The last few splendid flowers on this Potentilla are making a brave late show despite the howling gales of autumn. Beautifully velvety, the rich red makes up for small size with its punchy colour. It’s called “Monarch’s Velvet” and I grew it from seed about 4 years ago.
Some plants fade badly, straggling and drooping. This one has a final “surge” before resting. It makes a good ending- a season of rest, a “little death”, before Spring comes again.
Today marked a “good ending” of a friend and mentor; Dr Raymond Brown, principal of Spurgeon’s College for two years in my training. A church history scholar of encyclopaedic depth, an able master of biblical languages, author of excellent books and commentaries, and a bold preacher of the Christian Gospel. A remarkable man, and the owner of a deeply compassionate heart.
Ray was still studying and writing into his 90s and leaves a wonderful legacy. He made a good ending.
A life of faith and faithfulness: I cannot imagine how many people he taught and influenced in his lifetime, both academically and through his very listenable preaching. Christ shone through him, and I count myself blessed to have known him and been cared for by him.
Some people make a profound impact on us. Ray’s colourful & joyful life helped form my ministry, and I look forward to resuming conversations in due course. For resurrection in Christ awaits those who follow Jesus in this lifetime. This “little Death” is an interruption, not an ending.
Dr Raymond Brown, to be continued… His sure faith was not misplaced: and there’s a party waiting.
Thank you, Ray. Rest in peace and rise in glory.
The Reflectionary 