Remembering Lonnie McLeod

Psalm 27

Many hopes departed the earth, when the Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod died. October 25, 2009. While preparing his Sunday sermon heart failure claimed Lonnie's last breathe.

My first and only visit to the home of Lonnie and Jackie McLeod came earlier this year. We returned from the Unification Theological Seminary commencement ceremony in Barrytown, NY. Lonnie had his driver stop at a diner on our way home, and we each ordered breakfast food. It was my treat, since Lonnie was providing the transportation home.

The commencement was made superb by Dr. Moon, when she stated her forecast for the seminary. The bacon and eggs with homemade potatoes were yummy. However, what I experienced at Lonnie's house was so unexpected, it completed the day. Showing me his latest memorabilia of Tiger Woods, Lonnie thought collectibles would be the icing on our trip. Then, it became clear that he was a friend of the retired football star Jim Brown. I would argue that Jim Brown is the best all around athlete of my life time. So, Lonnie said the next time Jim visited he would arrange for us to have a conversation over lunch or dinner. Mr. Brown could enhance our urban ministries with his insights into the mindset of gang members. Many hopes and dreams are laid to rest, since Lonnie has departed.

My last communication with Dr. McLeod following our interview on his television broadcast. I was the last of three interviews that night. Rarely do I revisit an interview. However, there must be a copy of our final hour with my name on it. He declared it one of the best interviews he has produced. I am sure he indicated the same to the others as well. The time flew as our like minds discussed changing the world. When leaving the studio, we had our final talk. Our walk to the subway included comments on his love for Jackie, laughter about his children, and his hopes for life. I listened as he gave me encouragement. His last words were: "Thanks for sharing your mind." I responded: "Thanks, Doc, for enriching minds."

Midnight on Sunday, October 25th, I shook and came to stillness, when I heard that Lonnie McLeod had left this world. A heart pacer recently replaced gave way. Lonnie is gone. On the weekend to follow, we would witness a gathering of strangers meeting in commonality, because in some sphere of time life had been shared with Lonnie McLeod. The game of life is over for Lonnie. He amazing smile leaves memories as he soars in eternity.

Remembering Lonnie McLeod is noting the genius of a theologian, preacher, pastor, friend, brother, and leader. He served as Dean of the the New York Extension Campus of the Unification Theological Seminary during the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Our dreams of developing the ideal seminary for world peace and reconciliation are not buried. They have not died. In fact, they are inflamed. In speaking to Rev. L W Hardaway, we came to conclude that the legacy must go forth. It is grounded on a firm foundation.

In remembering Lonnie, we shall remember the Ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, who inspired our friend. We will teach love of God and neighbor as the sincere expression of love of self. We are going to respect the lives of people of God from every walk of life. We are going to rejoice in caring for people and their freedom of expressions, especially religious freedom. We are going to share empathy and listening to children of God as we build unity in the midst of diversity. As sure as we breathe unto death, we are going to do ... the will of God.

October 31, 2009, we attended the service of remembrance. I walked away having remembered Lonnie McLeod and his living legacy under the inspiration of the spirit of peace. I vow to work faithfully for the cause of World Peace. Let peace continue with you and me. Thus, come along ... let us live on ...

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear our voices of remembrance . . . Amen.