I prayed for Roger Collins after the family posted on Facebook that he had a heart attack while running. Our friend, Roger, did not stay around on this planet! Steve and I have been so sad for his family! God answered our prayers with a resounding, "NO!"
The bottom line is that we may not ever understand. At least, we won't understand until we get to heaven. Yet, we MUST believe that our Father (who sees all and knows all) has the most perfect perspective and that He knows best. We can rest assured that He is looking out for our best interests.
Our job, no matter how hard, is to PRAISE HIM IN THE STORM!!!
In the midst of disappointment and grief, my husband Steve wrote this tribute to Roger Collins:
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It was August, 1971, York College, York, Nebraska, that my first memory of "freshman" Roger Collins took hold. I was a club president looking over the new "crop" of young men on campus, trying to make the wisest of decisions possible on whom to invite into our group. Some clubs were looking for athletes, some for personalities, etc. I distinctly remember looking for men with a Christ-like character and Roger Collins topping our list.
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After joining our club, Roger became my pledge for a week and for the next 39 years Roger called me pledge-master and reminded me how easy I had been on him. We'd chuckle and then go on to other conversation. I learned pretty quickly I had a lot to learn from Roger. From 1971 till his death last night, Roger consistently emanated humility, genuine transparency and concern for others. Over the years, Roger became one of my rocks in the faith -- so accountable, so stable and unwavering in his faith and so at peace within himself.
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After leaving York College as students, Roger and I crossed paths again at Harding University and then later at York College as fellow teachers. I was so proud of Roger when he married Debbie and so proud of them both as they proved again and again how Christian parents are to bring up their children in the Lord -- faithful to the end. Roger was a runner (spiritually and physically) and over the years his children followed in his steps. This morning I read (again) a passage of scripture that has reminded me of Roger for several decades:
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1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
.Thanks, Roger, for continually running in such a way as to win! I love you and thank God for you and already miss you terribly.
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Till we meet again, my brother and friend.
Steve Sikes
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The York College home page talks about Roger's life: http://www.york.edu/news/2010/1025_collins.asp
Facebook Page Link: PRAY FOR ROGER COLLINS
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GIGATTAATTGIG: Remembering to focus on what God has done and is doing:
- Praising You that so many were blessed with You living in and working through Roger Collins.
- Praising You, Father, in the storms...
Great is Thy faithfulness!
~GIGATTAATTGIG~
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