Dad Gave Me His Torch
It has been exactly 72 days since my 72 year old dad took his last earthly breath. My last conversation with him was a little over 20 hours prior to his passing. For that moment it was just him and me in the emergency room. Dad made it very clear that he was completely ready for nothing but comfort care. He made it clear that he just didn’t have anymore fight left in him.
His chest got tight and the tears began to roll. He had already asked me three days prior if I would preach his funeral. That conversation was tough enough. But, the last one was the toughest. My dad was finally waving his white flag and that broke his heart. He had never faced a battle all his life that he didn’t defeat. However, he finally knew this battled belonged fully to the Lord.
Suddenly, God put on my heart the words I felt he needed to hear. I said, “Dad it’s okay! We’re all going to be okay. And, I want you to know that you can officially pass me your ministry torch. I promise to do everything I can to minister on your behalf both to family members and friends.” Dad lifted up his hand and just nodded his head up and down. He knew he could trust my words of promise.
Lately, I’ve had a whole lot of increased ministry demands and opportunity. But, it feels like God has actually increased my inner strength. A dear friend just recently told me words I couldn’t help but ponder. He said, “I see your dad pouring through you. I believe he actually passed that torch on to you. A part of him is definitely with you.”
All I can say is my dad’s passing has changed me. I’m compelled not to waste a day. I’m released to just keep being the best version of me led by Jesus Christ. I’m ministering to many who never knew my dad. I’m also ministering to many who were first reached by my dad. All I know is I still feel my dad’s presence and strength near me. I hope I can finish my life’s journey as faithful as my dad finished his earthly journey.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Pastor Craig Crosby 
Great loss can knock us over. Letting God’s strength pull us up and through to the other side of the pain is a gift of mercy from Him.
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