Larry Bird was one of the most Godly and genuine men I ever met. His demeanor and character showed us his true inner self every time he looked at you and smiled. Who could ever doubt that he was truly a man of God!
I was blessed to have met Larry in 1982 when I became a BSF Discussion Leader in the Central BSF class in Houston. Larry was the BSF Area Advisor and previously one of the original men that started the first men's BSF class in Houston with Peter Kemery. From the day we met and found out that we both grew up in the Panhandle of Texas, we became brothers. Larry being from Lubbock. I grew up in Pampa. Larry went to Texas Tech where my father and younger brother went and both of us came from strong Christian families. It seemed as though we had an instant connection outside of BSF.
Over the next 42 years, when Larry was in Houston or I was in Dallas, we would try to talk and catch up with each other. We shared many wonderful memories at lunch, dinner, or Texas Tech games.
I attended a close friend's funeral in Dallas in April 2021. Larry and I met for breakfast at a cafe that he liked that was near his home. We reminisced for about 2 hours and felt that it was a small taste of what heaven would be like, talking about fun memories and friends that we both knew through our BSF association. His health was still good and his smile as bright as ever. What a great visit that we both had that day. What a blessing he was to me and to the thousands of men and women he impacted for our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am certain that the minute he entered heaven, Jesus Himself was the first one to welcome his with the words we all hope to hear in heaven some day:
"WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, Larry. Enter and begin enjoying the eternal life you have earned. Heaven is probably STILL celebrating his arrival. I look forward to seeing him again....and forever!
JP Bowers Houston, Texas jpbremax@comcast.net 713-822-7766