things i received from this meeting was a word about my dad. Sometimes i feel bashful to tell people about my dad because i don’t want to seem like “that guy.” But i think it’s right to share with people about how good of a man my dad was so that they can learn and be blessed as well. Good–only by the grace of Jesus, but praise God for such a Christlike man! God spoke through my dad’s friend tonight, that as i strive to become more like Jesus and seek examples of men who emulate Christ, i do not need to seek a replacement for my dad.

Right now i am seeking older wiser men who will shepherd and teach me. At the same time however, i think that God gave me the closest thing to Christ i’ll ever personally know in my own dad. For some people who know him only as the cocky brilliant alpha male of youth this might seem ridiculous. But for those who knew him the years i knew him, especially the last years, i think this is a sober statement others can attest to. Like Abel, though my dad has been dead four years, he still speaks…especially in the past three months through the legacy he left behind in those i meet with. Among the counselors God has graciously brought into my life, my dad still speaks gentle instruction to me. I pray that i can be a man with a legacy like this and that all men strive for the same.

I want to share a few things i wrote down that my dad gave me the last time we talked. They are very personal, but i don’t think they were meant to be kept private. I pray they will be a blessing to you. May you have the grace to speak like this to a lost son after cancer ravages your perfectly healthy body in six months–bright eyed, smiling like an angel, and praising Jesus to the grave. Dad is my boast in the Cross. Galatians 6:14. Soli Deo Gloria.

May 2004
“A godly man lives to give his life away.
When Kaori or John is angry or argues or anything, they just want to know that they are special. Don’t argue. Hug them. Love them.
It is better to give than to receive. Far better. Learn this, live by it.
Deep questions, ask _________ and ___________. They know dad’s heart.
Please God, and you will please me.
Obedience is learned through suffering. Don’t know why, but somehow it is.
Remember heaven.
Trust God, he will work things out. It’s all about trust.
I found my peace in Romans. Things working out better. Study hard in Romans. It’s there.
You and i have the same heart.”