Remembering Richard

Where does our strength come from?

In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed. In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from of the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor. For you are my hope, O LORD God, my confidence since I was young. I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother's womb you have been my strength; my praise shall be always of you. - Psalm 71:1-6

Throughout our lives, we establish relationships with people and we come to depend on them.

We know they are there when we need them, and even if we never call upon them for help, it is a comfort to know we can.

One of those bastions of strength in my life passed this week.

Richard was there for me when I was going through my discernment process, and all through the time of my training to be a deacon. 

He was not merely a source of wisdom and knowledge about Scripture; he was a joy to talk to and discover the world with.

Many knew him from his lectures and his books, but I got to know him personally. 

He will be remembered for his work bringing the Lutheran and Episcopal Churches together, and for serving in both.  But I will remember him for being there for me and for anyone who wanted to get closer to God and to do His work.

It was a comfort knowing that I could always call or write and get a quick response on any topic.  Now, I will have to rely on his books and writings.  Or I could seek comfort in talking with others who knew him as well or better than I.

Perhaps that is the legacy we all can hope to leave, that the conversation we start will continue after we are gone.

So, let us keep it going, and try to be the bridge of faith Richard was and will always be for so many.

More to come...