This year, I was not prepared for Good Friday. When I reflect on the why, I look at the previous 3 weeks and my mental state and the distractions from that event. The devil won on that front. My Post on Friday was Weird. It was not that “good”. My friend called me on some of the content I chose for that Post. The clip I linked, was to a movie which I find quite hilarious but does have a bit of foul language and sexual overtones associated with it. My friend suggested that as I represent Jesus, that I am held to a higher standard. Very true. We should be held to a higher standard. Because after all, Jesus is the higher standard. So, I went back and modified the Post, eliminating the reference and link completely.

In my home church were I grew up, I always refer to the elders of my time, as Pillars. At my current church, those folks are referred to as Paragons – a person regarded as an example of excellence.

Jill Strader, Paragon, (higher standard) went home on her journey with Jesus this past week. Jill is one of my favorite women at our church. I haven’t seen her or spoken to her in over 2 years. Due to the way she stood out in her life, and the admiration everyone had for her, the family had put limitations on her visitations to minimize impact on her health. I had an opportunity to attend her funeral but elected instead, to spend the day with my youngest son fishing at the beach.

One might wonder why I made such a choice for someone I regard so highly. One of the reasons I grew so fond of Jill, was her phone ministry. (my label) Jill would call the entire church family on your birthday and wedding anniversary. It was the most precious and beautiful thing. Every call ALWAYS included love. She would sing happy birthday and then give you a message of love. If you weren’t home, she would leave you a message, no different than when you would answer. Love and singing. I am so thankful that more often than not, I was able to answer the phone when she called. If I wasn’t able, I ALWAYS called her back. I mean, who wouldn’t right? Who wouldn’t want some LOVE? I chose to remember Jill, just the way I ALWAYS knew her. And instead? I spent the day fishing with my son. LOVE. Just as Jill would do: Give – LOVE.

Yes, I could have gone to Jill’s funeral service and celebrated her life with the hundreds that showed up, and that would have been good. However, I spent the day with my son fishing at the beach and it was good.

I tip my hat to Jill, to the wonderful life she lived representing Jesus – PARAGON.

It is Good.