Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/92

Contributor - A. Gardiner Skelly

Title - Wise or Otherwise

Topic -

The telephone rang fracturing the peace of a mellow spring evening some years ago. My wife answered and heard the familiar voice of an elderly retired minister who, in his twilight years, was associated with our congregation. Since the recent death of his wife he had been showing some signs of confusion. The conversation went like this: "What can I do for you, John?" "Well", he replied, "I have a problem on my hands. You see Barbara Frum is here visiting me and I can't get her to go home and I want to go to bed!" With superb ministerial spousal cool my wife offered the following inspired suggestion; she said, "Why don't you take her out to see your beautiful garden and maybe she will go on home from there." "Good idea," he enthused, "I don't know why I didn't think of it myself." Presumably the scheme worked for he never mentioned the incident again.

That episode was recently resurrected from the depths of my memory by the untimely death of Barbara. The spontaneous outpouring of national grief, on this sad occasion, has been most remarkable and the tribute to her life, telecast from the crowded Massey Hall was profoundly moving. As I listened to the sometimes halting words of those still harrowed by emotion and as I have continued to read and to reflect upon the recounted anecdotes, it seems to me that Barbara's life constitutes a threefold challenge.

First of all there is the challenge of her COMPETENCE. She strove for excellence. In the practice of her profession she was peerless. Her colleagues were swift and sincere in their verdict - "She was the best." Of course such excellence never comes cheaply. The price is always high in terms of time and effort and Barbara paid it in full. We heard of the thoroughness of her research and preparation, and also of the care and precision with which she sought for the rights words. With a touch of personal discomfort I remember that this is the very challenge which Jesus ever lays upon me, and upon all of us. He calls me to a similar quest for excellence in the communication of His Blessed Gospel and bids me search diligently and sensitively for the most persuasive words and images in which to present the Good News. And in my heart I know that I have failed when I dare to offer Him that which has cost me nothing.

Secondly, there is the challenge of her COURAGE. I recall being shocked and saddened, years ago, upon first hearing the ominous rumours of her health problems, but as time passed and she continued to work with such seeming normality I began to doubt the reliability of the reports. She was a very brave lady. For almost twenty years she continued to live and work within the shadow of a dread diagnosis but, we are told, she never succumbed to self-pity. In a moving tribute her brother notes that "she was often afraid", but she persevered resolutely in the face of fear - and that, surely, is the very essence of true courage. And once again, I am reminded that this is the challenge which Jesus lays upon us. He calls us to follow in His footsteps even as He sets His face steadfastly to go up to Jerusalem knowing full well the dark destiny which, there, awaited Him. He bids us be done with tepid timidity and to live boldly and bravely both in the church and in the world.

Thirdly, there is the challenge of her CARING. This of course, was the secret story, the buried treasure, which only began to come to light after she was gone. Now it could be told and it was told by all kinds of people whose lives had been touched by Barbara. It was a remarkable record of compassion and concern; of thoughtful phone calls and helpful conversations; of timely messages and supportive visits; of encouragement and understanding; of advice gently proffered and of practical help secretly given; of laughter shared and tears shed.

And as I reflect I am aware that this too is the challenge which My Lord lays upon each of us day by day. He went about doing good. That is the inspiring example which we are to follow. And yet I am often haunted and judged by the thought of how much of the caring spirit of The Master is, at times, reflected in those who do not call Him Lord while at times so little of that same spirit is present in my own heart.

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