I count my dear brother in Christ, Leon Pippin, as one of my Cloud of Witnesses. Just as Paul in the book of Hebrews noted those who followed our Lord in such a manner as to inspire others’ faith, so I add Leon’s name to mine. He has influenced me in my walk with the Lord.
I have known Leon for almost nine years, since our retirement and move to Florida. He and his sweet wife Emily have become dear friends, and I can hardly say his name without, like a favorite poet of mine, eecummings, who runs words together for emphasis, say just Leon’s name or just hers, it’s always Leonandemily, one phrase, one moniker, one thought.
When I think of Leon, I recognize his keen wit, his utter devotion to the Lord, his kindness, his gentle demeanor, his humility, his intensity, his attention to details his direct assessment of any situation, and yes, his vulnerability. His reliance is totally on the Lord he serves and his responses to life’s situations are always framed in reliance upon God’s will, not his own. He has taught me well, though I am not always a willing student, and certainly have not mastered the principles he has taught me in words, in prayer, and in example.
But it is as a fellow writer, one who has encouraged me, that I find Leon to be insightful, skillful, a wordsmith beyond compare, a genius as expressing giant thoughts in few words, and those distilled and so very appropriate. His scripture monologues bring the Bible alive. Who can forget Zeke and the live lamb, or the stunning portrayal of the Lord’s Supper behind a giant scrim? His wonderful book, Naked with Clothes On, is a masterful memoir, a story of humble beginnings which fostered a life of service and love for others. If ever there is an example of one whose beginnings could have led to a life of subjugation and wandering without hope, it is Leon. But that would be Leon without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the truly personal relationship he enjoys with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
That is his transformation. That is the biggest influence, the very foundation, for the Leon we love and admire. Of course, his other achievements are stellar. His degrees, his long and beautiful marriage to sweet Emily, his fathering of four delightful children, his raising them well, his determination to support his dear family whatever the circumstances, his awesome sense of humor, his excitement at the birth of an idea which forces him to write about it, to share it, to craft it into whatever form it just must take, his insight, his years directing plays and productions, the students who to this day hail him as their favorite teacher, and his hundreds of friends who love him and hug him, and, like me, admire him and know the passion with which he loves others in the Lord.Tthat is our Leon.
Whether writing haiku, an art form at which he excels, or crafting devotionals, or noticing the very fabric of life and turning it to a Godincidence, Leon has the ability to cut through life’s nonsense, and make it a God Thing! He never fails to leave my home without offering prayer for us and our walk with the Lord. He uses the Lord’s Name in every conversation, and in these days, so longs to join Him in the heavenly realms. He has grown in stature and faith in these days of cancer. My usual statement to him is, “God isn’t finished with you yet, dear Leon.” You shine as one of my Cloud of Witnesses in the appreciation you show to your friends, your family, and most importantly, to our Lord, and I thank Him for putting you in my life.
Be well, dear friend in Christ, dear brother, and beaming Light of Christ through every imaginable cloud.
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