ML
“I’m not gonna make it to Africa.”
When I left for Africa this past fall M.L. Euthon dreamed of a chance to visit me and revisit this raw continent which enchanted him over 20 years prior. Wrestling lions was at the top of his to-do list and at 92 years of age, he was determined to make it happen (you try telling him he can’t do it). He constantly talked about a visit, he applied for (and received) his passport, and he attended physical therapy in order to build strength for a trip. He was turning a dream into reality. But on this day, during this video conversation, he took a loooooooonnnnng pause to collect his words.
“I’m not gonna make it to Africa.”
And I knew what he meant. The dream wasn’t over, the body was.
His dream is now on a heavenly destination while his body is anchored by an earthly reality. He is still earthbound, but it is becoming difficult to heal and to build strength. He has a favorite saying adapted from Hunter S. Thompson,
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’”
M.L. certainly lived this out.
His life is one which most of us cannot fully understand. His choices and actions are a product of a difficult upbringing, a bold way of thinking, and a different lifestyle. His chaotic past provides a litany of lessons learned (and relearned) and serves as a warning to our human brokenness. He owns every decision, there are no excuses. He is haunted by the impact his decisions have had on those he loves. For M.L. the list of professions covers the spectrum (church planter, truck driver, hair stylist, bar manager, etc.) which produced story after story after story. I always told him he should write a book. His late wife, Sylvia, journeyed with him for over 70 years and he anointed her the title of ‘Saint’ for extending him grace time and again.
There is not a more unlikely person on the planet who I could call my mentor. For the past four and a half years we met weekly in his home. I remember our first meeting where at one point he became so animated in conversation that he was jostling in his chair and spraying spittle all over the table. I thought, ‘what is this guy about? What could we possibly have in common? Is this real?’
Turns out he was real; and complex. He can be prickly. Is that the right word??? He is brash, confrontational, radical, charismatic, and passionate. He likes to say things just the right way in order to get a reaction out of you. Even if he doesn’t totally believe what he is saying, he will blatantly press into your thinking until you engage in the conflict. Confrontation is not exactly my style. We are distinct opposites.
So why did I keep meeting with him? Simply put, he challenged me. He challenged my thinking. He challenged me to memorize scripture. He challenged me to cross-check the Bible with everything I heard from him. He challenged me to love someone who I did not understand. I didn’t always agree with his theology or opinions, but he made me think. God brought us together from opposite sides of the personality spectrum and formed a spiritual bond and friendship. He was the mentor I needed. He liked to tell me, “you big turkey, you haven’t a clue what God has in store for you.” He was right. I could not see what God was doing in our relationship. Sometimes God places people in your life who you never imagine will have an impact. Without him challenging me, I’m not sure I’m on this journey today.
As I reflect on this unique paradox of a man I can’t help but think of his passion for the Church. If you can see past his “prickly” exterior I think you can see that zeal. The collective love and understanding offered in the Church is what is most attractive to M.L. He is known by the Church. He is known by his Savior. Unlike any other place, or thing, in which he searched to be known; he is known by us. Individually we fail to understand him but untied as one in Jesus we understand him.
I’ve tried to think of M.L.’s favorite verse and I can’t land on one. But I think he would hold most dearly to the message in John 3:13-21. After all the destructive things he’s done in his life God still uses him. A God who redeems all things. A God of unfailing love. That’s his favorite message.
Thank you, Roomie. I love you, you buzzard. You poured into me and genuinely cared about my spiritual health. You left an imprint on my life. You challenged my thinking about our big, big God. When I thought I had all the answers you stirred me to search for more of Him. You are always in my prayers. Well done, faithful servant.
