Mosaic of Love Lessons

-


Over that past two weeks, the stories of love and compassion shared with our family and friends have been extraordinary.  My brother, Barry touched the lives of others in so many ways. 

During his eulogy, I said that his life was a mosaic - broken pieces held together with hope, faith and love. After hearing all the stories about Barry, I can see that Love was the glue that made a difference.

You see, Barry believed in treating everyone from prince to paupers the same. The mosaic of Love Lessons from Barry's life can help us all learn.
Here are a few that really touched my heart.
  • When a young woman and companion was stuck in a parking lot with a car that had broken down, Barry and his niece saw them, lent a hand and developed, on the spot, a life-long friendship.
  • When Barry was recovering from a liver transplant, his donor needed help on the farm. Barry went...no questions asked.
  • As Barry was battling from stage 4 lung cancer, he learned of the cancer diagnosis of two friends. He called, sent text messages, made visits to keep their spirits high.
  • As part of Team Rubicon (TR), a service organization of vets who help other when disaster strikes, Barry was working with a mate in the heat and humidity of Texas. The mate, not wanting to look weak, kept up with Barry, step to step. Finally, when exhaustion was about to overtake him, he said to Barry, "Barry, I'm sorry, I have to take a break." Barry replied, "Man!  Thank God you said something, cause I was trying to keep up with you." 

  • Others recalled how his sense of humor and his ability to lift the spirits of others helped them realize that they were exactly where they needed to be, doing what needed to be done. 

  • Even as a patient in the hospital, he was remembered for getting the staff to laugh, for making them feel special. Several of the nurses that cared for him over the years have shared how he made their long days bearable with his silly stories and big heart.
  • Barry gave out hardhats to a group of his TR mates. One woman was so grateful that when she came to the party celebrating him, she asked him to autograph it for her, so that she can bring him wherever she goes. He did and now a part of him continues to help others in need through her.
This is but a taste of the stories that have been shared with us. Honestly, I could write a book! The point is, that despite all his imperfections (which we all have), Barry learned and shared the gift of Love well. His life is an example of how even broken pieces of humanity can be glued together in Love to create the most amazing and glorious mosaic, especially when each person touched by kindness shares that kindness with others. The Love spreads. The mosaic becomes a masterpiece.

Blessings of Love to all! 






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bible Sisters

-
Image
As a child, Bible stories fascinated me. I tried to imagine what it was like to live in times so long ago. Rarely, however, did I ever see any connection to what happened in ancient times with what was happening in my life. After all, my world was close to 2000 years older and far from the lands of Pharaohs and Roman invaders.  As I grew, I learned to see the lessons within Scripture. But, again, I found it difficult to connect to these men who battled giants or spoke eloquent words in the Temple. The only women I remember mentioned were few and far between. How I wished there was more for a woman to connect with in the Bible. A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of receiving a copy of Bible Sisters by Rev. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks in the mail. Bible Sisters is a 365-day devotional that includes the well-known women of the Bible (Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Rebecca, Mary, Martha...) as well as those we know little about and who often go unnamed like Hagar or the Widow of Zar...
Read more

Whispers

-
Image
Photo Credit: (c) 2018 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas When I was, as my mother would say, a wee sprout, I had my first experience with hearing that soft whisper that has warned me, inspired me, and on occasion, nagged me. Perhaps because I was raised in a household where being "fey" was looked at as normal, I never questioned that this was not real.  I can't tell you what the first thing I "heard" was, but I do remember talking to my mother about it when I was about six years old. We had had a lesson in school where sister had told the class about a saint who heard "the whispers of the angels." I asked Momma if that was who was speaking to me.  I still remember her looking very seriously into my eyes and saying, "Lindy, it might be angels, it might be what artists call the muse, or it might be what some people call, 'the voice of your ancestors or guides.' I don't know, but I do know you need to listen and pay attention to what you he...
Read more

Ministering Without a Church

-
Image
Over the past few days, several people have asked me where my church is.  Honestly, I stumble over answering this question.  My "church" is the world. But, when I say that, people take a step back and look at me with shock or suspicion.  When I answer that I don't have one, they apologize and begin listing all the churches they know looking for ministers. In reality, I am not a minister to one denomination or faith path, which means I do not have a pulpit from which I preach every Sunday.  I am an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister.  Ministry within this context is far-reaching. Ministry literally means serving others. This may be accomplished through a community of like-minded individuals within the confines of a building, but "the church" is not a building.  The Church is the people that gather together. Therefore, my "church" is wherever people gather and are in need.  This may mean the mother who is exhausted from chasing toddlers...
Read more