March 17, 2007

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

This morning at about 8:30 a legend died. Roger Bennett, acclaimed pianist of the Cathedrals and Legacy Five, lost a long battle with leukemia.

I'm sad. I'm sad for his wife Debbie and children Jordan and Chelsea who are missing a husband and father. I'm sad for his fellow group members who are without a close friend and confidant. I'm sad for his multitudes of fans who will never again hear a hero of the faith and superb musician minister in song. I'm sad for everyone who will miss Roger Bennett.

But I am not sad for Roger Bennett!

Indeed, I'm happy for him. Roger was hurting. Roger was, I dare say, so very, very tired. And at this moment he's pain free and not the least bit tired. I write this with confidence. Roger Bennett is not in a morgue or funeral home; he's in the presence of the God he spent the last 28 years singing about across the country--even around the world. Roger's frail and pain-racked body was left behind, and he is right now--at this very moment--experiencing the freedom and joy of true healing.

We'll miss you, Roger, but our tears will also be joyful ones for your sake. See you on the other side!