"Worthy of Respect"

“Worthy of Respect”

 

When I began my CPE Chaplaincy Residence in August 2009 one of the first peers I met was Brian Ogburn. Even though he was a life-long South Carolinian and I a transplanted Yankee our common faith soon drew us together and we became good friends. Brian had owned a successful insurance agency and had served God faithfully as a layman throughout his life. He was in his 50’s when he answered God’s call, left the business world, enrolled in seminary, and after graduation entered the chaplain training program. As we worked together I saw his heart for God and hurting people and learned a lot from watching his interactions with patients, colleagues, and staff.

By God’s appointment Brian followed me on overnight call on the last weekend of our residency. As I was preparing to hand the pager off I shared with him that I’d recently completed my “think list” from Philippians 4:8 (“…Whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable…think about such things.”). I told him that under noble (which means worthy of respect) his name was right under Jesus’. He responded that he felt unworthy of such a description but I assured him that in my mind (and that of others as well) he certainly was.

Both of us worked as hospice chaplains following our course’s completion and saw each other occasionally until I retired and moved to Lakeland in 2014. Even thereafter we kept in touch periodically via emails. Then in the fall of 2015 I heard through a mutual colleague, Ed Cheek, that Brian had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite aggressive treatment his condition worsened and God took him to Heaven on April 2, 2017 at the age of 64. I echo Ed’s words: “I never met a more godly or gifted chaplain.” And I add my own observation: He was the prototype of what a chaplain is and does.

Brian’s family and friends, his church, and the hospice world are poorer now that he’s no longer among us. But Heaven is certainly richer as Jesus welcomed him into His presence with the words, “well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21,23). So until that great reunion with believers of all ages, Brian, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3). May your tribe increase!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan