Christian Living

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Andy

We first met Andy one Sunday morning a few years ago. It did not take long to notice that there was something different about him. He was loud and rather obnoxious. Yet, even those who tried to avoid him were soon drawn in. It was very interesting to watch as people seemed to busy themselves with a schedule full of nothing, rather than acknowledge that there was someone like him in the hallway of our church. Get a life folks, this was First Church, we had been around a long time. We were e-s-t-a-b-l-i-s-h-e-d and moving along just fine. The present pastor earned a sufficient salary, lived in a six bedroom parsonage and had a new car every two years - thank you very much! Our choir had more members than the total attendance of most churches in town on a Sunday morning for the entire service. So this Andy guy was a disruption to the flow of our river.

Who brought him anyway? Don’t they know who we are? Maybe he just wandered in by himself, or was he lost? Mercy sakes, keep him away from the pastor, he probably smells like he has been on the streets! Things were running smoothly until that Sunday morning when we met Andy. REAL SMOOTH! But that was four and a half years ago. Things are different now.

We soon learned that Andy was born with what most folks call a handicap. He was, well ... retarded! I heard the secretary of the church board say, “What’s that retard doin’ in here?!” But that was four and a half years ago. Things are different now.

Besides the obvious abnormalities, we soon learned that Andy had a heart of gold. Two things begin to weave their way into our lives as time went by. One was his smile. It didn’t matter if the world was frowning at him, Andy knew how to smile. He would confront the most lemon-faced, grumpy old man in the church and zap him with a smile. Children loved Andy, he was one of them in a way, but the smile was what kept them nearby. The other thing was what he said. You see, due to his physical condition, words were not easy for Andy to express, especially with a clarity that we could understand. But one phrase kept flowing from his mouth loud and clear when all others attempts at communication failed, “Praise the Lord.” Over and over again it was, “Praise the Lord!” We couldn’t tell if he was happy or sad because that phrase just kept on flowing. Right there in the middle of a profound, theological treatise on the divinity of God, Andy would spew it out, “Praise the Lord!” We usually didn’t make a sound when the pastor spoke for fear that the eloquence of his speech would be ruined. But that was four and a half years ago. Things are different now.

Andy lived with some other folks who had similar conditions. He seemed to be the stable one in the group and helped his fellow house mates when they became frustrated with doing even the simple things. He went to work everyday receiving less than minimum wage to accompany his room and board. The clothes on his back were tattered and faded, as were the wardrobes of those he lived with. But that was four and a half years ago. Things are different now.

I received the call from Pastor Dwight a week and a half ago. I remember it well. He told me that early in the morning Andy’s heart had failed him and he was now being placed in a new residence with his Lord and Savior. My eyes filled with tears as I thought about the impact Andy had on all of us, especially me.

But let me finish the story ... since things are different now. His funeral was a sight to behold. All his friends showed up, and what would have been a cold reception four and a half years ago became a moment of rejoicing as church members embraced each one of them. Even though they continue to live in their home our church has adopted every one of them and now celebrate birthdays, holidays, and any other day that gives us a reason to party. The church? Oh, it doesn’t matter how many “Praise the Lords” are said during the sermon. In fact, it is getting to be a contest of who is blessed the most. You see, the way we used to be has all changed from four and a half years ago. Things are different now.

Do we miss Andy? Yes, definitely. But with more “Praise the Lords” being heard, and many more smiles on faces, Andy will not be forgotten. The next time things get serious in your church, give ‘em an Andy!

Glen E. Spaugh

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