At Dr. Jim T. Wilson, Sr.’s Celebration of Life, his granddaughter Rachel shared these beautiful words written by him. A special thank you to his family for providing these wise and beautiful words with our church community.
Trying to talk about my grandad, and do his wonderful life any kind of justice with my own words seemed unlikely, so I decided to use his. I’m going to share a bit of his writings.
People
Some faces are as plain as a blank wall, others lined with furrows or smiles that tell such fascinating stories- of pain, joy, sadness, happiness, confusion, and wonder, “The mixture of life.”
Some clothes are from stores where costly raiment is procured- some clothes so tattered, some tennis shoes so worn, some slacks so ill-fitting, some shirts and blouses so second-handed as to defy description. And clothes can cover a beautifully tanned perfumed body or an unbathed sunburned body that has rarely known sunscreen or soap- both totally totally holy.
We judge people by their outward appearances. Why? Because it’s the first thing we see. We put them in boxes. We never get to know who they really are.
To truly know people, we must try to strip all of that away- try to look at their souls. See them as God sees them!
This breaking down barriers (so-called “defense mechanisms” in psychiatry) can take months or years or even a lifetime. The walls that separate people from one another are high and thick and heavily mortared.
The work to break through these walls is worth every ounce of strength that we have. The reward is priceless and eternal and life giving! (Go for it Wilson!!!)
Prayer at My Funeral
That my family and friends would know Jesus as their savior, and continue to walk with Christ in their lives- that they will follow His proper leading and know His love, His laughter, His joy- His being the complete life.
So privileged to call this amazing Christian man our friend! He was the best!
So well said, so well lived. I did not know Dr. Wilson at all. I knew about him, I knew his wonderful oldest daughter.
In his death he has given me one of the greatest lessons of living and dying.
Very wise words about how people are seen. A wonderful man who will be missed.
Beautiful biblical truth from a beautiful soul. I’m going to print this and put it in my bible so I will read it often and reflect on his words. He was such a sweet man and a true inspiration.