"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also - Matthew 6:19."
After 15 years , most of our appliances need to be replaced, . . .,the cabinets are falling apart, . . . , the cover on the light in the shower fell and broke - with that strange Peoria earthquake we had about a year ago - and we haven't replaced it, . . ., we can't get the exhaust pipe off Josh's car because of the rust, . . . , there are cracks in the plaster due to settling, . . ., and we are constantly testing the home security system so that it notifies us should someone try to break in and steal our "stuff'/earthly treasure. The thick and thirsty towels we bought years ago have long lost their thirst; and the plush supple leather sofa we bought (because it was going to last forever . . . well that 15 year old leather sofa is still with us BUT, though leather gets better with age, it doesn't necessarily look better) just looks like an old-worn-out sofa.
It is true, all of Benny's earthly "stuff" (earthly treasure) is rusting, wearing out, breaking down, and just looking ugly. Even his earthly body is
wearing out, breaking down, and shutting down. But those treasures that he has stored in heaven are kept safe and secure by the Master Keeper. The heavenly treasure are those selfless works of service, compassionate acts of love, steadfast loyalty to friends and family, and uncompromising commitment to God.
Benny's voice is very low now, he can't keep his eyes open and struggles to swallow. . . his body is shutting down. He remains conscious and recognizes faces. The nurse says his hearing will be the last to leave so we spend a lot of time talking to him. He especially likes to hear the comments from this blog.
We appreciate your continuous love, prayers, and support during these times and are very much encouraged by your comments. We've even learned some things about Benny from several of the comments. If you want to tell Benny how he has affected your life (treasure stored in heaven), use this blog to do so. We'll read it to him. To paraphrase a poet . . .
"Give Benny his flowers
(kind words,
reflections on what he has meant to you,
favorite moments shared. . .)
while he still lives so that he can see (hear) the beauty that they bring. . .
just one tulip right now
than a truck load of roses when he is dead."
Benjamin and Benny ..................Georgia and Benny
Forward this blog as you feel appropriate.
Brenda
Brenda and Benny,
ReplyDeleteI don't know you well Benny I think that we have met just once, but I have studied, served, and been taught by your wife many times. I think that of all the blessings that God has given you, and there are so many, she is one of the most treasured. The love in her voice when she speaks about you is so evident that we cannot in that same moment help but love you also.
I am sure that it is by no coincidence that the last to go is the hearing. I want you to just listen Benny to the wind as it blows on you, and through you. Listen to the breeze. In hebrew the same word for wind, Ruach, is the same word for Spirit.
Listen my friend with all that you have for the sound of the Spirit as it speaks to you.
You are in my prayers daily. May the peace of God rest mightily with you.
Jason Schifo
Hi Benny & Brenda
ReplyDeleteWe love you guys. We keep you in our prayers daily. Benny the flowers you sent us are growing & looking good. I go out & check them & water them. As I go out looking at them, I think of you & pray for you. I think about our years at Autaugaville High School, our Sr. year(you at Billingsley & me at Hicks Memorial) & our years at Alabama State. We've shared many phases of our lives & I thank God for each phase that we shared. The time that our famlies spent together are treasured ones. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Love!
Kenneth & Betty
Hi Benny,
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that you taught me lots of things, but one that comes to mind first is that men don't have to be mad to clean. I remember the summer that Sue was pregnant with Angie, I came up to just lend a hand. You would vacuum, dust, and just tidy up, which I had not seen before. I always thought you were upset until my sister told me different. :0) Wow! That was a real revelation for me! I don't have to do everything! That one little jewel has served me well in 27 years of marriage. lol You are a fantastic brother and I love you very much!
In the name of God the most merciful.
ReplyDeleteIncline Your ear, O Lord, to our prayers in which we humbly pray that You show Your mercy to the soul of Your servant, brother Benny, whom you have commanded to soon leave this world. Place him in the region of peace and light and bid him to share the company of Your angels.
Benny I have always admired you as a calm honorable individual. I thank god to have been blessed with your friendship.
Jerry & Sarah C.
Benny, Thank you for serving. Always serving.
ReplyDeleteDave Brooks
Benny and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYour eyes always shine for Jesus and we appreciate your generous, caring hearts.
Thank you for serving the Lord and for storing up your treasure in Heaven.
We are blessed to be in your path here in this place.
