We miss our dad...

For those of you who knew him you’ll find it hard to believe that our dad, Jerry A. Jenkins, died ten years ago today. I miss him. We all do. Yes, there are times I wish I could just call and ask his advice, but those times are not real often, for I know what he’d say on most matters. I suppose I miss some things that might surprise you:

I miss his influence on others: Dad was the kind of man that when you were around him he just made you want to be better. His famous “do right” rule was more than that, he really expected people to do right. It was just easier for people to be a Christian if they were around him.

I miss his kind spirit on handling controversy: I miss his kindness about everything, but most of all when ti comes to controversy. I can’t tell you the number of times I would wish he would speak out more forcefully, only to see his gentle kindness win out and correct without ever forcing his way.

I miss the pureness of his example: Dad didn’t trumpet himself, he just followed the truths he taught. Whether as a preacher, an elder, a soul winner, or a friend he tried to live like Jesus. In each of those roles he always provided the right example. 

I miss his consistency: Dad was predictable with a purpose. He went to the same cashier at the bank, because he was trying to develop a relationship to lead that person to Christ. He did TV and radio every week for decades without missing a show, because it “forced” him to study. He jogged 365 days a year, because if he started taking days off he knew he’d miss more. In spite of the same slings and arrows that ministers face in local work, he stayed at the same place for nearly five decades, because he knew that moving to a new place wouldn’t change people.

I am thankful to God for my family, for my mom and dad and the example they prodded me. And, I’m thankful for so many of you who loved him and encourage him throughout life. If TJI blesses lives, the biggest human reason is dad. He’d say - don’t quit.