A giant

11/12/09

I did a funeral today of a man I had never met.  He had lived all of his life in the Sandy Row part of Belfast.  There was a big crowd of people from all parts of the country and beyond.  They came from both of the main Irish tribes as well.  some even came who looked like they had not been ina tribal buuilding for a long time.

The reason - Jimmy had beaten alcohol 45 years ago and had spent those 45 yeasr selflessly helping others through AA.  Many of them  turned up to say farewell and what a motley crew they were, and what a courageous and hopeful crowd they were.  The stories they told were great.  Many were clerly still fightin, but all were thankful for Jimmy.

This the spirit of Jesus - ministry that flows from compassion and clothes itself in humility.  What a hero!

It also turns out he is a well-loved painter!  Get your head round that as well.  I have had a great day.