May we all be delivered...

This week in the midst of the gun violence dominating our news the upper keys lost a familiar face. I don’t normally write things such as this in my blog but I thought it was needed to provide this face a voice as he had long lost his.

Archie “Boyd” Bagwell Jr passed away on Thursday at Plantation Key Nursing Center having battled for some time with terminal cancer. Boyd wasn’t much to most who saw him, but to those who took the time to get to know him he was a kindhearted individual who did not seek to be a drain or an inconvenience on anyone. 

Boyd’s brother Bruce was exceedingly grateful to those who went out of their way to care for Boyd in his final days. He was amazed at the level of care his brother received not just in medical attention but in love and expressions of friendship from our church and from those associated with us. 

We don’t know where Boyd’s spirit has gone which makes his passing while expected, tragic. I do believe however that regardless of where he is now, his desire would be for the rest of us to embrace the forgiveness offered by God through Christ.

As far has his earthly shell, Boyd’s remains will be cremated with the plan to put them in the ocean. 

We will plan a Celebration of Life service for Boyd this fall once our winter visitors have returned with the hope that some of Boyd’s family from North Carolina will be able to join us then as well.

In closing I am reminded of Matthew Henry’s prayer for the grace needed to die well a prayer that each of us should pray daily!

“I must pray for grace to deliver me from death and to carry me well through my dying moments:

Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know and consider how fleeting I am, that my days are as a few handbreadths and all mankind stands as a mere breath! My days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.

Lord, so teach me to number my days, that I may get a heart of wisdom, and make me to discern my latter end!

Lord, make me always ready, dressed for action with my lamp burning, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour I do not expect.

Keep me all the days of my service, waiting till my renewal comes; and then shall you call, and I will answer.

Bring me to my grave like a sheaf gathered up in its season; satisfy me with life, whether it be long or short, and show me your salvation.

And when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, be with me, that I may fear no evil; let your rod and your staff comfort me.

Let goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life, and let me dwell in the house of the LORD forever. May steadfast love and faithfulness be with me.

Ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, and receive me; guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me into glory. “

Psalm 39:4-5, 1 Chronicles 29:15, Psalm 90:12, Deuteronomy 32:29, Luke 12:35, Luke 12:40, Job 14:14-15, Job 5:26, Psalm 91:16, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 23:62, Samuel 15:20, Psalm 49:15, Psalm 73:24