“He Being Dead Still Speaks”

It was 30 years ago today I received that call. You know “that call.”

It’s one you’re expecting sooner or later, but hoping against hope that it’s later. The voice on the other end speaks softly, slowly, and kindly. In hushed tones they gently inform that your loved has died.

On that day, April 25, 1994, the voice on the phone broke the news that my father, Roy C. Weliever, had passed from this life.

It wasn’t unexpected. Dad had suffered some TIA’s (mini-stokes) and was in a Rehab facility in Brandon, Florida. I had been to see him the previous week. He was lucid and conversant. We had a good visit. But I left wondering if I would see him again on this side of eternity.

Roy Chester Weliever was born on July 28,1918, in Montgomery County, Indiana, outside a little town called New Ross. He grew up working on the farm and lived through the Great Depression. Times were tough, but his family taught him the importance of a good work ethic, fundamental moral values, and personal responsibility.

My mind is filled with so many memories and my heart is full as I reflect on Dad’s influence not only in my life, but in so many others. My ruminations are not just born from realizing it’s the 30th anniversary of his passing, but also because I’ve been reading a book by Dan Garrett and Tim Woodroof, Leaving a Legacy.

The authors approach the subject of legacy, not just from the viewpoint of financial wealth and material possessions, but the values, priorities, and principles you pass down to succeeding generations. One’s legacy is more than success, it speaks to significance. It is a gift of family and faith. Of those traits and traditions that define who we are. It encompasses character, conduct, ethics, morals and personal integrity.

The Bible says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Prov. 13:22). But as Garrett and Woodroof observe an inheritance is more than money. In fact, money is of little value if there are not fundamental principles that regulate its stewardship and guide its use.

As these thoughts and feelings swirl around in my mind and heart, I think of Dad’s legacy and those values that guided his life. Values he hoped to pass on. He wasn’t an eloquent or sophisticated man, but a simple, down to earth, no nonsense man, a product of an era Tom Brokaw dubbed “The Greatest Generation.” They “gave so much and asked so little.”

The legacy of Dad and his generation live on long after they have passed from this life. This thought reminds me of a passage from Hebrews 11:4.

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”

“He being dead still speaks.”

Today, I hear my Dad’s voice. I feel his presence. I reflect on his legacy. These bulleted thoughts speak for themselves without elaboration. They reflect values I both saw in and heard from my Dad over the years.

1. Spiritual values are more important than material possessions.
2. It’s not how much you make, but how much you save.
3. Keep your promises. “Your word is your bond.”
4. Appreciate the honor of work. And the importance of a job well done.
5. Don’t quit until the job is done. Self-discipline is a virtue and an ethic to be cultivated.
6. Practice regular, personal and spiritual renewal.
7. Never compromise your convictions
8. People matter. Follow the “Golden Rule.”
9. Be nice. Be kind. Be an encourager.
10. “He who wins souls is wise.”
11. Great leaders begin and learn by being faithful followers.
12. Be a good example. Others are watching. And so is the Lord.

It’s my hope and prayer these values and virtues can be embraced and emulated by our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

The wise man was right. “The righteous man walks in his integrity.” And “the memory of the righteous is blessed” (Prov. 20:7; 10:7).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman