A forum for discussing matters of moment, from a curmudgeonly perspective. (The ideas posted here do not necessarily represent those of any organization with which I am a part). Rude and insulting remarks will not be published, but civil disagreement is welcome.
The term “hero” has become so muddled today as to lose much of its meaning, but if there was anyone (other than Jesus) I would consider a hero, it is Vernon Grounds. What a model of intellectual rigor mixed with grace, love and compassion. I dearly loved that man.
I’ll never forget that day in the summer of 1992 when I first walked into Vernon’s office as a new student and introduced myself. He received me into his office and talked with me as if we had been decade-long friends. From that day forward I was an incurable Vernon Grounds fan.
My favorite Vernon Grounds quote I first heard in a class on Christianity and existentialism he taught (and several other times subsequent to that) : “Buy books until you have to mortgage your marital bed, and then buy more.” I have tried to heed that advice (my wife thinks I have succeeded).
I am going to put aside my work today and remember and celebrate a life immensely well lived by reading Bruce Shelley’s biography of Vernon, ‘Transformed by Love.’ I consider myself blessed to have met and known Vernon.
The term “hero” has become so muddled today as to lose much of its meaning, but if there was anyone (other than Jesus) I would consider a hero, it is Vernon Grounds. What a model of intellectual rigor mixed with grace, love and compassion. I dearly loved that man.
ReplyDeleteI’ll never forget that day in the summer of 1992 when I first walked into Vernon’s office as a new student and introduced myself. He received me into his office and talked with me as if we had been decade-long friends. From that day forward I was an incurable Vernon Grounds fan.
My favorite Vernon Grounds quote I first heard in a class on Christianity and existentialism he taught (and several other times subsequent to that) : “Buy books until you have to mortgage your marital bed, and then buy more.” I have tried to heed that advice (my wife thinks I have succeeded).
I am going to put aside my work today and remember and celebrate a life immensely well lived by reading Bruce Shelley’s biography of Vernon, ‘Transformed by Love.’ I consider myself blessed to have met and known Vernon.