Remembering Jerry

Scarcely a week goes by when we are not reminded that we live in a troubled, broken, and violent world. This week the evidence has been particularly personal and profound. On Monday morning Jerry Kaiser was the victim of a catastrophic collision on Lyne’s parkway.

Brenda and Jerry were returning from a trip to Savannah when they were hit by a car being driven the wrong way up I-516. The impact shredded the passenger’s side of both vehicles from the headlights to the rear axle. Skid marks, stains from engine fluids, and gouges in the concrete are evidence of the severity of the event. Most bitter of all, our friend and brother suffered injuries that abruptly ended his life.

Remarkably, Brenda’s wounds were much less severe—at least physically. Still what she, Jerry’s other family members, and all those who knew and loved Jerry carry is a deep and powerful sense of loss as we grieve this tragedy. Our hearts ache and our minds long for answers. Trials like this take us to our limits.

If there is anything we should have learned from Jerry, it was how to face adversity. He had anticipated quite a different life in retirement than he got. Still he never resigned to his disability; rather he continued to push himself to accomplish all that he could and to make the most of every opportunity to witness to his faith.

I don’t know how many miles Jerry covered in his power chair; but I do know that this neighborhood is one of the most prayed over areas in the county. Jerry knew that many in this world do not love God or follow God’s ways; still he devoted his energies to praying, not only for those who live in the vicinity, but for all who have not yet made the decision to follow Christ. He befriended strangers. He invited people to join him in worship. He encouraged people who were struggling with their own issues. In the face of great trials, Jerry demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and an unrelenting commitment to love and serve others.

I pray his endurance will inspire us to ask God for the strength to press on through this trial—and through the many trials that will continue to confront us—as we seek to live faithful lives in this troubled, broken, and violent—but ultimately, redeemed world.