A Witness, Even in Death

Since Pearls of Promise is publishing a new devotional book next year, a precious new writing friend of mine, Lisa Buffaloe, recently connected us with her Christian author friends on facebook™. We are thankful to Lisa for helping us solicit submissions for the book, a project we truly believe is inspired by God.

While I’ve been blessed by all these new writer connections, I have been especially touched by one author, Scott Brodie, who I got to know in the last days of his life, simply through posts on his page and through his many friends’ kind words upon his death, after a long battle with ALS.

One friend said Scott had the faith of Abraham. Another said Scott’s voice will continue to impact her life. One friend remembered Scott’s consistent encouragement to him. “He was a good man,” another friend recalled. Countless people had been touched by this man, who apparently emitted the love of Christ to them on a regular basis.

When I saw the photo of Scott in his final hours, surrounded by his family, I thought, “This man was beloved!” It was his Scott’s way of saying goodbye to his friends until he meets them again in heaven.

Is it possible to never know or speak to someone yet still be impacted by their witness, even in death? Isn’t that how we respond to Jesus?

Scott seemed to live Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” even to his last breath.

Scott wrote this in 2007: “God’s greatest work is done in secret during the darkest moments of your life. Despite the hardship in trials; there is an unexpected beauty that can shine through in times of helplessness. If you are in sickness may your sickness glorify him, in perplexity let him guide you. If you are in sorrow, let him comfort and cherish you. May you see the treasure you truly are to God and to others.”

Scott, I’ve seen the treasure you were to God and others. Treasure holds its value for eternity.  I am sorry I didn’t know you better but your witness, even in death, has made a lasting impact on me. I hope I can leave the same kind of faith legacy when I die.

What about you? What legacy will you leave?