Lonnie Wilkey
By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
This article was supposed to be about one of my spiritual heroes — Jack Lewis.
I suppose it still is, but not the way it originally was intended.
Jack came to Tulip Grove Baptist Church as minister of education in a part-time role in 1995 and joined the staff full time a year later. He “retired” a couple of years ago and became part-time senior adult pastor.
He has served our church faithfully and effectively and has been a friend and mentor to me and countless others over the years.
Jack was scheduled to “retire” again this month and a reception was planned for him and his wife, Sandra, this past Sunday (July 26).
God, however, had other plans. He called Sandra Lewis home to be with Him the week before on July 19.
Sandra battled many health issues over her 68 years of life. She literally “died” on at least three occasions over the past two decades but God brought her back each time.
She had a disease which affected her breathing. There were times when it was a struggle for her to just breathe.
Yet, God gave her many good days as well. When she could she ministered with her husband, whom she loved deeply. Sandra could not be at every church service or function, but even when she was very ill or even in the hospital, she encouraged Jack to be at church and serve in the role that God called him to.
I have fond memories of Sandra. In all the years I knew her I never heard her or Jack complain about her health. Both always were upbeat and positive.
After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and surrounding areas a decade ago, Sandra was able to join a missions team from our church to Pass Christian, Miss. Though the extreme heat kept her from serving on the building site, she was able to minister at the church where our team stayed.
During her funeral service last week friends and family members shared testimonies of Sandra’s courage and faithfulness to the Lord she loved with all of her heart.
This issue has an article on page one and several columns which deal with assisted suicide or as some like to refer to it, “death with dignity.”
True death with dignity does not need any help.
Death with dignity will follow a life that was lived with dignity and it will occur in God’s timing.
Sandra and Jack Lewis exemplify two lives that have been lived with dignity and grace. They both put God first in their lives and God has honored that.
God allowed Sandra to die a death with dignity and He did it on His terms and in His timing. May we all be that blessed.
