A Tribute to Bishop Eddie Lee Long

Editors Note: This post was written on Sunday, January 15, 2017 in the sanctuary of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. 


Today I mourn the death of a man that meant the world to me. Although our interactions were not plentiful, the times we did have together were always meaningful. Though the latter part of his legacy was marred by controversy, none of it negated all of the good he did. Bishop Eddie Long was a larger than life man with an even greater heart and spirit. The first day I stepped into New Birth, I knew I was home. After several encounters with The Bishop, there was no doubt in my mind that he was a man truly after God's own heart. The spiritual covering that he brought into my life was always inspiring. Not a single time that I stepped into NBMBC, did I not receive a word that spoke to my heart and state of being.

I was reflecting with a friend this past week, that being received by Bishop Eddie Long on the day I joined NBMBC was one of the top 3 spiritual moments I have ever experienced in my entire life. The care that he took when he greeted me and the kindness that radiated from his smile is something that I will always carry with me.

So, as I sit here, on the day you departed in the place where it all began, staring at an empty podium that I will never again see you behind, I am receiving this word directly from you. With every death there comes a "New Birth"... a new spirit, a new body, a restoration of  "life" and a chance to truly be free. For those who are left behind it's a second chance, a time to hit the reset button and another opportunity to get it right. We get a chance to not reflect on what we have lost, but what we have gained. We get another day to embrace our purpose, and another chance to walk in our destiny. With that comes the realization that although the cycle of life feels like a desolate road at times, it is really the pathway to a higher level of consciousness unsurpassed by reason. It's a chance to leave our impression on the world so that when our time here is done, the cycle of a “new birth” will be continued in those that loved us.


God Bless You Bishop Eddie Long and thank you for your contribution to the world!

xoxo-
 
Parker S.

Bishop Eddie L. Long
May 12, 1953- January 15, 2017
(Photo Courtesy of CRJ Media Group Inc.)