On January 26, 2009 my Uncle lost his battle with stage four lung cancer. Saturday will be his memorial service and I have been asked to speak. Through much prayer, this is what the Lord gave me....
As I was thinking and praying about what to say today in honor of my Uncle so many thoughts, so many treasured memories came to mind.
When Brett and I moved to the Northwest over eight years ago now, we came without knowing anyone except Kent and Sue. Right from the start it was clear that we were going to share a very special relationship. We have hundreds of treasured memories…. Special holidays spent together, birthdays celebrated, games played, trips made and more laughs than can be counted.
I can certainly say there was never a dull moment in the presence of my very vivacious Uncle Kent! I so very much appreciated his sense of wit and humor. No doubt about it, Kent could always bring about a smile and hysterical laughter.
Another of Kent’s most admirable qualities was his immeasurable generosity. He was such a talented builder, wood worker and craftsman. Our house showcases much of his work. Our home and the home of so many others. Kent gave freely of his time and his talent, never accepting more than a thank you in return. Two bible verses I love and see very fitting for Kent come from Proverbs and Ephesians. Proverbs 11:25 says “A liberal man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Truly Kent’s talent was God-given and used mightily.
Another thing I loved so much about Kent was what he became and meant to my two little boys. He really took on much more than the role of an uncle, rather he was very much a grandfather to them. He lit up when he spent time with them. His love for them was very evident and very cherished. I could never adequately explain my gratitude for the relationship they shared.
I could certainly go on and on about all the things I loved so much about this great man I called my Uncle. But what I really want to share is what I know will always have the greatest impact on me.
To anyone that knows Brett or myself, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is what comes first and foremost in our lives. My family has quite a long history sharing this faith.
When we first moved to Oregon, I was fairly new in my faith and couldn’t wait to share it with anyone who would listen. Kent and Sue were no exception.
And so the eight year long conversation began. As all of us do when we’re trying to figure out the bigger picture, Kent had lots of questions. Tough questions… questions I certainly was ill-equipped to answer. I did my best through our many talks and one day decided that two feisty red heads butting heads over how all those animals ended up on the Ark, probably wasn’t the best way to share my faith. So we left the topic off the table and I resorted to prayer. Lots and lots of prayer.
In September when I got the call from Sue telling me that Kent was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, my heart was broken. Of course from the diagnosis itself but also from the fear that whatever faith my Uncle had was certainly in danger. He must be thinking “why God?” “why is this happening to me?”
Shortly thereafter we made our first trip to Seattle since Kent’s diagnosis. Within minutes of being in his presence both Brett and I immediately noticed an almost completely changed person before us. Never had I seen such peace in my Uncle before. In John 14:27, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In the conversation we had with Uncle Kent that day he told us that he couldn’t explain it but things looked much different to him. He said he wasn’t afraid. He told us he was spending a great deal of time in prayer. Philipians 4:6-7 says:
Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Truly my many prayers were answered. Kent did not return to the Lord of his childhood through anything I said, rather Kent experienced God in the midst of his most difficult of circumstances.
Psalm 34:18 tells us: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I can say today that my heart rejoices knowing that my precious Uncle is healed and full of immeasurable joy in the presence of our Lord. And I look forward to the day when we will see him again.
