God will provide.

Dad was one of the greatest storytellers I have ever known. He told stories to share his history, to teach, and to entertain. Most of the time, a single story did all three. Though his stories were told as truths, some of them featured legendary characters, and were really more than stories - they were parables.

He had a whole collection of stories featuring one of his college roommates, Paul.

The lesson from these stories was always the same: God will provide.

The stories went something like this: From a young age, Paul was an accomplished preacher in his own right. Paul was also the son of a renowned, amazing preacher. The older preacher's stomping grounds included that most-unlikely location for a man of God - the city of New Orleans. Despite all-manner of obstacles, neither Paul nor his father ever seemed to worry or doubt. Regardless of how bleak the situation appeared, they simply proceeded doing the work of God, knowing that He would provided whatever it was that was required. And He always did.

Dad told a number of these stories, ranging from he and Paul having enough food to eat as starving college students, to a congregation losing its facility and almost not having a place to worship. Whatever the story, the ending was always the same - Paul kept going and didn't worry, because, "God will provide."

Fast forward to Dad's funeral. The legendary Paul preached the perfect service for his long-time friend. He shared his notes with me before he left the graveside, and I have found great comfort in his words, particularly his closing prayer:

Holy Father, creator of all that is,

whose Son is our redeemer

and whose Holy Spirit is our strength

- three in one -

comfort us in our loss.

Give us your strength as we deal with the days ahead.

Fill us with memories of happier times.

Remind us of childhood romps and school day challenges.

Remind us of hugs and smiles and encouragement.

Thank you for letting us have Melvin in our lives
for far too short a time.

Help us to be to someone else what he has been for us.

Amen

I hadn't heard from Paul in several weeks until today. One year ago today we buried Daddy. Three days ago we passed the first anniversary of Dad's death. My mother and I have both dreaded that anniversary for months. When it finally came, it wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it would be. Today I found out why.

You see, Paul was at it again. I received this from him :

I have been thinking about all of you this week. Our whole family remembered to pray for you every day during the holiday. We asked God to give you comfort, peace and good memories.

We had a wonderful holiday full of comfort, peace, and good memories.

God will provide.