Almost a year ago, my good friend John Southwood and I journeyed north to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. John had a book concept—on the much-needed topic of integrity, based on Job. Not long after, some issues arose that the doctors diagnosed as brain cancer. Just last Saturday, that cancer took John’s physical life even as he received a full healing. Yeah, I’m a bit jealous, but my day will come. Many of you knew John, many of you prayed for him this year and I so appreciate that.
Our lives have been entwined since 1973 when we co-led a mission trip to a small Spanish village outside Taos NM. He has challenged and encouraged and enriched me. In reflecting on his well-lived life, I realized he might do the same to some of you. So this week, let’s reflect on some lessons that John, ever the teacher, can give us.
First, John had a deep commitment to knowing and serving God. Faith drove all he did, he yearned to honor God consistently. The first part of his life verse was what Jesus called the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). John’s faith gave him the courage to face and fight the cancer, even if it took his life. He had a marvelous serenity through it all.
Second, he followed the logical consequence of what Jesus called the next greatest, “‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (verse 39). John loved people, and served them. As a pastor for part of his life, as an adult class teacher, as a husband and father. He and his wife Jane nourished a solid family that has been with him every step. It’s that love of people that drew others to him during the struggle.
Third, he thought well. In a very good sense, he had a critical mind. He asked questions more than he made statements. He probed below the surface. He looked for connections. His curiosity and interests knew few bounds. He read widely, and he exposed me to several authors whose books I still have on my shelves. Frederick Buechner. Lucy Shaw. Saul Bellow. Martin Bell.
Last, he was competitive, and I mean that in a very good sense. On our second day in the village of Penasco we went for a run, and agreed neither of us would kick to beat the other, not at the 8,000 ft. altitude. Well, to this day I have no clue who first slowly edged ahead, but soon we both were running all out to beat the other. Competition to do better is a trait that leads to success. And John’s life typifies a successful life well lived.
May we all strive to do the same.
Kick Starting the Application
Which of those four traits do you do the best? Why is that? Which can you most improve? What one step can you take this week to do that?