A salute to my dear friend, BOB SCHUH

This morning as I walked toward the door of my apartment to get the Plain Dealer, I began to tear up knowing that today's newspaper would contain the obituary of my dear friend, Bob Schuh.

Bob understood what it meant to live life abundantly (John 10:10). He knew how to have fun whether it was eating pie at Baker Square with a table full of teenagers, celebrating his 80th birthday party in his own backyard, or being the social butterfly at a wedding reception.

Bob would talk openly about his mistakes as a young man and how Christ changed his life when he became a Christian. Maybe that's what helped him to always exemplifying holiness, yet never be judgmental toward others. Bob was a friend to pastors over the years and a fan of women in ministry. It didn’t take much prodding to hear a story about the late Kathryn Kuhlman or his beloved late wife, Vera, who he often bragged about as an excellent youth director for years. (Wouldn’t you love to hear the conversations in heaven today!)

Bob knew what was worth crying over--missionaries, affirming teenagers who were living for Christ, prayer meetings, and being careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit. You could count on Bob to walk away from gossip, small thinking and pettiness yet speak the truth straight when needed. He was gentleman in every way and a great example of a man of God who loved his Lord and loved people generously.

Yesterday, I took down to read again the birthday card Bob sent me this past July. I've been carrying it in the sun visor of my car since July ... just as a reminder of the richness in my life. That card is now priceless. Im so grateful for the mantel of prayer Bob carried for me and for Rockside Church.

Our last visit together, I invited Bob to lunch to celebrate his 84th birthday, yes, at Baker Square, topped off with pie. It was September 13. We had to go early because his daughter, Lenora's family was coming in from Virginia for a visit and he wouldn't be available on his birthday. Bob was coaching me on how to welcome and foster the presence of the Holy Spirit in my church, but first in my life. The conversation lead to Bob singing four lines of an old song and both of us wiping our tears. The words were...

Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the spirit beholding His face
Gaining more power to run in life's race
I long to be shut in with God

I will cherish our times together and pray I can carry forward what Bob has has taught me, both by his words and his example. Bob, thank you for being such a great example of a Christian leader and a great friend to so many of us. We will miss you dearly! Can't you just hear him saying in his typical way, “I’ll miss ya too, love.” Heaven just got a little bit richer this week!