According to the dictionary, an epitaph is “an inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there.” For many people, the epitaph is merely a pair of dates, for Steve it’s ’06/01/1975 – 05/27/2008.’ The part I’d really like to focus on is not the dates, but the hyphen in between them.
When we die, all of our life is summed up in that little hyphen — what did we do on earth? Steve deserves so much more than a small hyphen, and his memory will indeed live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and in the legacy of Impact Christian Church.
As I listen to people talk and write about Steve, a few common themes come up that I’d like to share. I’ve only known Steve for a short period of time, but I definitely agree with these recurring themes:
- “Steve was real.” Steve was a man of integrity, whose authenticity extended to every aspect of his life. Whether in the ring or sitting at the dinner table, Steve was true to himself and true to his God.
- “Steve really cared.” In a church and world filled with so many fake people, everyone says that Steve genuinely cared about people and invested into their lives.
- Steve taught me to read my bible every day.” This is a powerful testimony to Steve’s life and ministry. This speaks to his love of God’s Word and passion to share it with others. Of all things to be remembered for, I continue to hear people say this, along with the next quote.
- “Steve taught me to have an actual relationship with God.” Again, this speaks to the power of Steve’s witness and ministry. How awesome is it for Steve to be remembered by these last two things! If his entire life had been lived for only one person to begin a fulfilling relationship with God, then it would have been worth it. Yet we know that he has helped countless others begin their walk of faith, and has enabled many others to begin their own ministries. What a powerful example of a true servant of the most high God!
- “Steve understood me.” This speaks to Steve’s willingness to listen, and not to judge people and form hasty conclusions about them. Steve was open to loving people from all walks of life, particularly those who most people discard or reject.
Steve is a wonderful servant of God. I use the term “is,” in present tense, because He is continuing to serve God in eternity. One day we will join Him. Steve IS a great man, and he pointed us to the greatest man: Jesus Christ. I thank Jesus for Steve, even if we could only enjoy him here on earth for a brief time. We have an eternity ahead of us.
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Thanks for your input and insight. I really enjoyed this blog post. On our way to his wake right now, i really appreciate the thoughts of everything that he accomplished while on this earth. I can honestly say that i didn’t know him for very long, but he was always open to help and encourage in whatever capacity. He was a great leader for our church body, and i have never felt so welcomed by a group of people that, with the direction of Steve and God, led so many people to be community focused.