I find first and last words to be significant. A few months ago, I was away from home and received a telephone call giving the grim news that Jerry Taylor had cancer, and it was quite advanced. If you don’t know him, Jerry was quite a man, full of wisdom, stable as a rock, devout in faith, with an outstanding sense of humor. I arrived home after the news, late on Saturday night, and went to church as usual Sunday morning. As I made my way around to greet different people, I came to Jerry. We hugged, and I became a little weepy.  What do you say at times like that except, “God, help.” As I finished praying through my tears, with the best faith possible, Jerry whispered in my ear with a very resolute voice, “We win.”

I cannot describe how those two well-placed words have affected my life. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was, again, making my way through the congregation welcoming and seeking out anyone for whom I should pray. I came to Jerry and prayed. As soon as we were finished, I turned to leave, and he grabbed my arm and pulled me back toward himself and simply said, “Thank you, Pastor.” 

There you have it. Jerry Taylor was called upon to battle cancer and won. He began his struggle with the voice of victory and confidence, and he eventually won his battle with a spirit of thanksgiving on his lips. 

We all might want to contemplate how we will face our challenges. Seems to me, Jerry did it in the most God-honoring way possible. 

I will deeply miss you, my friend.

Jess