I am reminded of an old episode of MASH in which Henry Blake tells Hawkeye that rule number one is that sometimes soldiers die and that rule number two is that doctors can’t change rule number one….

I recently lost a friend and a brother in Christ quite unexpectedly.  He died at my place of employment, much to the amazement and despair of those of us who were attempting to revive him.  Although I have made peace with the fact that he has gone on to live with our Savior, it has been difficult to replace the image of Mark lying unresponsive on the floor with the image of the brother in Christ who I spent time with several times a week to help him meet his weight loss goals.  What hasn’t been tough, however, is in recognizing the impact that he has had in my life and my faith.  I guess I need to explain a little about my friend and brother in Christ Mark…

Mark was visually impaired but he wasn’t born that way.  Mark lost his vision over time but to his credit, he graduated not only from High School but he also attended and graduated from a business college in New Orleans after High School.  Mark was also a widower.  His wife went on to be with the Lord about 9 years before I met him.  You would think that a person who had lost as Mark had in his life might struggle a little with his faith.  Mark, however, didn’t struggle at all.  In fact, it was fair to say that Mark’s faith had grown stronger with each experience.  Finally, not only was he the leader of a ministry group at his church called the “Overcomers” (Mark’s ministry was specifically directed toward those with disabilities) but he was also one of the church trustee’s.  Mark was an amazing man of God and was truly living his life for Christ.

For the disabled, there is always some element of assistance needed from those of us who have no disabilities – that is reality.  Mark’s need for assistance wasn’t a weakness, however, but one of his greatest strengths.  Let me explain this way; how many of us who are not disabled rely solely on God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all aspects of our life?  This visually impaired and widowed man who I came to know over the period of a year did just that and in all honesty, did so better than most people I know who haven’t experienced the losses that Mark had.  As best as I can figure it, I got more out of our relationship than Mark ever did.  Sure, I helped Mark with his weight loss goals and sure, I made sure that he didn’t hurt himself while on the treadmill and sure, I spent very precious time with him that I didn’t really have to give.  But all of that doesn’t measure up to the gift that Mark gave to me.  That gift, if you will pardon the unintended pun, was simply how to walk by blind faith alone.  I have witnessed it first hand through my experiences with Mark.  No longer is it something that someone simply tells me that I need or ought to do without explanation on how to do it, rather, it has been demonstrated to me and I now know that it is possible.  Since Mark came into my life, I have begun the process of identifying where I need assistance and walking solely in faith as he did.  Although I am not there yet, I believe I finally know how to get there.

“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Mark’s light was a gift to me from God and I thank God for giving me an opportunity to get to know Mark and his message.

 Jim Helzer