Tribute to a life well lived

I am mourning the loss of a dear friend--


For any of you who are believers in Jesus Christ as am I, you probably know of this gifted and dedicated man, Joey Holder.

Here is a link to the worship song that has literally influenced and encouraged millions in their worship of a living and gracious God...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLPYRhOQcCU

I met Joey and his beautiful wife Kathy 10 years ago when we first traveled to the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama.

Considering a move to that area, the Holder's dining room was the first home that we visited in what would come to be our hometown. They were gracious and welcoming as we fellowshipped and enjoyed one another's company late into the evening. (Musicians tend to be night-owls and dear Kathy never complained!)

Joey was effortlessly disarming...hilarious while he demonstrated a unique mix of deadpan expression and sincerity of heart. He was also a quintessential Bama boy whose deep south accent almost required translation when I first spoke to him during a long distance phone call to set up our trip south.

We entered into their lives at a critical time--Joey's health, balance and functionality were beginning to disintegrate, and we spent some time understanding the challenges and needs of this precious couple.

The outcome was a decade long battle with Parkinson's--Joey's body gradually succumbing to the ravages of lost motor control, yet with his grace-filled smile intact along with an indomitable spirit.

We lived only blocks apart and I would often see Joey out walking as he worked to keep his balance and motor coordination honed through exercise.

He always had something funny and thought provoking to share when I stopped to talk with him.

Kathy Holder became for me an embodiment of the perfect Christian woman-- rising to the challenge of ultimate need in her husband as she stepped into the role of breadwinner, head of household, caregiver.

We would occasionally bump into each other downtown where she worked, and I was always blessed to see her surrounded at a lunch table with other women. I was truly grateful that she clearly had supportive relationships surrounding her in what had to be grindingly difficult circumstances.

Often, when I became despondent over my long journey through loss and lack in my marriage to my Asperger's husband, I would think of and pray for Kathy. My first thought always this--thank you God for Kathy's faithfulness, for her life choice of honor and dignity for herself and her family.

Day by day, this unassuming lady who had never sought stage or spotlight became an incredible heroine to me--her luminous attitude of service spoke to my weariness and fear.

I attended the service of memories and celebration for Joey today, my heart broken and exulting in the same moment.

As hundreds worshipped, laughed and wept, we sang his songs and gave thanks for the evidence of a life well lived. Joey raised so many to a higher place of joy in friendship, musicianship, passionate pursuit of a God-inspired life and particularly the presence of God through his worship gifting.

Those of us who were there to express our good-byes became the grateful recipients of one more encounter with the Lord's presence, as Joey gathered us and led us from his heavenly platform.

I am honored to have known two individuals who have so embodied grace and service to the Body of Christ and to the Lord.

Joey we rejoice in your victory--Kathy we are praying for you and your family.