Billy

I have written way too many sad entries on this blog. I refuse to write another.

William Velez died today. He was a wonderful human being, an excellent teacher and the best Theologian I have met. He was once pastor and always friend. Quite the Renaissance man, he was also a gifted musician, with an inclination towards Tropical Rhythms and Jazz. His sense of humor was unparalleled and his interpretation of the Gospel raised more than an eyebrow once in a while.

He taught me that one must be ever fearful, never afraid of God and although it is fun to play the cynic once in a while, it is refreshing to believe that there is a bit of good in everything.

He embraced life freely, lived it whole heartedly, confronting those who believed Christianity must be worn with a frown. His idea of stewardship was that it is our privilege as sons and daughters of God to enjoy what this place has to offer, be it art, literature, travel, good food, friends and the occasional cocktail. Our only obligation lies on paying it forward, grateful of the talents we are granted.

There were few things that shocked him and his doors were open to all: crazy mofos, starving artists, goths, gays, straights with complicated lives, people who still lived in the 70's, Austin Power Fans, even stern Pentecostals who were willing to give it a try, 30 days, free of charge :p. After all, no matter where we come from or what we do to entertain ourselves between cradle and grave, at a given point we have all been "heavy laden and full of labor" and it is up to God to give us peace, break us and make us new and better and improve our capacity to love without question.

It was amazing to cross paths with you on this journey, it'll rock to see you again when we reach our final destination.

The quote:

As I said I will remember this man with the respect he deserves and avoid tears, there is absolutely no Bible verse I can quote that he couldn't dissect better than me so I'll reach for one of his comments in between sermons. Billy used to say he was waiting for the day to get hold of the "promised transformed body, 'cause then I mold myself like a GQ Model." Enjoy the ripped abs, bro :p