Gene Davis

We're back in Roanoke, VA this weekend. It was a last minute trip. Not the kind that you enjoy making given the circumstances. My great uncle Gene went home to be with the Lord this morning about 2:00 am. Over the last several weeks he really started going downhill in his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Thankfully, he wasn't in any pain when he passed. Gene was a firmly committed follower of Christ most all of his life, and finished his race strong. His wife, my aunt Velma, is now a widow for the second time. Her first husband passed away many years ago, also a strong Christian. Now, Velma faces another tragedy in her life, but one that she bravely faces head-on in the strength of Christ and in the comfort that He brings in times like these.

My Dad was able to be there by Gene's bedside when he slipped into the presence of Christ this morning, all the while reading portions of Scripture (like this verse), praying over him and holding his hand as he made his journey into the courts of his eternal King. Dad will preach the funeral on Saturday and Tasha and I will lead the music. Gene's favorite hymn was "Great is Thy Faithfulness" the same hymn that we had played at our wedding 6 years ago when Tasha walked down the aisle. That hymn never came alive to me more than on that day when I heard that familiar melody played as my beloved bride came walking toward me. Now, it will ring ever truer as the soundtrack to Gene's life--a life lived in faithful commitment to Christ who was and is ever-faithful, even unto death.

In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness in your life lately?

21This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)