Remebering the life of Larry, an angel among us

In June 1942, a child was born. The child had many, many health issues and according to the doctors, he needed to be institutionalized. He wasn’t going to live long, and the young couple needed to concentrate on building a strong family.

Just recently, that child went on to meet his creator. Larry was my friend, and a friend to everyone he met. Physically, he suffered from all sorts of health issues. Mentally, he was about seven years old. Spiritually, I’m not too sure that God didn’t appoint him as angel for our church.

I first met Larry in 2006 when I was appointed to the church. Immediately, he informed me that he was ready to help with the children, Bible School and church. He wanted to be part of everything that went on here. He loved his church and he loved his church family. Even though he was physically unable to help, he was always there. He would put out the salt and pepper shakers for meals, and he always enjoyed a cup of coffee.

Even though Larry went home this past week, I’m not too sure that we haven’t been a part of Hebrews 13:2, which says “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,”

I truly believe that we have entertained an angel in Larry. This man whose body would often fail him, managed to bring people to church. He practiced what it meant to live in the Kingdom of God, and he looked forward to a time when he could run.

I share this with you because I believe God is always showing us His kingdom in so many ways. If we pay attention, we can see the Kingdom of God through so many different lenses. Larry showed us the kingdom through his kindness, love, and devotion to God. He always wanted to pray, and he always asked for people to read to him from scripture. I wonder what his parents would say if they knew the influence Larry had on this preacher.

We never know when we will be entertaining angels. We never know who will come and guide us in love and hope. God’s message does not take a Ph.D. to share — sometimes all it takes is a smile and the sound of welcome. When angels show up, things change.

Angels tend to help us change our perspective. They also tend to break the Gospel of Christ down to the simplest terms. Love God and love neighbor. I am blessed to have been taught that by Larry.

I hope you find your Larry in your life. I wish you could have known this very special guy that changed the lives of so many people, simply by loving God and loving everyone he could see. If you ask me what I am thankful for, I am thankful that God has given each of us a Larry to teach us what the Kingdom is all about.

Just a thought.

Shalom my friends. See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.