Thank you for your requiem, Joel. Last year, I came back from Morocco and had not checked my e-mail prior to coming to class that fated Monday afternoon. I was suffering from jetlag and had also developed an illness during our last day there. A little anxious and confused anyways, I entered what was to be Stan’s wake. I cannot put down words that really describe what that moment was for me–but mostly terrible and lonely. Only after many discussions, with you and with many others was I able to begin to come to terms with what happened to Stan and to me and to our class. The fiery and intense words that were exchanged in the remainder of that theology class stand out as some of the most memorable moments at Mars Hill.
Stan and his writings now occupy a hallowed space in me. as you put such good words to, his writings which did not buy into polemics frustrated many. And for those of us that are tired of the wars, they seem like the song of a poet heard between the flash of canons. My own personal passion for theology was born the day I learned of Stan’s death. Also, the reservoir of ungrieved moments was tapped in me and I am haunted by relationships and moments that I continue to resist grieving.
Stan, I miss you. I barely knew you. And my life is forever altered because of your life, your words and your passing.