Her Name is Naomi

You have noticed - as I often do - how certain words, phrases, idioms and practices always bring a specific person to mind.

I invariably think of the late Dr. Melvin Snyder when I correctly pronounce the short word "err" as UR, and not AIR. As a careful communicator - speaking or writing - correct usage is a constant pursuit, so when he pronounced this short word "err" as UR in his preaching, I went to a dictionary at the first opportunity to "check him out". He was accurate.

Accordingly, my everyday life is constantly reminding me of this person or another one - most of them, unwittingly - who have been my teachers. Indeed, all of us are hoeplessly indebted to our teachers, and we faithfully mirror them. A lifetime pet peeve of mine is the so-called "self made" person.

My good friend, Naomi Hall, gave me some excellent advise many years ago that has unquestionably enriched my pastoral ministry. As usually happens, she was unaware of her comments being "pastoral advise", but gave me an excellent insight into the continuing needs of hurting hearts.

She observed to Deloris and me at the event of her mother's funeral, "I don't know why family and friends surround us with so much compassion and sympathy at the time, and then just forget ever after". The Holy Spirit used her wise comment to alter and expand my expressions of support and caring.

It is a matter of recognizing that grief and loss does not leave the affected person like the activating of a switch. Probably the greatest lesson to be relearned here is the simple application of the golden rule. What if it were you or me?

From that point of losing a loved one or good friend, the Lord has greatly enlarged my vision of not only hurting people, but those also who have had huge disappointments, adjustments or changes in their lives.

And so, we go through our lives each day in debt to our teachers, and, when possible, tell them how much we appreciate them and their lessons. Teachers are my heroes!