From the book Things We’ve Handed Down: Twelve Letters I Leave for You.

Ray Michaud shared hope with me. As I’m writing this letter to  you—and anyone else who will read it—I received an unexpected message. The words informed me my dear friend Ray Michaud had passed  away. 

Ray was kind. He had the most caring, servant heart of anyone I’ve met. As part of our church, Ray did anything that needed to be done. He prayed. He greeted. He served. He cooked. He cleaned. He ushered. He cared.  

During our fifteen years together, we ate many meals together, offered many prayers together, and listened to many stories together. I met him at his job to visit his world. He took care of our family’s yard for over a  year after my illness. He loved to take pictures. He didn’t miss a gathering. Sunday services, Wednesday services, home groups, men’s groups, special events. Ray wanted all people to know God’s love and realize their own importance.  

He was talented in many ways. But my favorite part of my friendship with Ray was his prayers. Those early morning gatherings were times cherished during my years of pastoring in Orlando. And Ray was always  there. Offering intercession for friends and strangers. Voicing petitions to  our Heavenly Father. Declaring praise and thanksgiving to our Creator.  

How did he pray? With hope.  

Ray knew hurt and disappointment. He mourned with those who mourned. But he prayed and served and gave with hope.  

I’m sad Ray has died. 

I’m glad Ray taught me how to serve and care with a heart full of hope.  

I wish he could take one of his classic pictures and give me a view from his present location.  

But, for now, I’ll be thankful for the friendship I had with Ray. I seek to live with his heart of hope and hand it down to others.