Yesterday, Charlie Cousar died.  He was 81 years old and had suffered many years from Parkinson's disease.  He passed away at his home in Decatur while receiving a sponge bath from a nurse-not a bad way to go!

Charlie was my New Testament professor at seminary.  As a world class Biblical scholar and prolific author, he had an amazing knack for bringing scripture alive and making it relevant in today's world.  Through his wonderful insights in class, he helped make the books of Romans and Galatians two of my favorite in all the Bible.

But Charlie was more than a great teacher; he was a mentor and role model to me especially for what it means to be a faithful father.  You see, the Cousars and the Huies were best family friends ever since my childhood, and Charlie and my Dad were about as close as two friends can be as colleagues at Columbia Seminary.  Charlie's wife and three sons were all near and dear to us Huies.   Charlie was also my soccer coach growing up, and he was among the first adults to show me how to hit a tennis ball.

I will never forget that man.  I am grateful for his impact and rich legacy of Christian nurture and inspiration.  His death makes me want to be a better man and a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  Let us all think of the "Charlie Cousars" of our world and give thanks to God for them. 

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will reset from their labors, for their deeds follow them."                     
-Revelation 14:13  

Prayer for Today
O God, we give thanks for such saints as Charlie Cousar and commend them into your care until that day when all your children shall be together in glory.  Amen.