Former Blackout Artist

“So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. – 1 Corinthians 15: 42-44

He has a severe speech impediment and is often difficult to understand. His mobility is extremely limited, and that’s even with the help of a walker. He’s suffered from a debilitating illness for many years, and his body is weak. Yet he can still remember the days when he could walk in the park, play baseball with his friends, and dance like nobody was watching… “Yes, I remember those days very well,” he says. “I was actually a very good dancer, and a pretty good athlete, too!”

I’ve known Stuart for a few years now. When I first met him he was a lot more energetic and outgoing. But his declining health and his 74 years of a difficult life are catching up with him quickly. A month or so back, I picked him up to take him to church with me one Sunday. He was unusually quiet during the ride. I could tell that he was down. I asked him, “Everything okay, buddy?” He looked over at me with a forced smile and said, “Yeah, as good as I can expect. I’m just tired. I don’t have the energy like I used to have.”

In the time I’ve gotten to know this dear friend of mine, I have learned so, so much about him. He’s a kind, God-fearing fella; easily the most humble man I’ve ever met. He’s been through a lot in his life, going all the way back to his childhood; the kind of stuff that most people can’t ever recover from.

But Stuart is a survivor. He has defied the odds… refusing to let everything that has happened in his life to define him. His mind is still sharp as ever. And I desperately need to be around people like him today… people who can show me what being kind, loving, and forgiving looks like; people who can teach me how to be that courageous in my faith in the midst of such overwhelming circumstances.

As I read Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth in the Scripture reference quoted above, it brings tears of joy and a smile to my face.

Someday I’m gonna get to see Stuart in a completely different way. He’s not going to need that walker to get around. He’s going to enjoy having conversations without struggling to be understood. He’ll be free to sing, dance, run, laugh, and enjoy all of the things that he’s not been able to experience for much of his adult life; things that someone like me takes for granted every single morning that God allows me to wake up and get out of my bed.

On the way home from church that Sunday afternoon, he finally told me what was bothering him. “My driver’s license expires today. I’ve not driven in many years, but I’ve always gotten it renewed in hopes of someday being able to drive again. But I think it’s time to move on.

“Do you think there will be cars in heaven?”

I smiled and asked him what the model was of the last car he owned. “It was a 1967 Chevelle SS. The greatest car ever made,” he chuckled. “I got into a lot of trouble with that car, but it was worth every minute…”

He’s truly a special guy and I’m proud to call him my friend. If I could only give back to him half of what he’s given to me in the few years I’ve known him… but to know that someday I’m going to get to see a brand new Stuart?

What a day that will be. Without blemish, without imperfection, without weakness. Raised in the power and glory of Christ! Amen!