Saying Goodbye

Today we’ll be saying goodbye to Charlie Walker.  He passed away this last weekend.  One of the cool things about being a pastor in the church that you grew up in is the connection with the people that watched you grow up.  Charlie and Helen haven’t been able to join us for services consistently for several years because of health issues but that doesn’t make them any less part of the family.  I meet young (and those that wish they were young) pastors who don’t have these generational connections and it makes me grateful for the path that Tawana and I have chosen for our family.  There were many times that it would have been easier to go another route but we’ve never regretted where we are.  I love the fact that God has given me the opportunity to carry the mantle of pastor that has been handed to me by my father.  It does get heavy at times though.  However, the connection to other generations is invaluable.  The Dovie Ray’s of yesterday teach us incredible lessons of commitment to our community of faith even in hard times.  So...... Today we say goodbye to Charlie but be rest assured that he will not be forgotten.  For all of us at Living To Go,  We love you Helen and grieve with you and your family at the loss of Charlie.  But remember.... No matter how painful it is now..... “Mourning may last for the night but joy comes with the morning.”