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| Affirmation overdue? |
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What would you say… if you knew a man who remained faithful in marriage, despite all outward signs pointing to future years, if not the rest of a lifetime, coping with the bitterness, rage, hopelessness, and despair associated with his wife’s mental illness? Faithfulness despite rough treatment and great family hardships, yet faithfulness that eventually contributed to a miraculous victory over those very circumstances that so oppressed his home. I would say, thank you for modeling faithfulness for me in a way that I would have thought only the Lord himself could have done.
What would you say… if you knew a fellow who served as lead “usher” at his church with absolute dedication, doing what most would call mundane tasks week after week for the last 20 years and counting, always being one of the first to arrive and last to leave the church each and every Sunday of the year? And let’s face it, there are far more glamorous opportunities to serve the Lord (perhaps as a teaching elder, or pastor, or missionary), FAR greater opportunities for recognition, than just being the guy who seats people, passes the offering plates, opens and closes windows and doors, picks up trash in the sanctuary, etc. I would say thank you for modeling faithfulness and humility for me in a way that I would have sworn only Jesus himself could have done.
What would you say… if you knew a Christian man who untiringly cared for “youths” who were far from Christ, regularly feeding them and fulfilling their material needs while refusing to give in to feeling used or resentful? I would say thank you for modeling faithfulness, humility and love for me in a way that I would have considered only the Lord Jesus himself capable of.
This is what I would say. I would say, thank you Dad for modeling Christ for me, I finally recognize it! Dad, I just want to tell you that I deeply admire you, and it brings me great joy that you are here to enjoy hearing so. You deserve far more recognition for your spirit of self-sacrifice than you will ever receive in this lifetime. Nothing can ever give you back the difficult years, but I believe the greatest reward still awaits you with the Father.
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A eulogy is the expression of warm sentiments, or the recognition of notable qualities, delivered at someone’s funeral, that was never shared with the person while they were still with you. To those who could be affirming a loved one, yet for some reason hold back, please take a risk and reach out without delay. Don’t wait for the eulogy.
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| To add a comment to "Affirmation overdue?" |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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| Beautiful, Mike. Just beautiful. |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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This is truly an excellent example of growing in Grace!
Pastor Aminata |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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Praise the Lord... I pray that we all take the message from this to heart. |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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| He sounds like a great guy, Mike! Not surprising, considering his son... :-) |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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Thank you for sharing this heartfelt and well-expressed tribute to your Dad. What a blessing to have such a man modeling Christ for you. The acorn didn't fall far from the tree (the acorn being you.) |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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| Awesome, Mike!! You are such a blessing... |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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| one word....awesome. |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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Thanks so much for the gracious comments!! (and stars) I truly have the warmest feelings for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from MyChurch. You are a blessing!!!
This blog was sort of a gift to my Dad. Let's just say, these sentiments were a long time coming. Growing up, my brothers and I went through some tough times, but hey, for Dad they were even tougher! Now I recognize this!! Glad God gave me the opportunity and the words to share this with him. |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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Mike, I fully understand. My father is a great guy too. I could talk about that - but this is your blog space. Maybe in the future. . . .
Anyway, thanks from bringing back the tears of joy.; |
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| October 15, 2007 |
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Great words Mike. Nothing better than acknowledging to your Dad your love while he is still alive. I had an opportunity to do so with my Dad and Mom publicly at their 50th anniversary a few years ago. I have also thanked him privately. I encourage everyone to do so as Mike already has so elequently shared. Thanks Mike. You have reminded me of my heritage which I am so thankful. Your brother in Christ, Brent |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| Great blog Mike! It's really neat how you did a gift to your Dad! Great words! |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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This is beautiful Mike. I think the key words here are Don’t wait for the eulogy., tell them now while they are still here.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
God Bless You!! |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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aWESOME |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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All I can say is WOW. What a wonderful testimony to God's grace and love. Your father was truly touched by God's grace and so have you.
Thanks for this encouraging message.
peace |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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Awesome Mike.. Just before my mother passed 12 years ago, I had the opportunity to tell her how sorry I was for being such a troublesome child. It gave me such joy to acknowledge to her how much I loved her and appreciated all of the things she had done for me. We should praise our loved ones while they are here and not wait until it is too late. We should apologize for things done when we didn't know any better. We should express how much we love them as family members and GODS children.
