My good friend Doug Mendenhall passed away on December 18th. I will really miss him as will all who truly knew him. I have put off writing about him for long enough. I have been in denial—and no that isn’t in Egypt—for long enough. It is time to feel the loss from his transition.
I am writing this mostly for myself, definitely not for Doug. He would be abhorred by even the thought of me writing about him. After all, he is finally with his Father in Heaven resting from mortal toils, but probably just as busy if not more so than he was down here. He will continue as he did down here, doing the work heaven has assigned him. He might grumble a little about the work even as he loves serving those about him.
I have always appreciated his ability to discern that which is right. Often, it has required him to hold seminars or write books that he would rather not do. His sacrifice has greatly blessed the rest of us who are hungering and thirsting after light, knowledge, & truth.
Speaking of the books and seminars, I appreciate his ability to communicate what has been given to him, his family, & friends. It takes a lot of courage to write about your personal trials, foibles and experiences.
All who truly know Doug, have felt of his love not only for them, his family and especially his wife, but also his love of his Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father & Mother.
When seeing Doug conduct a seminar, you would never know that he really did not like being up in front of people. I believe the Lord had him work on that weakness. By the time I met him, he was fantastic at conducting or maybe he was always good at it and just never did like it. When doing the Lord’s work, he always seemed to be confident. He didn’t let others stop him from doing what God had asked of him.
I always enjoyed Doug’s humor. I will have to admit, there were times it took me a while to catch on. He was very creative that way.
Very few people realize how much Doug helped those around him both physically and spiritually. I am no longer surprised when I find out that he helped someone else. He was sensitive to the needs of others even in mundane things such as splitting firewood and stacking it for someone who needs it to heat their home.
Doug was grounded, creative, confident in the Lord, loving, expressive, intuitive, and extremely spiritual. I hope to be as faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ as he has been. While I will greatly miss him, I am extremely grateful for knowing him and for everything he has done for me, my family, and everyone I know.
Gratefully,
Cornell Bean