A good name is more
desirable than great
riches;
to be esteemed is better
to be esteemed is better
than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
As I write this post, a memorial service
for a beloved former pastor is taking place in Nashville Tennessee. It has been
more than ten years since I saw Pastor Brian Kinney, yet hearing the news of
his death, has touched me profoundly. I think this is so because of who he was,
his reputation, and how he related to me when I served on staff with him at
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Muncie, IN--he as Associate Pastor,
and myself as their Music Director.
Pastor Kinney was one of the most humble, kind,
consistent, and generous pastors I have known. He always had time for a warm
greeting at the beginning of the work day, always looked me in the eye when he
talked with me, always shared a generous laugh, tear, or prayer as the need
arose. I remember his exact words of advice on several occasions. His sage,
wise words were ones I guarded carefully and heeded with God’s help.
One of the blessings of current technology
is that you can be part of a community even though you are physically very far
away. It was with wondering eyes that I read post after post on Facebook that
expressed love and condolences to Pastor Kinney’s family this week. And I was so struck by the reputation of a
good name to which these tributes bore witness. Here are just a few brief
excerpts from the many, many that people have posted on the family member’s and
Brian’s Facebook walls:
He was a kind man and lovely man.He was such a treasure and will be missed by so many.Brian Kinney was one of the godliest men I have ever been able to know personally.Looking forward to running and leaping and dancing in heaven with this humble, tender-hearted friend.Praise God, for a life lived well!He was a tremendous encouragement to me.Sometimes you meet people and you instantly know that God's Grace is very strong in their life! Brian was one of those saints!He sat at my bedside for hours holding my hand praying with me. He gave me comfort and hope. I will never forget that.Brian, it was a pleasure and a joy to know you. You raised the finest of sons.He wanted to live his life well for Christ. That he did, and every part of his life, as husband/father/churchman/editor/theologian counts for eternity.Brian was the consummate Christian gentleman always willing to serve his Savior with joy and gladness.A humble servant of Jesus.
A good name. By
the grace of God, Rev. Brian Kinney had it in life and took it with him in
death. This is the greatest legacy anyone can leave. A reputation for godly,
joyful, truthful, faithful living that blesses far beyond the boundaries of one’s
own inner circle of family and friends, place or time.
A good name is better than fine perfume,
and
the day of death better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
~ ~ ~ ~
MUSIC and OTHER LINKS
In 1997 after I played a newly arranged
setting of BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR for an offertory in morning worship, Pastor Kinney
turned to me from the pulpit and said with tears in his eyes, “Will you play
that for my funeral someday?” So touched, I nodded back with several tears of
my own. Pastor Kinney, I want you to
know that I played that piece for you last Sunday, July 10 in a recital at 3
p.m., here in North Carolina, thinking of you and praying for you as I played
it. That evening I heard that you had been taken to Alive Hospice, and early on
Monday I was stunned to read that you passed away.
This afternoon on the day of
your memorial service, I am keeping my promise. For your dear wife, son, daughter,
and daughter-in-law, other family, and friends, I offer this song again in a
medium they can listen to if they like. You may or may not hear this piece or read this little post, but that
doesn’t matter, because you are seeing and singing the true Beautiful Savior in
His house forever. I’ll join you someday and play that piece for you in a
glorified version.
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