Uncle Jeff and Aunt Julia live in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, along with rest of my grandfather’s relatives (he has a brother and two sisters plus all of their children and grandchildren). I have lived in many places – all over the world. For most of my life I barely knew this side of the family. I really met them for the first time when I looked at some colleges in the area. A couple of years into my Army career, I went from a year in South Korea to Fort Bragg, North Carolina (about an hour from Fuquay). This was when the Iraq war was only a few months old. On my very first day with my new unit, the commander brought the battalion together and announced that we were going to Iraq and would be there in a couple of weeks. My life became a whirlwind as I was still recovering from moving back to the United States and did not have my personal affairs put in place at all. I didn’t have a place to put my belongings. I didn’t have a place to leave my car. I only knew a couple of people in town who could help. I spoke with Papa (my grand-father) on numerous occasions and he asked about my car. He told me to call Jeff. I initially had a hard time convincing myself to ask a favor of somebody who I hadn’t even seen in several years. But I took his advice. Uncle Jeff was happy to hear from me. I started to explain the situation and he basically told me to just let them know when and where I wanted them to be and they would help with whatever I needed.
So I spent my last day and last meal in the United States before going to war with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Julia. Not only did they take my car, but they chauffeured me around and helped me get my last few errands done. And he didn’t just hold onto the car – when I returned eight months later it was in better shape than it’s even been! I was stationed in North Carolina for two more years after the Iraq tour. During that time Uncle Jeff and Aunt Julia (as well as Aunt Helen, Aunt Carolyn, and the rest of the North Carolina relatives) welcomed me into their homes and lives just as they did with the rest of their family. Uncle Jeff asked me to speak at his Sunday School class about my Christian perspective during my time in Iraq. They had me over to their house for two Easters. Uncle Jeff, Aunt Julia, Aunt Carolyn, and Aunt Helen were there when I was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain. And when I met and got engaged to Deanna, the entire family threw us a wedding shower at Jeff and Julia’s house. I could not have been blessed more through a group of people at a time in my life when I needed it the most.
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Julia were also at our wedding in Illinois. They road-tripped to come and see us! Deanna and I took great care in making our wedding reflect the amazing things that God was doing in our lives. We each brought in a special pastor from our college years who knew us well to do the service together. We also selected special worship songs at the beginning of the service to set the stage. At the reception, Uncle Jeff came up to me with tears in his eyes and said how wonderful it was that the entire service was such an authentic act of worship to our great God. Well, I was humbled by how much he was moved with emotion. And, yet, it was easy for Deanna and I to declare praises to God during the happiest and most exciting moment in our lives. Well, Uncle Jeff did this during the hardest time in his life – at the very end, as he suffered through incredible physical pain and discomfort. I have never been around anyone who is dying and it took me a while to really figure out that Uncle Jeff was at that point. When I finally got a clue, I called Uncle Jeff (in October). I was amazed at how at-peace he was and how he just began talking about the miracles that he continued to see in life and how he wanted to give me encouragement. He knew that he was going to heaven by trusting Jesus with his life and he wanted people in his life to also understand that this free gift is available to them as well. He used every one of his last breaths to sing God’s praise and to give testimony of a glorious father who has watched over him his entire life and was about to welcome him with loving arms into heaven. His family updated a CaringBridge website which is an incredible glimpse into the glory of God in their lives.
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Julia with me at my promotion
Uncle Jeff dancing with my grandmother at our wedding
I am very sad that I will not make it to the visitation (tonight) and funeral (tomorrow). I am in the midst of final exams and the timing is just not going to make that possible. And I know that it would make Uncle Jeff happy to know that I am doing what needs to be done to prepare for future ministry.
Shortly after we received the news, we were in church for Sunday morning worship. I am continually amazed at the many times that God puts a song in my life or a word from a friend to encourage me and minister to me with whatever I am dealing with. This morning, Deanna and I were both in wonder as two of the songs directly encouraged us in knowing where Uncle Jeff is right now. They really reflected what I saw in his life, especally in his toughest moments. They really ministered to us and I would like to share one of them on this blog.
This music video is from the Hillsong United song “You Hold me Now” and below are some of the lyrics:
On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fear is swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free
Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone
No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now
In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails
When Your name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'm believing for the day
Yesterday morning, Uncle Jeff ran into the loving arms of our Savior – through the gates of heaven, free of pain. He can truly embrace the words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV):
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
I love you Uncle Jeff. Thank you for the incredible testimony of Jesus Christ in your life. I know that we will meet again.
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