On the Passing of Jerry Falwell
There have been many moments when I’ve been frustrated by things that Jerry Falwell has said. But honestly, I know that when someone is such a prominent and publicized figure, it’s got to be easy to have a quote used out of context or taken in the wrong way or just to say something that you shouldn’t. In the end, I’ve seen too much good fruit from Jerry Falwell’s life to think poorly of him. He’s just been so instrumental in so many peoples lives — including many people who I personally know.
This picture is one I took when Jerry came for our church’s building ribbon cutting ceremony. Our pastor had attended Liberty and served at Jerry’s church (Thomas Road Baptist Church). So honestly, it was no surprise that Jerry Falwell would be there. He’d attended the ground breaking as well… standing there in the hot sun with his suit on, joking, “…don’t worry, this is the same outfit I wear to the beach!”
In particular, this picture is meaningful because while Dr. Falwell was there at our church in Georgia for the ribbon cutting ceremony he’d been touched by the story of this young woman in our church who had nearly died from medical issues. Since the family was so severely impacted by medical bills, Jerry gave her a full scholarship to Liberty University. You can see the tears there as it sinks in with the family, the enormity of what they were really receiving. It was a neat moment. And that’s where Jerry Falwell was at his best. Touching people’s lives like that… helping folks get an education and encouraging them to do great things.