Saturday, March 31, 2007

Reflections on the Homegoing of Bishop G.E. Patterson

Watching the Homegoing Service of the late Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, G.E. Patterson, I am impressed with the sense that this was a man who truly served the Lord. For him, the office was simply another platform from which to serve Him. As such, he will be missed, not only by the members of Temple of Deliverance or of the C.O.G.I.C., but of the Church of Jesus Christ around the world.

Many world renowned people attended this service, including President William J. Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Mr. Julian Bond. More importantly, people who might only be known by their neighbors came to show their love and fellowship. Usually we must choose between "rejoic[ing] with those who rejoice, [or] weep[ing] with those who weep. At this service, it was possible, even encouraged, to do both. It reflects on the type of ministry Bishop Patterson had, and the kind of seed he planted.

Having spent much of my adult life in COGIC, I saw, in that service, a lot of what is good about the "Grand Old Church." That joyfulness, even in the midst of struggle, is what I miss of the church, and I hope that I can take it with me wherever the Lord takes me.

When I pass away, I hope that people will be glad, not that I'm gone, but that I've gone home to be with Jesus.

God bless you all.