Posted by Michael La Framboise on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Under: Meditations
As usual on this day each year, I write to commemorate the legacy of my grandfather, Jerry Osborne. Lately, I have been researching and writing a biography on his life as the founding pastor of Community Bible Church in Norwalk, California. As I have been pouring over the details of his life, I came across a letter written to him posthumously, delivered to him as a eulogy of sorts at his funeral. I have partially reprinted the letter for preservation here from a photocopy. I believe the original manuscript to have been placed with him in his grave, where it remains to this very day beneath the Fullerton hills in Loma Vista Memorial Park. I refrain from identifying its author, simply out of deferential respect. In due time, this person may of their own choosing identify themselves on the comment board; but I leave that to them. Nevertheless, the letter is an eloquent testimony to my Grandpa, and I hope that those of his family, and even those who knew him only as pastor, would be challenged and convicted by the bold power of this letter, sensing the deep-seated emotion, admiration, and love with which it was penned.
11/18/1997 Grandpa Osborne:
Here lies a great man of God, a great husband, a great father, a great grandfather, a great preacher and pastor, a great shepherd, a man of devotion.
He was saved as a junior in high school. He became part of the fellowship of the unashamed. He stepped over the line. The decision was made. He was a disciple of Christ. He didn’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still... He now lived by faith, leaned on His presence, walked by patience, lifted by prayer, and labored with power...
He didn’t give up, shut up, let up, until he stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. He was a disciple of Jesus. He preached to let all know, and worked till He stopped him. And when it was his time to go, Jesus had no problem recognizing Jerry Osborne, because his banner was clear.
That’s what made him who he was, a great man of passion, a great man of God. And that’s what he wants all his grandchildren and followers to become.
To the best of my ability, with all my strength, love, power, and might, I promise you, Grandpa, to follow in your footsteps and example. Thank you for answering the call and being faithful.
