For Eli…
What makes a man… What speaks loudest about who a man, and sets his life apart from others? It’s the way that he lives that life and the lives of others that he touches along the way. In short, his LEGACY.
Eli was a light in this world that can often seem dim. “A breath of fresh air” as some have called him, called “best friend” by probably every friend he ever had, a brother, and a son. He was a loving, genuine, caring young man that impacted all of our lives and countless others in many ways. There is not time enough in the world for me to tell you how much he meant to me, or how much my girls loved him. To try and fit it in here would do an injustice. I have, however, heard so many stories about him lately that show his caring nature; some that show his “uniqueness”; and others that show his love of life, family and people. But here’s the beautiful thing: although we all knew different facets of Eli, we all knew the SAME Eli, and you love him just as I do.
I met Eli and John when they were about 16. My wife and I would pick them up for worship practice on Thursday nights. These were some interesting drives. This was when they exposed me to “Christian metal”. The music would come on and both of them would close their eyes, play air guitar, drum the seats.. all the while, the singer would be screaming incomprehensible words and when I looked at them more than a little confused, they would say with a big smile “isn’t it beautiful?” and tell me all about the lyrics. I’m still a fan, and now I get the confused looks. It has been a pleasure to watch them both grow, and to have developed a close personal relationship since then. My daughter Lily would always ask John “where’s Eli?” and would ask Eli “where’s John?”. She was always so concerned for them. Once, Nichole asked Lily “who is your favorite, me or John?” Her reply was an emphatic “ELI!” You know she loves you all though!
I also had the extreme pleasure to have worked alongside Eli in a few of the ministries in our church, Journey groups and the worship team. I have heard it said that in ministry, the people that you work with will do more for you than you will for them. In this case, I can tell you that is the truth. Eli had a knack for bringing the best out of people, and he was a great encouragement to me personally. He had a way of keeping me focused. Sometimes we would be playing in a worship service and when I turned to give him a cue, I would see him behind the drums with his eyes closed, both drumsticks in one hand, and both hands raised in worship… He always kept the main thing the main thing. A true worshipper.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 says this: “1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—
Eli did just that. Not only was he unashamed in his worship, but he was not afraid to talk about Jesus, he was not afraid to carry his bible, he was not afraid to pray for people in need, he was not afraid to tell people the words to some of his crazy music…and he was not afraid of what the future held for him. He knew where he would be going. He knew his heavenly Father’s voice, and that is what he heard calling him home. This is not a cause for sadness, but for rejoicing! We can rest assured that he heard those sweet words “well done, my good and faithful servant” because that is exactly what he was, and what he lived for.
Be encouraged! Although we all mourn the loss of him here, Heaven is a richer place because of him, and we all know that he is dancing on streets of gold with his earbuds in, laughing with his fist in front of his mouth, and most importantly, he is in the presence of God. Honor Eli’s memory by doing what he did best, and touch someone’s life.. pray for someone… worship God. Psalms 62:8 says: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
In closing, I would like to say this. Eli and I always had disagreements on what constituted a “dress shoe” and was appropriate for a Sunday morning service. I’d show up in my shiny dress shoes and slacks, only to find him there in black “skinny jeans” and what I always called “those TOMS shoes”. Ever the humanitarian, he would explain that for every pair you bought, they sent a pair to a child in need.. and that was all he had. Well guess what Eli… You win.
I’ll be seeing you little brother, and when I do… we’ll rock the house of houses.
Corey.
