Today my dad, Loren Fox, would have been seventy-four years old. Its hard to believe hes been gone fifteen years now. My dad was a bi-vocational minister. He had gotten a call from someone who was distraught and had gone to see if he could help them. That was when he had his third and massive heart attack. He died later that day. I love that he was faithfully serving God, even on the last day of his life. His last sermon was on Heaven and how wonderful it would be to actually be at home with Christ. I dont think that was a coincidence. One of the memories I have of the day of dads funeral was of a postal carrier standing next to the road, weeping as the funeral procession drove past. It was a dear friend of Dads, but many people were devastated by his loss. He made it a point to speak to everyone. After dad died, my mother had to explain to waitresses and bank cashiers that he had passed away when they asked where he was. There were often times she had to console them. He cared about people and was sincerely interested in them. Folks responded to his genuine care and concern. He could naturally carry on a conversation with anyone. Somehow, I missed out on that skill! Tim first asked me about my dad when we were dating. I have no idea why it hit me the way I did, but I became a hysterical, sobbing mess. That has never happened before or since, it was a bizarre reaction. Perhaps it struck me that they would never meet. Im not sure what happened, but no one was as surprised as me when he decided to marry me anyway. :) I walked down the aisle by myself on our wedding day, it just seemed appropriate. Like any pastor, there were several dimensions to him. Dad was a funny man, always wanting to make people laugh. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was blessed with an amazing voice and loved to sing. He was a hard worker. I remember thinking he had to have been stronger than Hulk Hogan when I was a little girl, because he had, in my opinion, huge muscles. I adored him...and fought with him. We didnt have an easy time together when I was a teenager, but then again, what father-daughter does? (Okay, Im sure you know a few that did, but overall, thats a pretty turbulent combination, right?) I didnt really get the chance to strengthen that relationship. He died after I graduated from college, and I was on the mission field in Thailand. I do know that he was proud of me, that he loved me and that he would be happy with the woman I have become...and that he would have adored these little boys were raising. Im so thankful for the hope and confidence I have that he is in heaven with the God he loved. He loved God. He loved people. What more of a legacy would you want to leave your kids and grandkids? Todays Bible verses were some of my dads favorites: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 03:57:48 +0000
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