For those who don’t know, this is my friend Mark Parker who passed away a while back. I didn’t know him very well, we never met, but we bumped into each other a few times on social media and about the internet.
He showed up at a time in my life when I was reeling from some pretty profound attacks, on the ground in real life, and on the internet, too. I haven’t blogged about those experiences, they’re too fresh in my mind and not entirely of this world. Suffice it to say they were brutal, but God showed up and staged the most amazing rescue, something that has me so bedazzled to this day that words just elude me.
When it was all over, I needed time to heal and I needed to know that there were still good people in the world. I needed truth and justice, Batman, a superhero, to teach me how to believe in people again. I didn’t get Batman, but with that perfect timing, with synchronicity all lined up and signs everywhere, I stumbled upon some good, authentic people on the ground…..and bumped into Mark Parker on the internet. I don’t believe in coincidences, everything fell into place like a well written plan.
What did Mark Parker do? I don’t know, he was just himself. He believed in roaming the internet and pouring kindness out on people. He spoke of how much suffering there was in the world and how starved people were for some kindness, some understanding, some humanity. He touched a lot of people and he made a difference in our lives.
So, for those of you who blog encouragement and kindness and humor and fun, and the love of Christ, know that your words really do matter, that some people will ridicule and mock you, that your words will either be challenged or appear to be completely ignored, but things are not always as they appear. Your words could mean the whole world to somebody you don’t even know is listening.
Mark Parker spoke something into existence in the short time I knew him, something delicate and clear, something like love, as authentic and pure as Living Water.
Wally Fry said:
What a wonderful tribute IB.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thanks, Wally. He really was an inspiration…and than he was gone.
I think of Hebrews 13:2 sometimes, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
There were 3 strangers who arrived in my life all at the same time and I entertained them so to speak, and once again scripture is proven to be tried and true. 😉
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Paul said:
Beautiful tribute IB.
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K. Q. Duane said:
Yes. As the country loses its faith, kindness has nearly become a lost art. I am always so pleased to find a kind person and I try and cherish every minute with them. My dear friend Terry is one of those sweet souls imbued with her strong faith in God and His blessings. My blood pressure actually goes down in her company. I envy her serenity and relish her peace of mind. They are like angels in our midst and when they die a part of us goes with them. My condolences on Mark’s death.
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Georgia B. said:
i love the message of kindness matters and how we just never know when we are blessing someone who’s suffering. i wrote something about the kindness of strangers {of one stranger in particular} not too long after my daughter died. it’s the second part of this post {after the heading “she was so kind”}…
https://justhowiseethings.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/three-on-monday-that-were-intended-for-sunday/
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insanitybytes22 said:
Those were quite wonderful, thank you, I read them all. The photos were beautiful, too 😉
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Tricia said:
Really lovely post IB in tribute of your friend. Sad he is gone too, the world really needs more people like him.
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Nadine said:
Wonderful tribute
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The Isaiah 53:5 Project said:
This is a great tribute IB.
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messupdressup03 said:
Another beautiful write! You already know I love your blog ❤
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Mildly Concerned said:
This is a lovely and touching tribute, IB.
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