Pastor Marshall Truehill went to Heaven on Christmas afternoon. He pastored First United Baptist Church on Jefferson Davis Parkway in downton New Orleans and was a community activist on behalf of the poorest of our society. Saturday morning’s Times-Picayune carries a long obituary and tribute to him. I understand it was a heart attack.
Marshall was one of the most unforgettable characters you would ever meet. (You’ve heard me point out that this city has more than its share of those.) He was not content to sit in his pastor’s study and mourn over the conditions in this city, but got out and did things. Last election, he ran for City Council. He headed up several community organizations dedicated to solving the homeless and housing problems. He was a graduate of Xavier and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (with a doctor of ministry) and just a few days ago, received a doctorate from the University of New Orleans.
Arrangements for his funeral have not been announced. Those wishing to contact Marshall’s wife Miranda may send notes to the church at 131 So. Jefferson Davis Parkway, New Orleans 70119.
Marilyn Woodward was no pastor but leaves a vacuum just as surely. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kenner when I was pastor there. For a number of years she worked in the welcome center at the entrance to Kenner just off Interstate 10 (at the Loyola exit). I cannot tell you the number of times she called me with information on new people to our city or old friends of mine she had met in her job. She had a heart for people and a gift for hospitality. I grieved when the city closed the center due to budget constraints a few years back.
Marilyn’s funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Muhleisen Funeral Home on Williams Boulevard in Kenner.
Monday of this week, I drove to north Alabama to spend a couple of days with my Mom. Three miles this side of the house lies the cemetery where my wonderful Dad is buried. I always run by there. Lately, every time I visit the grave, I’ve found myself thinking the same thoughts….
“I hate death. I hate it with a passion. It hurts families and separates friends. I cannot think of a single good thing to say about it.” (It helps to recall that Jesus hated death, too. He broke up every funeral procession He came to by raising the dead!)
“I miss my Dad so much. And my younger brother Charlie whose body lies thirty feet northwest of Pop’s. On that subject, I could fill a book with the names of precious friends from many years whose earthly lives were cut short by death. I hate death.”
“Lord, if you don’t mind my saying so….your Word had better be true. Because if it’s not, I’m going to be so angry at you!”
“But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (I Corinthians 15:20)
We go forward in faith. Faith that His promises are good and His word is to be trusted. Faith that the life placed in Christ is secure for all eternity. Faith that those who know the Lord never see each other for the last time.
“I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
Thanks Dr. Joe for your many inspiring messages. What a great God who loved us so much that Jesus paid the price and conquered death and though we hate death, we know the victory has been won. Thanks be to God.
Thanks for being here for us when you preached Bobby’s funeral.
‘Follow your blog daily… amazing how much you continue to serve the Lord! Love, Bob and Lou
I just commented to someone this week,
The pain of death’s seperation is perhaps the most deep and severe of all emotional pain, but the wonder of Heaven and our reunions there is surely the sweetest of all hopes.
My dear grandmother passed away in October 2005 at the ripe old age of 97. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss her. I hate death as well. My mom, one of her four children, ran the roads between Jackson and Clarksdale, MS for years to take her mom to the doctor, get groceries for her, give her a perm for her hair. I know at times that my mom was at the point of exhaustion from those trips, but I know she also wished that she could have her mom back on this side of heaven.
Thanks for your words, Joe.
Your comment about hating death recalled a MASH episone where Hawkeye is furious at death. He calls it “the enemy” and says “I hate it,” etc. One of those great serious episodes that MASH produced among its hilarious comedies.
Well Joe, once more you not only hit the nail on the head, but you drove it flush to the wall! I too hate death.
With the exception of my brother, and my Dad’s brother, who is in his 90’s, all the family has marched out of this life into another…eternal. Yes, we know we will be reunited one day, but in the meantime, sometimes during the Christmas and Thanksgiving Seasons, the hatred of death is the strongest!
Yes, God’s Word better be true, otherwise, there is no hope. WOW!!! Am I ever glad that one of the Sunday’s in Advent is labeled “HOPE”!
Guess ole Moses hoped God would use someone else….after all he was in his 80’s; guess ole Abraham hoped God would lead, but in his 90’s belief was hard to come by…guess this means we always need to pray for those who come behind us, otherwise, how will they ever know hope!
Happy New Year!
“Debby”