We Will Miss Jerry Falwell

I live just outside of Lynchburg, VA. When I was growing up, Jerry Falwell was a name brought often to my attention because of the area we lived. Most people in my circle didn't have particularly nice things to say about hi. My parents didn't like his constant appeals for money for his many programs and ministries, partially because my great grandmother would send him money that she should have used for items like food and medicine.

When I went to the College of William and Mary, I was disturbed by the fact that when I introduced myself in my Freshman classes and mentioned I was from Lynchburg, VA, the professors always asked if I knew Jerry Falwell. This fretted me because there are 75,000 people in this town and I didn't equate Lynchburg with Jerry Falwell. But people around the world do.

Last Christmas, I went to the Living Christmas Tree at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The first half, we loved. The second half got a bit preachy and during the show, Reverend Falwell stood up and asked for money to support one of his ministries. I couldn't believe it. I had already paid 10.00 a ticket to go and now he was asking for more money...it didn't leave a pleasant taste in my mouth.

However, despite the fact that there are things that have bothered me about Reverend Falwell over the years, I respect the man. And I was saddened to hear of his sudden passing yesterday. WSET is the local television station and if you want news of the local variety and to see the impact that Reverend Falwell's passing is having on our community, it is a great place to go for stories.

Reverend Falwell has left behind a lasting legacy in our town. He was instrumental in starting a private school, formerlyLynchburg Christian Academy, now Liberty Christian Academy. He also founded Liberty University. He is pastor of a church that has a congregation of 24,000 people. He is instrumental through the university for providing a place for local high school graduations, lots of sporting events, conferences, and concerts. We have an ice rink in Lynchburg due to his vision. Countless lives have been touched by Reverend Falwell and have been blessed for it.

I am grateful for all he has done for our community. My thoughts and prayers to go out to his immediate family and his church family. He was a good man and he helped many keep the faith even after pastors like Swaggart and Bakker trampled on it. Godspeed, Reverend Falwell. You will not be forgotten.