If you’ve read my recent posts you know about my friend, Doyle, who died on the Metro Link train 111 collision. If not, read those first. Doyle’s wife, Claudia, just received his briefcase that was recovered from the wreckage. Doyle is in a reading group at his church and in his briefcase he dog-eared the page he just finished reading in preparation for his group the next morning. The book is entitled “The True Christian’s Love to the Unseen Christ” by Thomas Vincent.
On the last page he read he highlighted a section with the following verses. John 10:28 “They shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.” Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for goog to them that love God.” John 14:18 “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” The author comments – When friends fail, and flesh fails, and hearts, yea, and life fails, Christ will not fail, but will stand by and strengthen you, and be a light in your darkest hours, a stay to your spirits when they are ready to sink with you.
The last two verses were: Luke 16:22 “And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels inot Abraham’s bossom.” And finally, 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.“
And with that, it’s very likely this one beggar put his book in his briefcase and reflected upon the power, the truth, and the peace found in those precious words from Scripture. Then, moments later, he died in the collision.
Now listen, could we live out those Scriptures in our lives regardless of what collision we may face in our world? For Doyle, it was a collision that took his life. For you and me, it may be a collision in our marriage, finances, relationships, personal struggles…you name it. I believe there’s a lesson for us in those Scriptures from one beggar to another beggar in our journey with Christ. As a fellow beggar, I’d love to hear your comments. (Image: Ventura Sunset)
Filed under: Memorials
This afternoon my family and I attended the memorial service for my friend, Doyle Souser. He was one of 25 people whose lives were cut short on the Metro Link train 111 collision. Almost 200 other lives were 
spared in the tragic accident. But the pastor who spoke said something very powerful. He said that actually it was Doyle’s life that was spared.
You see, most people will live a life of just existing or self indulgence but Doyle followed in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul who said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Doyle’s death was a tragedy but it’s a greater tragedy to live without Christ. Doyle was spared a life without purpose and hope. The greatest tragedy in life is not found in how one dies but in how one lives. For Doyle to live was Christ and as a result death was gain for him. He entered into ultimate life!
My prayer is that the people who attended his memorial service heard how their life can be spared from the tragedy of living without purpose, hope and utlimately without Christ. That is my prayer for you as you read these words. (The image of modern art is called “The blending of purpose.”)
Filed under: Memorials
On Friday, September 12, 2008, my friend, Doyle Souser, was one of the 25 people whose lives were tragically cut short on the Chatsworth Metro Link train collision. Doyle was an amazing husband, father of three, and Christ-follower. He’s been married to his wife, Claudia, for 29 years and his kids, Kelsey, Zach, and Mackenzie are beautiful kids in the Lord.
My wife, Maria, and I are absolutely heartbroken. He was a wonderful friend who was authentic in his relationship with Jesus Christ and people. Maria and I just recently enjoyed dinner over at their home. Doyle cooked up the most fantastic tri-tip. It was so tasty! But what was even better was the love you felt from this man. When we said good-bye at the end of the evening and I heard him say the words, “We love you guys” I sensed such an authentic heart behind his words.
He leaves an imprint on my life and I know will leave great legacies in many, many lives.
I must also say, that when Maria and I went over to mourn with Claudia, her kids and about 35 other people on Saturday night, we were on holy ground. I’ve never witnessed such biblical mourning in the sense that people were crying, hugging, praying and worshiping God in the midst of such pain and loss. I will never forget seeing Claudia singing songs such as “Blessed be the name of the Lord” and raising her hands in worship. That’s just one example of the strength and faith with which Doyle raised his family.
I will miss you, my friend.
