Goodbye for now...

This morning's first phone call was our Senior Pastor calling to let me know that a dear friend had passed away. Bro. Leon Halbert had been in poor health for a long time and the Christian side of me is relieved, even happy, that he has triumphantly gone on to his eternal reward. However, the human side of me is sad that my friend has gone away.

I have been sad a long time for Leon. His condition had kept him from being himself and I must admit I was none to faithful at going to visit him in that condition. But he and I were very close and had many, many long conversations and visits and it was just very hard to see such a previously strong, all-together type man like Leon in that state.

When I came to Faith church 8 1/2 years ago, there were two men in particular that became fast friends; Dub Carpenter and Leon Halbert. I don't what it was, exactly, that caused us to hit it off, but we did. We lost Dub a few years ago. That was hard on Leon. But now to lose Leon too, it's just sad.

Leon and I were visitation partners for a couple of years. We made a good team, he said. "You do the talking, I'll do the prayin'" He was always personable, I think he loved everybody and was never uncomfortable in any home we entered.

We always had planned to find a "project" to work on. Once, Leon bought a series of boxes containing a bunch of motorcycle parts. From that mess he assembled an antique Harley. He later sold that bike and I believe I'm correct when I say that it is now in the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. He loved cars, bikes, tractors, he just loved machinery and was good with his hands. I'm sorry we never got that "project" started.

I said Leon was good with his hands. Leon was good with his heart too. What a gentle, giving saint. I love you brother. I look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy heaven my friend!