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James N Gordon


The other day I got a letter... From Jim Gordon.

Made me think and reflect on my time spent with him.. And here's my conclusion:

Jim was a jerk. Don’t worry, I made sure I told him that every chance I could.  He was completely irresponsible at times.  He drove recklessly and had been known to take short-cuts that weren’t really short cuts at all.  I even once saw him write a letter to someone while he was driving.   He was selfish and not a great husband.  He hurt his beautiful wife too many times to count. 

He lacked fashion sense.  He had crazy hair and wore the ugliest green sweater vest.  He was egotistical.  He was so boastful in himself and would go on record that certain things were only funny when he did them.  He would make fun of you in a heartbeat, even at a wedding… even if you were the bride and it was during the ceremony.   He had the most obnoxious laugh.  He knew how to embarrass you in public and he would do it every chance he could.  He would probably tell you that he was the worst sinner of them all, just as humbling as Paul wrote to Timothy. 

Jim was a jerk and had so many flaws…but don't we all?

Jim Gordon had something most of us lack.  He had a certain charisma that you can’t quite put in words.  He had a spirit you couldn't generate or copy even if you tried.  He dedicated his live to love people where they were, but also to challenge them NOT to stay there.  He didn't buy into the whole status quo and he certainly wasn't the worlds standard of a guy.  

He gave his time to just sit with you and shoot the shit.  He made people feel special even if they were strangers.  He would give the shirt off his back, if you need it.  He could make you laugh even when you had nothing to even smile about. He planted small seeds of faith in so many people. He figured out the key to life and he lived it out beautifully.  He knew how to fart around and He knew how to love like Jesus.  

Even now years later... I want to be a little more like Jim... Farting around and loving like Jesus.



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