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THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS: Dad taught me to let things be and not harbor anger toward other people who may have done me wrong. He would often say that God would eventually reveal to them where they were mistaken and lead them to a better understanding, and my role was not to interfere with God’s work! THE JOY OF GIVING: Dad taught me the freedom and delight that comes from giving without thought of receiving anything in return from anyone. He showed me what it meant to “pay it forward” long before the movie came out and lots of people began to realize the pure jubilation that comes from living that way. ALWAYS BE HONEST: Dad taught me the peace of mind that comes from telling the truth in every situation. He slept well, knowing he lived a transparent life of which he was proud. His life was based in truth, and he had nothing to hide. LIVE WITH INTEGRITY: Dad taught me the satisfaction that comes from doing the right thing every time, no matter the circumstances or the consequences. He reminded me often that my life would be directed by the choices I made. He taught me to be a man of my word and the honor that comes from doing business on a handshake. HAVE COMPASSION FOR OTHERS: Dad showed me what it meant to feel another person’s pain, while simultaneously doing everything possible to ease their hurt. As a minister, this was the foundation of his day-to-day life. He spent the last few months of his life in a hospital bed after suffering a stroke. Each day, he would ask the nurses to bring him a list of the names of the patients in the rooms down the hall. Then every night, he would pray for them audibly by name, in a voice that could be heard throughout the hospital floor. He did the same for the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff on shift.
BE YOUR BEST: Dad expected the best from me. Straight A’s were not required, but slacking off would not be tolerated. Quitting before the job was finished was unacceptable. He enjoyed sports and had the utmost respect for champion athletes who achieved excellence. RESPECT YOUR MOTHER: While growing up at home, Dad made it abundantly clear that Mom was the queen of the house. He explained to me and my brother that even if we did not agree with something she said or asked us to do, she deserved to be shown the utmost respect, and he would not accept anything less from us toward her. While other people looked up to my dad, he looked up to my mom. When I got my first job at the age of 15, Dad asked me to pay her $10 every month for washing my clothes and cooking my meals. She remained the queen of our family until cancer took her life in 2012, just four days prior to their 62nd anniversary. TRUST GOD: If you have read this far, you know that my dad was a deeply religious man. As a family, we prayed and thanked God before every meal. Growing up, I attended church on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. My own spirituality remains a priority in my life, and I trace that to the way I was raised. The most important thing Dad taught me was to not neglect my soul. I miss my dad terribly. I miss his deep laugh, his caring heart, and his voice as he sang his favorite song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” while walking around the house. Nobody sang it better that he did, at least according to my ears.
Rev. B. Paul Jones passed away June 16, 2018, the day before Father’s Day. He will always be my hero.
–Dennis Jones
Breaking News! Beginning in May, tune in on Saturday mornings to watch Dennis & Lisa Jones host episodes about lifestyle living in Anthem and the Valley of the Sun!
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