J. B. KIRKLAND MEMORIAL SERVICE
You are here today because J.B. Kirkland was your friend and it’s the unmooring of a friendship that has meant so much to you; a friendship that lasted more than sixty years for some of us; therefore, it is to be expected that we bid him God speed with tears .
We are saddened that he has left us and is not coming back. Yet, as soon as he disappeared from our view, we are confident that those who went before him came into view standing on golden shores welcoming him into their presence.
When David anticipated the time when he would leave this world. He said,
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul.…show more content… the person whom you knew and loved.
It’s very likely that you are holding to the memory of an act of kindness that was so meaningful to you. At the time it happened it may have seemed like a small thing to others, but it was so important to you. Well, that was just J.B. He knew that the simple deeds of kindness were often the most meaningful. Only God knows how many people J.B. blessed in this way.
So, perhaps his message to us is: “Don’t forget the simple acts of kindness that you can do for…show more content… Nonetheless, it was not his nature to condemn another person by pointing a finger of accusation.
Well, isn’t that the way the Lord reacted when Peter made a grievous mistake? Jesus sent word to His disciples and Peter requesting that they meet Him in Galilee. Why did the Lord say “and Peter.” Peter was a disciple and he would have been included if Jesus had only said “My disciples,” Anyway, Jesus dealt kindly with Peter, then with gentle words the Lord talked to him and brought him back.
J.B. believed that many-a-mistakes could be made right by choosing well the words we that use.
And here is another thing: folks enjoyed J.B’s company. In the first place no one ever doubted his familiar words: “You are always welcome.”I could not tell you how many times I have heard him say, “Now, you come back; you are always welcome.” He wanted everybody to know that they were welcome.
Secondly, there was something about being in J.B.’s presence that caused a person to go away feeling better for having been there.
1. J.B. Loved God and the church. He was a Christian.
2. He loved his family unreservedly and they felt
