Many people have spoken of his talents, and abilities. Buildings that have risen in Edmonton and elsewhere bear his handiwork. His passion for his craft is evident throughout the city. Yet, Brad's ability to reach to the heavens was not solely based in bricks and mortar, iron and steel but more importantly in the lives he touched with the heart of Christ.
Brad, was a man who like all of us had his flaws, made mistakes, and suffered with the sin that so easily besets us all. Yet all the while, he was real, not artificial in any way that mattered. He lived life, open handed, cards face up. When it was time to be honest, I could count on Brad to level with me, reflecting both the truth, and tough love that was so often needed, while the entire time recognizing his support was all I hoped it to be. This was a unique combination of gifts.
I am fully aware that every man, suffers with their own challenges and each of us have difficulties and individual challenges that we must overcome, but with Brad my experience was nothing but clear, and true.
It was a number of years ago now when the bottom fell out of my faith and life. Circumstances conspired to strike a blow against the very heart of me. Hope was extinguished, life seemed meaningless, and faith was resting on the end of a branch that was being sawed through, and I held the saw. It was clear to myself and to many around me that this could be a blow that could be irrecoverable. It would not be an exaggeration to say that my future, was in the balance... in a word...bleak.
In the midst of the storm, a voicemail, came through to my iphone. "Dave, Joey's Restaurant, tonight... Cya there!" It was Brad. Like many times before, I knew the time, I knew the place, and I knew who was calling.
Did he come with advice? Not really.
Did he come with wisdom? Not that remember.
Then what did he bring that night? Himself and Tomorrow
Brad gave me a gift that night that few were extending... themselves. He shared some wings and a pop, some talk and some moments of silence, but more than that, he shared...Himself.
Somehow He knew the one thing I needed was Brad. Without saying a word to the issue he reminded me that "He had been and always would be my friend." Recognizing the circumstances, not making light of my heartache, nor undermining the significance of the moment, Brad was in a word... Brad.
How often, we stand on the sidelines, silent, watching as the life of a friend sinks slowly beneath the waves.
How often we can't or won't meet with a person in crisis because we can't think of what to say, or what advice we would give.
How often in silence we stand as sentinels, ever watching but at the same time never moving, Brad too had little advice to give. He gave none, asked for none, but rather simply was...
His presence, that night, spoke more than any words could have possibly had conveyed. Brad listened, smiled, and looked to tomorrow. "One day David we will sit down and reflect on all that has happened and recognize God's hand in everything."
"You really think so, Brad?" My aching heart asked.
"Yes Dave I'm sure." And he was ...
One day we will sit down and reflect on the lives touched by God's grace, on the situations touched by God's love, and the changes in the population of heaven because of a night at Joey's. Thank you my friend, for stepping down into the pit where I was and while I watched, reaching heaven. A truly magnificent sky-rise.
As Julie and I work for our Lord in this country of Vanuatu, I am saddened that I will no longer be able to show you our new home country, or the amazing things that God is doing here, but rest assured. Your influence is echoing in locations that you have never placed your feet. the South Pacific and specifically, the Island Nation of Vanuatu, will hear your story.
Without me saying a word.
With all my love, Dave
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