For those who don't know, my step-dad- Rodger passed away on May 19th. This week, we gathered with family and friends to celebrate his life. There were so many people who loved Rodger that were unable to attend so I am sharing the words I spoke on Wednesday here. Rodger was a beautiful example of God's love and will be forever missed...
On behalf of my mom, Sandra and our entire family we would like to thank you for being here today. Your support, love and prayers over the last several weeks means more to us than you will ever know.
When my mom asked me to say something today, I started reflecting on the last 14 years I have been blessed to have Rodger in my life and I was immediately filled with thanks. He was an incredible person. This is something I have always known, but in the last 2 1/2 weeks I realized that the rest of the world knew this too. We have received so many cards, calls, flowers, emails and letters from so many people who have been impacted by Rodger’s life. As I looked at our dining room table this week- covered in stories, pictures and kind words about one person- it made me ask myself- what made Rodger Davis so special?
Yes, Rodger was funny. He could often be heard telling a joke or saying crazy things to keep us laughing. He was brave- I mean he did co-sign for me to have my first brand new car when I was just a teenager. That takes some guts!! And he was obviously talented. Anyone who has ever seen the things he built knows that. But I believe there are some fundamental characteristics about Rodger that made him different, unique, and exceptional. Characteristics that we can all work on in hopes that one day- we too can make a lasting influence on those around us.
First, Rodger was an incredible leader. It was an honor to have him as the head of our family for the last 14 years. In 1 Peter 5 we are instructed to “care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God...Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.”
This is exactly how Rodger lead us. My brother Chris and I were not Rodger’s biological children. He didn’t have to invest in us- but he did. God entrusted us to him and because of his kindness, concern and love for us- it was easy to submit and let him lead. He never forced anything, but instead allowed us to grow and change while he graciously helped to shape us.
Rodger was also generous. 1 Peter 4:9 says “Be quick to give a meal to the hungry a bed to the homeless- cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all can get in on it. If words let it be God’s words, if help, let it be God’s hearty help.” Almost every time I talked to Rodger he was either on his way to help someone or on his way home from helping someone. I feel like most of the time he was helping me as I am terribly challenged when it comes to yard work, appliances, cars, well- many things. But Rodger was always happy to lend a helping hand.
However it was Rodger’s generosity with words that I will really miss. He was an encourager. He was always quick to point out what someone was doing well, offer praise and always speaking life. I know his kind words will be missed by many.
Third, Rodger was a wonderful friend. Proverbs 27:9 says “just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Being around Rodger was just that- refreshing. When Rodger married my mom we talked about what “title” I would give him. He said I was welcome to call him my step dad, but we both thought it sounded odd. We agreed that he would be called my “other dad.” Eight years after accepting that title, Rodger helped to give me away at my wedding. At the reception we danced our father/daughter dance to the theme song of Toy Story- I am sure many of you with kids could sing it “You’ve got a friend in me!” Rodger will always be my other dad, but he was as good of a friend as he was a father.
My husband Tony asked me a couple weeks ago- “What do you love most about Rodger?” Without hesitation I said “I love Rodger because he genuinely loves me.” To me, this is the characteristic that really made Rodger different. He loved me not for who I wanted to be, but just for who I am. In all my faults and failures, in every good day or bad- he just loved me. And it wasn’t just me. He loved everyone like this. 1 Peter 4:8 says “ Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically everything.” Any downfalls Rodger may have had, were outweighed by his genuine love for people. If I could model one characteristic of Rodger’s, I pray that it would be this one.
I know that this will be a hard season for everyone as we transition into a world without Rodger. But Romans 5:3 tells us to also “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
I pray today that we would all receive the hope and peace only the Lord can give in this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that Rodger is in a much better place. A few days ago our 2 year old daughter told us “Papa is in Heaven playing the guitar with Jesus.” I cant imagine that it could get any better than that.
No comments:
Post a Comment