Mr. Robinson
You won't see it in Paul Robinson's obituary; he wasn't big on bragging. But Mr. Paul, as he was known by many, was a hero, a gentle soul who served his country, his God and his family. He's the kind of person who gives strength to a community, and his passing takes a little of that strength away.
The Robinsons live around the corner from us. For almost 30 years, they have opened their home on Monday night to lead Bible study lessons for children. The kids come from their church, Parkway Baptist, but also from the surrounding neighborhoods. It didn't matter to Miss Evelyn and Mr. Paul what church your parents went to; as long as you were three years old, you were welcome. Every child got a warm hug coming and going. Every child, every time.
The kids would gather in the small front living room and sing songs at the upright piano, listen to Bible stories, work on crafts and get an ample helping of love and kindness. Whenever one of the kids had a birthday that week, their name would go up on the mirror in big red letters. They were that week's celebrity. Mothers took turns bringing snacks.
Mr. Paul was the quiet one of the couple. He'd gently nudge the children along, sing with them, pray with them, share with them his love of Jesus in a way that kids understood.
I only knew Mr. Paul in his latter years, when life's many tolls had stooped his tall frame and left him frail. I think of the sacrifices he made as a young Marine in the Pacific during World War II, the 39 years he worked for Southern Railway. But I think of him most as the kind neighbor with the easy smile, open arms and a love of God so strong he devoted almost 30 years welcoming children into his home to share that love with them.
That tradition is going to go on; Miss Eveylyn proclaimed it so last night during the visitation. She's going to take a few weeks off, and then she'll be back.
As our 6-year-old daughter stood looking at Mr. Paul at rest, Ms. Evelyn bent over and said, "He's in a much better place now, dear. He's with Jesus." And our daughter agreed.
God bless you, please Mr. Robinson.
Heaven holds a place for those who pray.