Story

WE had gotten to know Larry through two SSD's and the advanced SSD in 2004-2005. When our 24 year old daughter died in 2006 Larry reached out to me and offered himself in any capacity as I traversed the deep waters of grief. During the darkest days I called Larry with my confusion, anger and overall disappointment towards God. I could not understand why God had answered many smaller prayers related to my daughter's transplant journey (due to Cystic Fibrosis) but said a resounding "No" to the huge prayer that she would live after the surgery. As I poured out my heart and all my emotional mess to Larry he quietly said something that I have never forgotten and that literally changed my view of God and how I did ministry. Larry said, "Coleman, I don't think real spiritual maturity is possible until you encounter the God who appears to be insane." Those simple but profound words unlocked something for me that I am still exploring all these years later. Larry/Rachel and my wife and I became good friends and the world doesn't feel the same or as sane with him not in it…I love him, am grateful for his influence and miss knowing he is a phone call away. I look forward to seeing him again and having him introduce me to C.S. Lewis.