Clyde Cook, named after the River Clyde in Scotland, was a giant of a man. There is no one I admire more, no one in my memory who has touched so many lives worldwide in such a personal way. But even giants don’t travel alone; this one walked with His Savior and with his greatly loved wife, friend, totally supportive partner in the journey, Anna Belle.
But, as Isaac Watts observed in his majestic O God, Our Help in Ages Past, “Time, like an ever rolling stream, Bears all its sons away. . . .”
Clyde’s public memorial service was today. You can watch it online at a wonderful microsite that Biola University has created in honor of him; don’t miss the message from Clyde himself during the last 10 minutes or so.
The memorial service lasted well over two hours and was worth every minute of it. As Chuck Swindoll noted in his message, “Clyde was a master at launching missiles of encouragement . . . he was God’s instrument to bring encouragement and so much laughter.” I would change his wording only slightly. I would say that Clyde IS a master at launching missiles of encouragement. For when Chuck had finished a second video followed, with Clyde himself speaking to us. He had recorded his words just for his memorial service. They were vintage Clyde Cook. Warm. Funny. Visionary. Scripture focused. Encouraging. Wow. I sat watching the streaming video of the service and wept as I listened once more to my dear friend.
More thoughts to come . . . and prayers for dear Anna Belle.