Written by: Eli Wilson, Director of Sports Programming at myLIFEspeaks
Listen to the audio/podcast version of this story, here.
To most, Mr. George is just another random name. But to Neply, Mr. George was a sweet old man who lived his LIFE to glorify Christ every single day. Mr. George had a warm spirit and made you feel like you could tell him anything without judgment. He made everyone in the commUNITY feel loved and valued. In April of 2020, in the midst of one of the hardest years, I had the opportunity to get to know this caring, gentle old man. I walked up to the familiar house that I’d seen and passed by many times but I never knew he lived there.
I walked in and saw him lying on his bed. Mr. George was immobile due to illness. I moved back the curtain and was met with a great big smile. He was so excited to see me, although I was a stranger. My heart ached because this was the first time I was meeting him when his health was declining. But to Mr. George, it was as if we had been friends forever.
Mr. George had the ability to make everyone feel loved without saying a word. I went over to his bed, bent down, and started talking to him about his illness. He slowly leaned over in my direction and told me he had pancreatic cancer and didn’t have very much time left. His joy radiated from his body. He was so happy to meet a complete stranger. But most importantly, Mr. George was joyful because he knew he was going to meet Jesus face-to-face, soon.
Mr. George never learned how to read but he ALWAYS had his Bible with him with markings in it. When I asked him how he was able to read the Bible he said, “I have people come read it to me every night before I go to sleep and I put it under my pillow that way God’s Words are close to me at all times.” Not being able to read didn’t stop him from seeking out the Lord through His Word. Mr. George passed away in October 2020. It was a sad time for our commUNITY, but we were filled with joy knowing he was in heaven smiling and dancing with Our Savior. I tell you this story not to be sad, but so that we may try to live our lives the same way Mr. George did; to glorify our Heavenly Father in all we do.
