On the Deacon's Hands

This week, Deacon James Butler passed away unexpectedly. Deacon Butler was such an inspirational and amazing person. What I remember most about him is that he was so wise and open-minded. I received my calling to ministry during a prayer time in the Bible Study he led. He was married to the beautiful and faithful Mrs. Sylvia Butler who we lost earlier this year. I thank God so much for them and their ministry and family. As my brother Diamond and my wife Ashley said, "they are examples of who you want to be".  Below is a sonnet I wrote dedicated to Deacon Butler's life and legacy.




The Deacon's Hands


When the deacon's hands first met yours you knew.
It felt like someone had bear-hugged your hand.
You tried to squeeze back but weren't able to
you just had enough strength to smile and stand.

His hands were good at pondering, walking
across his whiskers thinking heavy thoughts.
They were gifted at anointing, talking
to you about God with oily dots.

But his hands were better gripping the Word
as he searched the scriptures. Best at holding
Mrs. Butler's as they strolled. His hands served.
His life was there for our be-holding.

Thank you for forming us as God did, with his hands.
It's our turn now to hold you. We'll never let go.


-j.a.g.





Lord, thank you for the life and ministry of Deacon and Mrs. Butler. Thank you for their selflessness to minister to us and teach us about you. Thank you for their faithfulness and example. God, we rejoice that they are now with you, safely in your bosom, away from all sorrows, and in your care. We know Deacon Butler is now getting answers to all of his great questions. Please keep the Butler family and all those they touched in Your hands as we grieve. Please comfort us in this loss. Thank You for sharing them with us.  We wait with hope for the day we will worship together again.  In Christ's name, Amen. 

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Acts 6:1-71 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.



Psalm 119:73Your hands made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.