The Finish Line
A few months ago I wrote about my dear friend, John Baldwin. You might remember what I said. After a four year battle with cancer, John died this last Sunday. Judi tells me he died at home in peace. My last conversations with John were razor sharp insights into the art of living–and dying. I will never forget them. I became keenly aware that peace, really deep, lasting, tranquility, is a state of existence few of us can achieve this side of the grave. I also became aware that it is usually achieved through great suffering.
John reached this goal–through great suffering. But with enormous impact on those who accompanied him on the journey. My life is better because of his life. What more can be said of human relationships. In this way, he laid down his life for me. I am blessed. He is free.
There can be no knowledge without emotion. Bennett’s insight helps me through my tears. I will miss my friend, immensely. Permanently. Some day perhaps I will have the honor of following him on that path.
Please pray for Judi and the family. They were prepared–but then, nothing can really prepare us for this kind of freedom, can it? It is the most ironic element of human being–that we should die in order to express what it means to live.
Crying tears of sadness with you, Skip.
You and John’s family will be in our prayers, seems to me that your friend left you a legacy of love and faith and deep appreciation for your relationship, hold fast to that SHALOM!
Skip, there are no words for me in these places. Thank you for sharing John and yourself. Your sorrow and joy are now part of my world, and I am richer because of you; so, along with Donna, I am crying with you, too.
Thank you for sharing your grief and hope with us, Skip.
Skip, I’m so sorry for your loss of a wonderful friend. Those deep sorrows never really do go completely away and they can come back in full in a surprising instant..sometimes when we least expect it. I am comforted and encouraged though by Hebrews 12 which seems to explain to us that we have not really lost those who have “graduated”…we can’t sit down for a cup ever again but they may very well be aware of earth’s activities – watching and maybe even praying for us to get past despair….as Yeshua intercedes. IF that is the case, I’d wager John is, even now, saying..”You can do this Skip! I KNOW you can beat this life! The help is in Him!”
“So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment – that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement – and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting, Yeshua – who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before Him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”…….you are His joy Skip – you’ve got this!
They say that it is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all.
Every time i lose someone i doubt the veracity of those words.
Prayers.
Thank you for sharing Skip. Those of us who love you and what you are doing and feeling, mourn with you.
I love the story of how Skip first met John and Judi, and I marvel at how God brings people together and interweaves our lives. While most of us didn’t know John, coming together here makes us feel a little as if we did. We mourn his loss with you, Judi and family, and Skip.
I just read what you wrote back in Dec. What an amazing experience to be with John as you told about. How bittersweet it must have been but how wonderful to share in Y-H’s very presence with your friend.
I am pausing in thoughts and prayers for you and his family today. I am sure what John experienced as he was passing away will be remembered for a long time. Use it for good and be encouraged.
My heartfelt condolences to you Judi and all your family on your loss. May Yah comfort you and all those who mourn in Zion. All of us in this community who didn’t personally know your husband wished we had, based on Skip’s brief testimony. Without a doubt, as his wife and ezer kenegdo, you could multiply those reasons a millionfold. Of course, you know and believe that he will be raised up in the resurrection, but my hope is that God will raise up more men like John even now. Praying for you. In Him, Michael
John is finally at rest, and freed from this entangling world.
Death brings both joy and sorrow. Joy that one has lived life to the fullest to YHWH’s pleasure, and that the departure is temporary, we will meet again in the resurrected life.
“It is the most ironic element of human being–that we should die in order to express what it means to live.” That is profound.
ABBA’s peace and comfort upon Judi and family. Shalom.
Dear Skip, I am late reading this post however with you in prayer for Judi, her family and you. Even if we are prepared we never can be totally ready to lose someone so dear. It is scriptural to grieve and healthy also. Sending love and hugs so I hope you can feel them!!