Dave & Sandie Murphy
Benny & Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI've long believed true the statement that you can tell a man's character by looking at his wife. What I can tell is that you have loved well, protected and nurtured in every way, your wife and family. Benny, tell our savior "hello" for us. I'm praying that as you pass from this life, to the one we were created for, that your first moments of seeing Jesus will nurture those you are leaving behind for the entire time you will be apart. Your life has been a testimony. Thank you for modeling a servant leader. I'm sure the first words you will hear are, "Well done my son, you are a faithful servant!"
We are praying....
Lisa & Tom Kaiser
Uncle Benny you are a real inspiration to me and our family. I want to thank you for everything you've shown and exposed me to. Just general conversations with you when I was growing up, helped me to be who I am and where I am. I thank you for bringing Josh and I together for the game we both love to play. I had so many unforgettable moments with you, aunt Brenda and Josh on my visits there and traveling to Shreveport, Memphis, Chicago. Going to church, Josh and I trying to play baseball!!!!. I can play back everyday, every minute like it was just yesterday. Your light has shined on me as a young boy and now a young man. I thank you for being a friend, I thank you for being a guidance for a young boy finding his way in life. I thank you for being a role model for a young man steping into the world full of opportunities,I thank you for being Uncle BENNY. Thank you. Love Reggie!
ReplyDeletePsalms 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom or what shall I be afraid?
Reggie
from Jim and Sharon Rassi (Christian Center and fellow Caterpillar employee)
ReplyDeleteBrother Benny and Sister Brenda...
I've always appreciated your spirit of serving on the Christian Center General committee, Benny, and respected your comments during our quarterly meetings toward the goal of the Center's desire to reach more souls for Jesus.
I received your blog from Nate Mooninghame; and was blessed to meet your family and see the great support team that you've been blessed with as you stand tall amidst the storm of this life only! We never know the extent of the measure of the grace offered to us from Jesus, until we get into the heat of the battle; and the gem of your life is
evidence to all of the living relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our prayers are with you for the duration...
James B Rassi and Sharon - Philippians 4:19
It just breaks my heart to see Benny suffer like this.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of him I remember his sweet disposition, his respect for others and his gentlemanly demeanor. I am sure none of this has changed throughout his sickness and he will carry these same attributes to heaven. Because surely heaven is where he will spend eternity.
My prayers go out to Brenda and Benny and may God continue to walk with the both of them through it all.
Love, Pris (Priscilla Simpson)
Brenda and Benny,
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers DAILY. We are praying God's continued strength and peace. Brenda,it hit me this morning that in my first message, I gave you and Benny, your sister Monica's daughter- Ashley. Of course, I meant to say, Angela. What can I say? I'm almost 52...I guess I had a senior moment ( you think?)Brenda, I am going to S'port this wkend, I will give your parents a big hug.
Love,
Phyllis
I remember when Jack B. was battleing. Barb told me that the stories were the best medicine. I always respected Benny even when he wouldn't bend the way I felt was best (for me). Integrity is not something you get overnight but build over a lifetime. I never heard anyone ever say anything negative about Benny that would impugn that reputation. It is evident too that his personal life is the foundation upon which the public life is built. The love and affection (not the same thing) for you he displayed and continues to display in his writings is truely heartwarming and will help a leave a legacy that generations will have to treasure. A great thing about the digital age is that nothing on the Internet ever dies and now those who come after w.o never had the opportunity to know Benny will be able to know him and you both. Benny leaves a legacy at Caterpillar too. All those who worked on the projects with Benny know why those projects worked. Steady not flashy but always leading by example.
ReplyDeleteDarrell
Hi Benny and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your thoughts, my heart just melted. I admire your strength for we know that God is the perfect provider of all things.
Benny, I was noticing that you had on "what's that school's name" shirt in the colors of black and gold. That's okay - you are entitled to making one mistake. It looks like I am going to have to purchase you a real shirt (Alabama A & M).
Seriously, you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that I can do, please, please do not hestitate to call or email me.
Agape,
Bev "BJ" Thomas
P.S. Keep the beautiful smile.....
Benny and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteWhen I met Benny some 13 years ago, I appreciated your quiet strength along with your undeniable love for God and your family. I continue to pray for you all and thank you your continued faith and for the light you've allowed to shine even at what some see as your darkest hour. May the love of God keep you and the peace of God bring you both comfort.
Africa Booth