FRIEND Cheerleaders and marching bands were not around in the Fall of 1950 on the college campus, but an event worthy of a drum roll took place. “I am Bob” and “I am Gladdie” was the announcement as we shook hands. From the moment we met we found things in common; both of us were from mid-western states making adjustments to life in the South. We grew up in an environment of a Christian home, enjoyed and played sports, pranks and laughter were a part of our life style, and like any other red blooded American attending college there was some attention directed toward girls. We were now enrolled in a college that had chapel every day. Before us was a banner stating the goal for each student, “To Know Him and make Him Known.” To “Know God,” required discipline and study habits that seemed easier for my friend, but like a teammate on the basketball court we worked together, and he helped and inspired me to make spiritual progress. The value of friendship is having someone around to share the challenges and joys of life. Prior commitments made it impossible for my friend to be a part of our wedding, but at our fiftieth celebration he stood beside us. A challenge both of us encountered is heart disease, and during these times it is comforting to have a prayer partner. My friend’s wisdom was demonstrated in the decisions he made. To invite the Lord Jesus Christ was the wisest, but next to that was his choice of a bride. Her love for the Lord and devotion to her husband was a beautiful witness of what it means to be a helpmate! Like touching an electric fence, as I did in my youth, the shock came by way of the internet . . . “Bob has moved on to Glory!” Plans to be with him in October at a college reunion have been delayed. Attendance at his memorial in a church located near where we first met resurrected many special memories. Another memory was stored in my memory bank as I stood in a long line of well wishers to greet the family. A person said to me, “I did not know he lived such a saintly life!” Soon Bob and I will meet again, and we will not have to say, “Hi, I am Bob,” and “Hi, I am Gladdie.” He will not have to introduce me to the Lord Jesus Christ because we both met Him and got to know Him in college.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 16:05:35 +0000
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