Rembering a Great Man

For the most part, I am not a big fan of getting old, but aging does have some perks. For one, sometime around when our children get to be teenagers we begin to look back at our lives. We think about those people who had the most influence on us. Often these people changed us and in many ways, made us who we are. There were many people who shaped my perspective on life and helped me find personal strength. Others taught me tolerance and love. I am thankful to many teachers, coaches, family and friends. Then there are people who I admire for going that extra mile. I hesitate to list these people for fear I will forget someone but the people that first come to mind are Wanda Cooke, Sam and Lynn Dusenbury, Sandy Jacobs, and Dr. George Lovell.

Most people who know me well would find it strange that I see Dr. Lovell as one of the people who had the most influence on me. Dr. Lovell, for anyone who might not have had the pleasure of knowing him, was the preacher at the church I grew up in. He was one of the pillars in my life. He was always there to talk to and I never felt the slightest fear that he would judge me for any doubt or failure I had. I knew in my heart that he loved me with the compassion only a spiritual person can feel. He didn’t care whose daughter I was, whose sister I was, what color I was, how good my grades were or how much trouble I had been in. He answered all my questions with tact and grace. He always had the greatest smile that made me feel welcome and secure.

Honestly, I don’t remember many of his sermons. I know I sat there every Sunday and for the most part I paid attention but I don’t remember what he said. What I remember most about church services was the wonderful music, the camaraderie, and security of being a part of such a great community. What I do remember is the answers he gave to my many questions. One of my earliest memories is of when I asked him why God let bad things happen. He smiled down at me and said, “Without mosquitoes we wouldn’t be able to appreciate butterflies.” I have thought about that statement so many times over the years and that reply is the answer to so much. It is the philosophy that some religions are based on. That simple answer to a child’s doubt explains the balance of light and dark, good and evil, yin and yang. When I asked him over the years if I was bad or wrong for feelings I had, his answer was always a quick no. He always took the time to explain to me that everyone has doubts, everyone has worldly wants and moving beyond these temptations is what helps us to grow. Dr. Lovell convinced me without a shadow of doubt that if I made mistakes I would be forgiven. If I had evil thoughts, I would be able to overcome them and do the right thing. No matter how many times other people tried to make me feel guilt or fear, he was my rock of acceptance. He gave me what so many people seek and that is personal power: The power to be who I am, without the constant pressure to become what others expected of me. For this I am eternally grateful.

This Sunday morning, I am remembering possibly the greatest person I ever knew. If you knew him and haven’t read his book, you should do so. It is called “Twelve Houses and a Mansion, the Life and Times of Rev. S. George Lovell, Jr.” It’s a great story and helps the reader understand him as a person. I would love to hear some of your stories of people to whom you are thankful.

Bright Blessings,
Karen

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