Losing a loved one is hard, and with losing a loved one comes grief. But Parker always wanted his passing to be a time of celebration rather than grief. He would describe his life as a tiny dot on a mile long rope and wanted nothing more to impact as many people as he could while he was that tiny dot. He focused on people and relationships but most of all he focused on his relationship with God and was always hungry for more. Parker’s dad would always remind him that his purpose on earth was to love others and spread truth, and that any day could be hist last…and we can say without a doubt that the people around Parker could see him living that out.
Parker was generous, loving, helpful, and considerate. He was a follower of God but a leader of people. He knew when to lead but more importantly when to listen/follow. He would liven others with their appreciation and attention, and he would help people to see positive qualities in themselves. He would see people as who they were and try to understand them with compassion, he would be the first to lend a hand and would help and encourage people with infinite patience. He will be missed.
After marrying his wife and living in North Carolina for a couple years, they were called to drop everything and leave home. They ended up living in Albania for the rest of their lives and accomplished so much while they were there. They set up their ministry called Open Door Ministries and they impacted hundreds of people spreading the love and truth of God by accepting and listening to anybody and everybody who walked through their doors. Their ministry is now all over the world impacting thousands.
When Parker would come home, people could see a obvious change in his character. He was still the genuine man we all knew him to be, but his walk in obedience and and his confidence in God was incredible to witness. He knew his strength, as little as it may have been and instead of giving up, he relied on his creator. He was always hungry for more and because of this, he was able to reach people who were considered unreachable.
Parker actually looked forward to this moment… dancing and singing in heaven. He never really feared death, he always talked about how he was ready to go whenever he was called too. And now as we can all see, he was called home. But let’s not mourn, let’s rejoice in the fact that we can all see him again because of Gods good grace. Hallal Yaweh.
OK so now for the explanation of this blog… Obviously I AM NOT DEAD. I am alive and well! The men of World Race Gap Year were instructed to write our own Eulogy. This “assignment” is meant to help us think about what we would want said about us when we die. At first I questioned this whole thing… but as I started writing, it really made me think about who I am now, and who I want to be. This is now my life goal. I understand if I don’t get called to Albania and start that ministry, but my goal is to rely on God more and practice radical obedience. I highly recommend to those of you who are reading this to try something like it. You don’t have to post it, but keep it as a reminder or a goal. Write down what you would want said about you when you die. Life is short y’all… But I would rather live 30 years in radical obedience to God, then live 200 years in submission to the false authority of sin, temptations, and earthly terms. Thanks for reading!
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That was supposed to be three flame emojis but instead they came us as question marks…?
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Yeah PAAARKEEEER!!! LOVE YOU MAN
so powerful. so good!
What a legacy! I can’t wait to meet your wife. Seriously though – great goal to live for – a life surrendered to Jesus. See you in October!
Challenged me bro. I’m 54, but I’ve got a lot of living left to do. I pray to finish strong and continue dieing to self to be alive in Christ
Wow Parker, such great words….. what a blessing for the Lord to speak this over you! I very much look forward to seeing how God continues to shine through you!
Parker!! This is so good! Such a good idea too! How amazing would it be if you were able to look back on this down the road and know that what you wrote here became your reality!