This week the world lost a great man. He was my pastor, my mentor, my greatest supporter. Everett was my friend.

Everett was known in the Presbyterian world as a faithful, strong and compassionate pastor. He was a pastor who preached the Word of God, a pastor who was present and available to his congregants, and a pastor who would make a point of meeting colleagues for coffee.

Everett taught me what it means to be a pastor.

As a new minister, Everett came alongside to encourage and support me. He shared some raw and difficult times of ministry with me, teaching me the importance of leading from a posture of prayer. He also shared with me the joy and successes of ministry, and with his stories he would point to the faithfulness of God.

Everett taught me what it means to be a mentor.

Sometimes in life we are fortunate enough to have a person come alongside who is steady, faithful and true. A person who is not afraid to lovingly set you straight when you are veering off the path, and just as quickly ready to praise you when you’ve done well.

Everett taught me what it means to be a friend.

Everett and I spoke on the phone regularly. He would call to check in and I would do the same. In the last few years, I would end our conversation by saying, “I love you, Ev.” I am glad I did, because I know that he knew.

He would respond, “Love you too”.

Today as I mourn the loss of my friend, my mentor, my father figure, because he said it, I know it. It is healing. And I am blessed.

Last Sunday we talked about the words we speak, and the importance of saying something good if you think it. That message has become even more poignant for me today. Proverbs 16:24 says: Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Words are important. Don’t just think, ‘I love you’. Say it. Be a blessing.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14

***

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27