In Memory of Shadow

Today I attended the memorial service for a friend I knew as Shadow. He was killed in tragic accident while simply waiting on a bus. There is no a human reason that I should have ever known Shadow. My world had no reason to intersect with his. I knew him because of the Karing Kitchen. I knew him because he gave me the opportunity to serve him.

His body had been twisted by two strokes. He did not walk very well. He kept his balance with the help of of a walker. Sometimes even the walker was not enough to keep him up right. Yet I saw him in many different places in town. These places might be miles apart. I never knew where I might see Shadow. He did not allow his disabilities to stop him. Because of this unstoppable spirit I came to respect him.

If Shadow needed something he would ask. Often time I could help; take a cap off a Mountain Dew, get him another roll, or give him a ride home. Other times I might not be able to help; out of bread or not able to take him home. Shadow would always respond with thankfulness and gratitude whether it was a yes or a no. Same response every time. I came to care for him because he showed care for me.

I was driving home late the night he was killed. The next morning I was checking my email and a friend let me know about Shadow. I watched the news report and just began to weep. The loss really hurt. It was then that I realized that Shadow had been serving me. May I be quicker to serve others in the name of the LORD who saves us all.

Song of the Day

You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Newsboys

Dedicated to Shadow

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, I honor You