Thank you for this most encouraging blog... |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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So many songs come to mind when I read this and the comments that follow
"If Tomorrow Never Comes"
"Let Them Be Little"
"Don't Blink" (never heard the song but read the words)
If we would only act when our heart tells us to act, hug them, tell them we love them, do something extra special that we know they would love, just remember that
"Little Things Mean Alot" (another song) |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| My earthy father is not like that at all, (but I love him anyway!) - I'm eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father! Beautiful tribute, Mike. You are very lucky. |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| This touched my heart Mike |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| Great blog Mike, as usual! |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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OUTSTANDING BOG |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| Thanks so much for the comments, I deeply appreciated each one -- they were a joy to read! Just wanted to share that when Dad read this he was quite pleased and touched. He then called and we talked on the phone for over 1.5 hrs, like the longest ever -- we don't exactly have a history of long deep conversations. Well.... mission accomplished, Dad's heart touched, and relationship reinforced! ...and apparently community blessed :-) |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| Mike, that sounds like a Win, Win, Win!!! |
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| October 16, 2007 |
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| yup!! |
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| October 17, 2007 |
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| Thanks Mike. Although I moved to Terre Haute to help my Dad with his struggle with Cancer, neither of us really Knowing Christ personally. Trying in the flesh to let go of past hurts and forgiving in the flesh was kind of weak. Since I've come to know Christ I've found myself at the cemetary a couple of times just trying to let go of the hurt, and remember and cherish the good times. Thanks once again for the sentiments Mike. |
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| October 17, 2007 |
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| Dave, w/God I know you'll find healing. Praise God that he got thru to me b4 it's too late. God bless you Dave! ~mike |
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| October 17, 2007 |
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Wow.
Wow.
Wow. |
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| October 17, 2007 |
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Supreme !!! |
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| October 18, 2007 |
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| Mike, I can't add anything else that everyone else hasn't already said. I have also come to realize the importance of appreciation. I try every day to say and show my appreciation to my kids, husband and friends in some way. What a gift to say "I appreciate you". |
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| October 18, 2007 |
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Right on, Robin. Affirimation is a lovely, powerful, loving and encouraging thing to do. God bless you!
And thanks once again for the lovely and supportive comments all! Thanks Shannon, Kelly (wow!), and sister Joey :-) |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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| How wonderful, Mike. What a privilege for you to have such a powerful example of Christ so close to you! |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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I LOVE MY DADDY
my earth daddy is named VIRGIL SALEM.... yes it is a muslim name... my great grandaddy... was a muslim... he was put on the boat when he was only 14 with his brother who was only 15... he ended up in CHICAGO... he could only speak muslim... he could only say in english... APPLE PIE... he ended up in CIMARRON KS.... and because of GODS intelligent design... got some land during the land rush, if you know your history... then during the depression... he had to farm out his three boys cause his FRENCH wife ABANDONED THEM... and she left for another MAN and my GRANDADDY... was beaten by 2 by 4s by his foster MOMMY AND DADDY.... on his back..... then my GRANDADDY became a drunk... but still at the age of 45 or so he had my DADDY..... and he is so HANDSOME...
I LOVE MY EARTH DADDY TOO AND IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG I NEED TO AFFIRM HIM TOO.....
when i present him with the bible i bought for him at my old church in Southern Pines. NC.... during a faith promise pledge drive for over seas CHURCH BUILDING IN MEXICO... and .... I need to go home and ask my DADDY if HE kknows JESUS... LIKE I DO.....
o mike.. you have made this borg cry again...
shameful. I need to ferveantly pray for my DADDY too... thanks MIKE... I love you. LOTS><>
7 of 9 |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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OOOPS..
I meant to sign that
love
becky lorraine salem dale sutherland. |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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oh wait I forgot to tell you my grand daddy died 1st heart attack....
my DADDY... is too fat for the short arab he is right now....
scottie... beam me HOME or santa claus pick me up for Christmas.
love
7 of 9 |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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Thou art the man, Mike! |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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| Wow Becky (aka 7), that's quite a story. Sorry about making you cry, I nearly did as well when I was writing this -- old wounds. I hope and pray things go well with you and your dad. Perhaps you can let me know? Thanks for the comment(s)!! ~mike |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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| Sue, not sure how I feel about that. Isn't that what Nathan said to David when he brought David's sin to light? :-) ...Love ya sis, thanks for dropping in! |
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| October 19, 2007 |
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| Mike, you sure have been making me laugh lately! That was very funny :) |
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| October 20, 2007 |
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| Thanks, Mike, for sharing this life lesson! Praise God! :) |
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| October 21, 2007 |
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| Thanks Valya, glad to have you as a new friend! Thanks SweetMarie, wonderful to hear from you as well. Wade (or Francine), thanks for your comment too!!! Wonderful to hear a word from your testimony, and very interesting to hear that spoken affirmation played a part. God bless this Lord's Day! ~mike |
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| October 21, 2007 |
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| Is silently "speechless" |
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| October 21, 2007 |
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Give that great man a hug for me please.
beautiful , insirpational , awsome as always with you two.
All my love and His from above,
Diana |
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| October 26, 2007 |
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| wow. I am a late comer here. I could understand your feelings MIKE. Great words of salutation for your Dad. I remember mine own. |
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| October 27, 2007 |
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| Thank you Ragland, Diana, Patrick.... |
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| October 28, 2007 |
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| Amen! Agree with you absolutely. I think it's so sad to only speak those wonderful things about someone after they have died. Your dad sounds like an amazing man, and a great role model. |
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| January 17, 2008 |
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Beautiful! |
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| September 27, 2008 |
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| WOW!!!! Speachless right now! Now I somewhat understand why your the man of God you are today!!! I can see that it certainly came with a price! Luv ya bro! |
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