Mark 4:35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Gentleness, compassionate, servanthood, and humility. These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Eddie. There are many others, but these are great words that sum up a life well lived and a life that was taken way too early. Susan, Zach, and Cade - Our hearts break with yours today. When Eddie was first diagnosed, I thought to myself, “he’ll be ok. God’s going to deliver this man.” The first treatments along with the markers seemed to be headed to a more positive outcome. I was shocked when the surgery didn’t happen in the way it should, and things seemed to turn South. But, as I have had time to reflect on this, I know the direction ultimately was not South, but True North. So what looks South to us, especially in the moment, doesn’t take away what the compass say’s. It doesn’t matter the size of the waves, the size of the storm, what matters is our direction doesn’t waver.
Not long after I moved here, I met this young family, the McMahan’s. A couple of things impressed me about them. One, how well mannered their boys were. Respectful, kind, thoughtful, playful, and well rounded. Eddie and I were friends immediately. He looked for areas he could simply help. He didn’t look for attention or recognition, he simply wanted to serve. One of the first places I saw him serve was you, Susan. Eddie loved you. He was always so concerned about your headaches, and I don’t know how many times we prayed for you. Several times right there in that kitchen, because you were serving! He served his boys through coaching and teaching. Eddie’s sport was soccer, and he passed that along. I have thought about mowing the grass here at the church. One Saturday morning, I was mowing the grass and Eddie saw me. He stopped and asked, “why are you doing this?” “I don’t know, it needs to get done.” “Well, you go home and let me do it,” he said. I didn’t, but the next weekend, there was Eddie. We bought another mower, and the two of us could knock it out in no time. Then the mower was stolen, we bought another one, then the mower was found…and we added Jason Hayes and Mickey Smith to the team!
Zach was getting old enough to help, and started hanging out with me and Allison. Zack, I loved putting you to work! From sweeping the barn, mowing the grass, or going out to the ranch…those were great days. Eddie would come out when he could and help us work cattle. Eddie and Greg McReynolds really enjoyed one another, and worked together so well. I remember Greg getting a fat lip and Eddie was the only one who showed compassion! The rest of us…well, let’s just say we were less than compassionate!
A pack rat stole my key from my four-wheeler once. I called Eddie and he said, “dig up the nest”. I did, and found everything but my key. So, he came over to the house the next day, took the ignition apart on my four-wheeler, molded a key some way, and never charged me a dime! He just wanted to help!
Not long after we hired Justen Stice as youth director, we had a youth service. Justin had the youth do their card-board testimonies. I remember little Zach holding his up and it said, “bullied”.
I went over and found Eddie and told him, “Eddie, you call me we when he’s being bullied…I’ll go to jail for that boy. By the time my kids are old enough to know the difference - I’ll be out!”
I want to take some liberty for just a moment and teach. In the early church, a particular tradition known as the (ars moriendi) or “the art of dying” was a part of the believers. I simply bring this up today because it reminds me of Eddie. A man’s character will be revealed during the dying process. The (ars moriendi) was a time of suffering and it was felt that the suffering was a gift from God. The essence of how a person lived their faith in life would be obvious in how they suffered into death. Our heritage as Methodist was heavily influenced as John Wesley rediscovered this tradition, and began to teach it. At one point in time, Charles Wesley was approached by a physician and told this, “Most people die for fear of dying; but, I never met with such people as yours, (Methodist). They are none of them afraid of death, but calm, and patient, and resigned to the last breath.”
You know, we live in a culture that pushes death back to a place where we almost don’t believe it will happen. A lot of us deny our own mortality. However, John Wesley was known for seeking out the dying. He wanted to be with them in their time of need, but also he wanted to learn from their dying process. In his journal he stated, “Here I found her weaker and happier than ever. Her life seemed spun out to the last thread. I spent half an hour with her, to teach her, at once, and learn of her, to die.”
What he learned from these accounts was the way in which they died was the same way they had lived.
I started with these words to describe Eddie. Peace, Gentle, compassionate and humble. The way he lived his life was expressed through his death. What a testimony to his faith in Christ. What an encouragement for each one of us.
You see, regardless of where or what we are doing. No matter how big the waves are or how well we can see during the storm - True North is still true North. Jesus told the disciples, “get in the boat, we are going to the other side.” He never mentioned a storm, simply gave a promise. The minute the storm comes up, the first thing they questioned was God’s love for them. He calmed the storm, but the storm wouldn’t have kept them from reaching their destination. If Jesus said it, it must be true. Eddie lived well, died well, and Jesus’ promise rings true in his life today. But, it does for all left behind.
Susan, Zach, Cade, and the rest of us, we may have a hard time seeing the other side. But God’s promise is there for you as well. Your destination has been set. True North (Jesus) is still locked in on your compass. Your dad was and is a great example of living well…and dying well.
Finally, the disciples were on that boat together. They didn’t weather the storm alone, and you don’t have to either. This church loves you, cares for you, and will nurture you and help keep you focused through the storm. One day, a great reunion awaits on the other side. What a great day of rejoicing that will be!
Let’s pray;
Lord, thank you for Eddie’s life. A life that was lived so well and one that weathered the storm with you to reach the other side. I thank you for Your promises, Your Truth, and Your direction. Comfort each one this afternoon. Direct them to the True North of you and your Truth in your word. We love you, and we know you are here, with us now. Bring your peace upon this family that transcends all understanding. Amen
