“Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.” The whispered phrase, repeated like a Gregorian chant as John leaned back against the bathroom wall submitting to my husband’s lifting of one foot, then the other. The immediate goal, get him into a clean pair of pajamas and prevent him from collapsing on the floor. We would have done anything to keep him alive.
John Fawcett served as the worship leader of our church. His abundant gifting in music, prayer, and the ministry of healing brought people from all over the world into the presence of Jesus. The story of so many visiting our church is often the same. “I just cried the entire time, and I don’t know why.” One reason is the foundation of worship that John laid until his death on May 27, 2008.
His voice, his compositions, his back of the leg kick-ups while standing at the keyboard are more than memories, they hover and inhabit our imaginations and worship experience almost ten years later. Despite speaking multiple languages, blessing countless people with his connoisseur cooking extravaganzas, impromptu worship “benders” and overall zeal to live life passionately in the Spirit, his heart of gratitude still lingers and informs my life today.
How is it that a person covered in cancerous tumors can thank you for reading an Oswald Chambers devotional by his bedside, let alone engage in a challenging theological conversation around the changing fortunes of Job? Why did he crave Dilly Bars in his final days causing willing friends to make any time of day runs to Dairy Queen only to receive a gracious “God bless you” once the Dilly Bar was securely in hand? With less than a week to live, where did he find the strength to climb split level stairs to ask his wife if she needed any more help in the kitchen.
John was the first person I’ve seen die of cancer following a courageous four-year battle and decline. The adjective “courageous” is always used in sentences describing the departed after a long illness, but what made his fight courageous? Standing up to cancer with a beautiful, young wife and two young children is in and of itself a courageous act. No one knows if the treatments will work or if the many vigils of healing prayer will produce the desired result. The very act of continuing to seek the Lord when all seems lost is an act of valor. John chose worship and prayer as his exit. He led worship events in his home when he could barely muster the strength to walk, and then he thanked us all for coming.
Every life is endowed with the capacity to impact and reflect the life of the Creator “infinitely more than we could ask or imagine” (Eph, 3:20), and as we believe and live in that reality the Creator’s beauty extends. John’s profound expression of faith literally brought people to their knees, and he thrived in the reality of God’s power changing people’s lives throughout his short 46 years.
The more we open ourselves up in faith to what God wants to do in and through us, collaborating in the tending of his vineyard, the more our lives will transform and our gratitude increase. Some describe this as living the sacramental life, one in which we are keenly aware of the sacred, kingdom intersections of life on a moment by moment basis. John lived such a life, and the impact of his life was evident even to our 10-year-old son. At John’s funeral, he said, “There are some people who God wants to have back a little sooner because he misses them.”
Cancer isn’t selective. Even the most unlikely, fitness minded, microwave trashing, kale eating health nuts can get it. Sometimes I feel like donning sackcloth and ashes in the face of hearing another friend, relative, or neighbor just received the dreaded diagnosis. Instead of mourning prematurely, we can help. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to serve a dying person, take it. None of us know in advance how we are going to leave this world, and wouldn’t we all love to leave it gracefully, overflowing with gratitude? Giving ourselves in love and service to those taking their final breaths may provide some treasured life lessons in how we want to die and the legacy we want to leave behind.
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 4:15.
Margaret, I love that line: John chose worship and prayer as his exit! Wow…
Amen, sister!
I love the same line as Bev above: “John chose worship and prayer as his exit.” I never met him but what a beautiful example of a life well lived and a graceful exit.
This is beautiful, Margaret. I have, in recent months, found comfort in our confidence that we have communion with all the saints, and therefore, with John. I will always be grateful for his worship and friendship over many years.
Yes, I agree! I often sense John’s presence with us in worship at Rez, even today. Thanks for reading. God bless you!
So beautiful, Margaret.
Thanks. I read yours as well and loved it. Our Bible Study ladies asked if I would email the link to them so they could read it. I hope this is okay with you:) God bless!
The impact of Christ on my mom’s life, and her reflection of Him was evident toward the end of her earthly life, which ended a few months ago. Not once was she scared of dying. She had complete assurance that she would be with Jesus soon; her bravery was (and still is) a marvel to me. Her reflection was evident to many; including the ones who spoke at her service. She taught me to give all glory to God. Thank you for encouraging us here to do the same.
Oh Rhonda, I am so sorry you’ve lost your mom! It is a forever hole. May Jesus fill it up with his abundant life. Gratitude that your mom persevered in faith to the end and is now with HIM! Wow! God bless. xo!
This is a beautifully written tribute, Margaret, and as John’s mother, I can say you captured him oh so well. From a young child he exhibited a joy in and comprehension of God’s transcendance and life-giving embrace. October 21 is his birthday, so this comes to me as a wonderful present to him and us for this occasion! Much Love…..
Mary! I’m so thankful this came to you as a birthday gift celebrating John’s life. Praise God for his perfect timing! I carry John forever in my heart and mind, month by month – Sunday to Sunday until we meet again. Love to you and Bill and thank you for raising such a man whose impact is eternal. Carpe eternitatum!
I came to know the Fawcetts when I met Jesus, 36 yrs ago. Ever since we have shared our lives, happiness & sadness, as one big family in Christ. And I had the privilege to meet John in different occasions. But his suffering and the response of his family to it gave me a large vision of who God is. in His sovereignity, He accomplishes His purposes through His beloved children, bringing many lost souls to Jesus. Blessed is John’s family for the acceptance of God’s plans and gratitude for what God has done in their lives.
Amen! I agree with this comment, every word of it:) Bless you dear sister!
Beautiful, Margaret. I’m drawn to savor, ponder and pray, “Some describe this as living the sacramental life, one in which we are keenly aware of the sacred, kingdom intersections of life on a moment by moment basis.”
Me too! I saw a rainbow of light reflecting through the beads of water resting on my cell phone screen this morning! God’s goodness to me today. A sacred reflection of him, even in technology! Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing Margaret! I love “None of us know in advance how we are going to leave this world, and wouldn’t we all love to leave it gracefully, overflowing with gratitude?” Let me one of the thankful ones!
Amen Sharla! Thanks for reading. Love to you!
I ‘d not known Jonh but I know Bill and Mary Fawcett. I love them so much and I have them as true Christians! They are examples for me. I liked so much your tribute, Margaret. God bless you too much!!
Thanks so much Valeria!