MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BORDIE FORBES

FORBES

Posted By: Volunteer Paul French
Date: 5/13/2007 at 17:14:18

A great tree has fallen, great in stature, great in spirit, but this tree has not fallen downward but upward, I recall the first time I was a guest in their home – our lives have been closely knit together throughout these last few years. I had the privilege of baptizing his son, along with dedicating his daughter to the service of God.

I remember him for several outstanding things, a few of which I want to share with you.

1. A provider. He was a provider, he was an earthly provider. He worked long, hard, and difficult hours to provide and sustain his family; many men do this, he went beyond this. He believed the words of Jesus when he said, “Man shall not live by bread alone” . . . “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesses.” He provided a Christian home. In his home is a plaque, “God Bless Our Home.” This is not a farce but a force, it is meaningful. On Sunday he provided a Christian example for his family – the Lord’s Day was a unique day. Usually his family were the first present. I can hear him saying, “What can I do?” Even if it was folding bulletins, serving as an usher, he found his place. He was always present at the Lord’s Table on the Lord’s Day. He was a provider of things that the world cannot give nor take away. Sunday on the pulpit there was a communion cup in honor and memory of his life.

2. He was one who saw the futility of man’s efforts. I well remember recently at a meeting, there was a difference of opinion, we were at a dead end, nothing was being accomplished. It was Bordie who said, “Let us stand and have a word of prayer.” This we did and at the end of that experience we were at a different meeting. The complexion had changed. He realized that man’s extremity was God’s opportunity. He saw that man’s wisdom was limited whereas God’s wisdom was not.

3. He was one who was concerned, never concerned of himself or his welfare but of others. It was Jesus who said, “Whosoever shall find his life loses it, and whosoever shall lose his life finds it.” He found the truth of this, in that his life was lost in the lives and interests of others, not thinking of himself.

4. He was a witness – sometimes people are shy; not that they are ashamed but rather hesitant in making a public decision for Christ and His Church. I can still see people coming down the aisle, making a decision for Christ, flanked by Bordie, and as one looks the Church over he can see many people who were led to a public decision by one who witnessed for His faith in this way.

Finally, our sorrow is not his but our own. As the thief on the cross heard the words of his Lord, “Today Thou shalt be with me in Paradise,” He has already spoken to His child and has entered into the Paradise of God.

Is that a deathbed, where a Christian lies?
Yes, but not his – ‘tis Death itself there died.

Source: transcription contained in “Family History” of the Barker, Sherod, and Forbes families and descendants compiled by Bernadine Forbes Clark, December 1980.