Remembering Danny Fashho
No matter where you are when you hear the news, it hurts. And the further from home you are when you hear it, the more it hurts.
Danny was a brother in Christ, a humble man, loving husband and devoted father. He worked hard to care for his family, and led a quiet life. I can never remember a time where I saw him without a smile on his face or peace in his spirit. For that matter, I can't remember ever seeing him without his wife in the same building. The two may be related.
Two days ago, my wife called me to let me know that Danny had suffered a massive heart attack, and that he passed on. I was stunned. It was just four weekends ago that we were at the annual church retreat, talking about one of his favorite subjects - his boys, themselves fine young men. With the excitement of a father for his children, he told me how his boys were headed down to South Carolina that weekend for some time with their cousins.
Even now, as I write this, I am on the verge of tears. Thinking about the simple beauty in the way Danny lived his life makes me sadder to think the world has lost a wonderful man. I think about his wife and his sons who, without warning, lost their husband, father, provider, protector, friend.
Cognitively, I can assent to the fact that Danny is in the presence of our Savior. For that, I rejoice. But my heart also hurts for those of us who are still waiting to join Danny in Heaven. The realities of life can be overwhelming. Such a sudden loss catches us by surprise. Unlike a loved one who convalesces before passing, we had no time to prepare for Danny's departure. That's why it's all the more important to follow the wisdom, "Live each day as if it were your last. One day, you'll be right." We need to focus on our relationships - with God, and with each other.
Ephesians 4:26 tells us, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." In relationships, don't let things linger. Clear things up. Know where you stand - both with God and with others. And don't drag old baggage from one day to the next.
Danny didn't. And now, he's enjoying the direct presence of God.
When the initial shock and grief subside, I pray that his family continues to remember him well. I pray that no root of bitterness will take hold, but rather the God of All Comfort would fill their lives in a clear and unmistakable way.
Will you join me?
Danny was a brother in Christ, a humble man, loving husband and devoted father. He worked hard to care for his family, and led a quiet life. I can never remember a time where I saw him without a smile on his face or peace in his spirit. For that matter, I can't remember ever seeing him without his wife in the same building. The two may be related.
Two days ago, my wife called me to let me know that Danny had suffered a massive heart attack, and that he passed on. I was stunned. It was just four weekends ago that we were at the annual church retreat, talking about one of his favorite subjects - his boys, themselves fine young men. With the excitement of a father for his children, he told me how his boys were headed down to South Carolina that weekend for some time with their cousins.
Even now, as I write this, I am on the verge of tears. Thinking about the simple beauty in the way Danny lived his life makes me sadder to think the world has lost a wonderful man. I think about his wife and his sons who, without warning, lost their husband, father, provider, protector, friend.
Cognitively, I can assent to the fact that Danny is in the presence of our Savior. For that, I rejoice. But my heart also hurts for those of us who are still waiting to join Danny in Heaven. The realities of life can be overwhelming. Such a sudden loss catches us by surprise. Unlike a loved one who convalesces before passing, we had no time to prepare for Danny's departure. That's why it's all the more important to follow the wisdom, "Live each day as if it were your last. One day, you'll be right." We need to focus on our relationships - with God, and with each other.
Ephesians 4:26 tells us, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." In relationships, don't let things linger. Clear things up. Know where you stand - both with God and with others. And don't drag old baggage from one day to the next.
Danny didn't. And now, he's enjoying the direct presence of God.
When the initial shock and grief subside, I pray that his family continues to remember him well. I pray that no root of bitterness will take hold, but rather the God of All Comfort would fill their lives in a clear and unmistakable way.
Will you join me?
