Chris and his God

Posted bymalcolmsmusingscomPosted inUncategorized
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My brother Chris died peacefully this morning. I’m sure lots of other stuff will be written and said…

As a teenager I was always known as ‘Chris’s brother’. Everyone knew Chris – he was extrovert and influential… at times it felt like I was living in his shadow. Sometimes I resented it; sometimes I was proud just to be ‘Chris’s brother’.

He left home, went to live in France, married Geneviève and so lived at a distance… but his life and Christian faith have always had a significant influence on me.

Yesterday I chatted with Thom, an energetic young man in his 20s with talent and potential. Thom described his current work… what he’s enjoying and learning… the exciting plans for he has for his future…  

We talked about God and faith… although he doesn’t disbelieve in God he’s never had a specific or personal faith.

Chris’s God was always very specific and personal. Chris’s God inspired him as a young man. It gave him a youthful energy, enthusiasm and ambition that never left him…

Yesterday I also went to see John. John’s in his 50s; he’s experienced and achieved a lot in his life but he’s sick… We talked about his frustrations, about meaning and purpose in his life…

We enjoyed an entertaining conversation about the Greek gods. He introduced me to Hephaestus, the blacksmith God and the strange story of Erichthonius…

Chris’s God was far from the gods of distant, weird implausible ancient myths. Chris’s God was personally real to him in his marriage, family and work throughout his life. In recent years Chris’s God continued to give him meaning and purpose in, not despite, his cancer…

Yesterday was a busy day; I had other meetings; I finally returned to my home at 8.00.

Chris went to his home at 2.00 this morning.

…And this morning Chris’s God is my God…

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20 thoughts on “Chris and his God”

  1. Very sorry to hear about your brother. Thanks for keeping going with your musings. Best wishes Julie

    Sent from my iPhone

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  3. Sorry for your loss Malcolm and what a lovely tribute to your brother and his faith. Thinking of you and your family.

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  5. What a beautiful tribute to Chris, praying for you all at this sad time and in the days ahead.

    Blessings
    Lynn

    “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

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  7. Thank you for sharing this, Malcolm. And condolences from us too. Chris and I spoke just a few weeks ago at Christmas about me translating his last book. It was his suggestion and so I had already made a start. Will truly miss him.

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  9. So sorry to read the news of your brother Chris. Seems that even though you both lived in different countries, you were very close. Prayers for everyone in both families.

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  11. What a brilliant tribute to your brother Chris, to his Lord and yours. Very moving and convincing. Thank you.

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  13. Sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. Although you are all sure of where he has gone, you are all left behind to miss him in this world. Prayers for you all as you grieve.

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