Jack's Blog

So, one of the nicest people ever, in the whole wide world, just turned 50. I’ve known her for probably 20 or more of those years. She has been on staff at Hope Chapel, helping keep the place running, helping keep the children’s ministry operating smoothly, loving people, loving kids, …  well, doing everything in the most joyful, loving way imaginable.

The Hope Chapel office was always bright and happy when she was around. (Come to think of it though, that’s the way I think it is, anyway but she made it better.)   Now, she works at the Texas State School for the Blind. I haven’t been to her classroom, but I suspect it is an equally joyous place. (in that frantic, laughing way). I’m glad she is there and using her gifts to bless the students and the faculty.

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A good friend passed away this week. W. B. “Bubba” Pannell completed his coursework here on earth and graduated from this life to be with Christ on Dec. 31^st, 2008 at the age of 87. Bubba’s wife, Annette, preceded him in death by some 5 years or so, I think. Two sweeter people I can’t imagine. I joined a host of people who gathered at the family gathering on Saturday the 4^th of January to mourn our loss and celebrate his life. We laughed, cried, renewed friendships and heard many stories about Bubba and his family. I can’t remember the first time I met the Pannells, but it had to be in my undergraduate days at the University of Texas, somewhere around 1968-1972. I can’t remember exactly because once you met them, you were immediately absorbed into their family and then you couldn’t remember when you didn’t know them. They loved everyone and made us all feel like we were their very own kids. They lived and modeled family for so many of us as we attended UT.

What an incredibly joyous man. I can only picture him with that great big smile and laughing eyes. Every Sunday morning, every Sunday evening, every church function, he was there, happiest in the gathering of the people of God.

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