REFLECTIONS ON JOHN YOUNG’S LIFE: A TRIBUTE

A CAUSAL CELEBRE

In Africa, among ‘My people of Kikuyu’, People don’t die. They "GO HOME". People are not born. They "COME HOME". Briefly, in transit.

This juxtaposition used in figure of speech in reference to physical DEATH and BIRTH only gains meaning when viewed from a Spiritual perspective.

"He is not Dead"- "JESUS WEPT" – "Lazarus, COME OUT".

"I BELIEVE, help my unbelief"

People who are Handicapped, Disabled or Challenged, don’t come to us. We go HOME to them. And then, we take them HOME with us. In Youth and in Old age.

Such was the life of John Young 111, on his journey with us and with ALS- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, - Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

When John young was diagnosed to have a terminal illness. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He finally accepted it with joy, serenity and courage. It was his gift from God. It was the path to John’s "unfinished symphony". His Outreach Ministry in life. It was His unspoken sermon. A sermon ,that was visible in his smile and sparkle of his eyes, even in his twilight hours; one that touched many hearts.

With humility, courage, and unwavering faith, he suffered and accepted a lot of humiliations, pains, incredible trials, and difficulties. His illness made him immobile, still even on a wheelchair, he continued to fulfill his duties, limited as they were, with joy.

For several years, John’s friends, his affiliates and fellow 7Uppers physically ‘went home’ to John Young’s Dunwoody Georgia, home. A part of their hectic daily and routine life Died, and was set aside for John Young. But, anyone who ever visited or stayed home, with the once youthful and robust, John Young, took a part of John , HOME with them. They were reborn. They all came back home. A Spiritual home.

Sleep well John Young, and may the dews of the heavenly plains welcome you as the SUN rises in the MORNING. We were not worthy to receive you, but in your silence, you spoke many healing words of hope to us all. To, our Souls. May the LORD be with you.

Fare Thee Well John Young 111, and REST IN PEACE. For while physical death, is the ultimate disabler in human eyes, it is, but only the initiatory path to a higher Spiritual realm.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE and AMEN.

John Patrick

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Note: We are all at least Spiritually disabled, As we humbly come before our God. In Christ Jesus we seek Him.

Les Washington