Years ago, after Jack died, and
Because of his spiritual depth and
Transparency in his writings, I ventured
To share my own thoughts as I
Faced grief.
He was my inspiration.
I wear one of his quotes on my shirt:
"If it's not slow, is it even a walk?"
He was my daughter's teacher, and
My granddaughter's as well.
No one left his class untouched by
His humble spirit and genuine
Love for them, or by his unique
Humor, often laughing at his own
Expense.
Over the years Al suffered,
And suffered.
His wounds deepened his faith,
And he graciously shared the truths
God taught him in the furnace.
His announcement today was
Shattering: "I have liver cancer...
The prognosis is 4-6-months."
Along with hundreds of others I responded,
"Oh, dear Al, I am stunned. What will we do
Without your profound messages?
You will leave a spot that no one can fill.
But you showed us how to live, and now
You will show us how a believer dies,
Snug and safe in the arms of our
Shepherd."
Until God takes Al, he will continue to
Teach us by his writings and his
Example.
And who knows? I may beat him there.
But I don't want to save my accolades for a
Funeral.
I want him to know that he is my mentor, a
Kindred spirit, a godly example of a life
Lived for God's glory.
Thank you, Al Iten, I love you.