Seeing Christ in My Dad

The photo above was taken at our house on Rua Jonathas Pedrosa in Manaus during my first year of life. I love this picture. Dad is letting me stand on my own two feet, but he's close enough to catch me if I fall (and with a head that big, a kid is bound to be topheavy!). That summarizes his parenting and our relationship for the past 49 years.

Years ago I found a poem that J. Sidlow Baxter, a favorite of my dad's, had included in one of his books. Beatrice Cleland wrote the poem for her pastor, but it immediately reminded me of my precious father whose character always reflected the life of His Savior. May others be able to apply this poem to me as well as I can to my father, Wallace York.

Not only by the words you say
Not only in your deeds confessed
But in the most unconscious way
Is Christ expressed.

Was it a beatific smile,
Or holy light upon your brow?
Oh no, I felt His presence when
You laughed just now.

For me, 'twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear, to me so dim,
But when you came to me you brought
A sense of Him.

And from your eyes, He beckons me
And from your lips, His love is shed,
Till I lose sight of you
And see the Christ instead.

My Father Is with My Father

Sunday evening, May 10, 2009, my father, Wallace York, went to be with his Savior who redeemed him and fitted him for eternity through His atoning work on Calvary and His resurrection from the grave. In my deep grief, I have an unspeakable, indescribable joy. He let the peace of Christ rule his heart, so that peace did not leave him in his death. I will share more later, but my son, Michael, has jotted down some initial thoughts that aptly capture my dad's heart and life. As you read it here, please pray for my mother, my sisters, and all my family as we grieve and rejoice together.

Visitation will be held at the Morgan Funeral Home in Princeton, KY, Tuesday May 12, 4-8PM CDT. The funeral will be at 1PM Wednesday at the Southside Baptist Church in Princeton, KY. At his request memorials may be given to Baptist Faith Missions, P.O. Box 471280 Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280.