Douglas Young

The eyes may say more than any audible expression ever could. Yesterday, as I spent my last day with 16th & Pile as their preacher, I looked into a lot of eyes. Some were tearful, others joyful, but the eyes said it all.

I am glad that we aren’t moving far away because there are people here who mean a lot to us. It is hard to forge solid relationships in such a short period of time, but we’ve been able to do that here.

I hate that they seem so defeated, though. I hate that they feel so marginalized.

We all struggled with the words, but the eyes… they didn’t struggle at all. Thank you. Love you.

Note: I met Jason in 1998. We went to Southwest together for a year. He and his wife Cody have two sons. He preaches in LaGrange, TX.

Doug

Jay,

Its hard to place a specific value on friends, but one can more or less develop an idea by way of how friends endure things together. For example, Daniel’s friendship with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego seemed carry with it a particular kind of substance given what they endured together. Their friendship, similar convictions, and devotion to YHWH forged within them something truly special. At least that’s how I see them.

I use the example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because I easily see you, Clay, Patrick and myself interchangeably in them. We, by no means, have endured the kinds of trials that they did. That’s not my point at all. Nor am I willing to put my faith in comparison to any of theirs. I’m not saying we can be compared with them. But I think they were friends and were willing to endure things together and what we’ve experienced since 1998,much of it, has been done together.

You, my friend, have been an amazing friend. Your experiences have afforded you with a unique perspective on life. You know that things get messy, and yet you’re willing to get a little dirty if you have to. I don’t know where I would be today without your encouragement. You are a great encourager, a modern day Barnabas.

Jay, I don’t believe you have a disingenuous bone in your body. You put everything into what you do. You’re fiery when you need to be, compassionate when it calls for it, but considerate at all times. I appreciate you immensely for all of these.

I hope your entire life is blessed. Family. Work. Friends. You name it. May God grant you the wisdom to persevere amidst difficulty, the patience to endure it and the strength to help others along the way. You’ve helped me more than you’ll ever know. One day, if you’re lucky, I’ll sit down and tell you all those ways.

I love you my friend. Tell Cody I love her too. When she responds with, “Yeah right,” just do like you always do.

Doug