There are not enough words to describe the man who positively impacted my life and being. However, I’ll give it a go.
I met Barry Hayes in late 2007 after moving across the country to Florida. I had one prayer ahead of that move, “Heavenly Father, please place me down the street from the church you want me to join.”
It was a move that seemed destined, as the church was a mere mile from my new home.
On my first Sunday, a busy little man took a second to greet me. Clearly in charge, his five-foot self was more like a 12-foot giant. When he began to preach, I felt my heart leap and excitement fire up. I started attending Bible study, and a friendship began.
“Thank you, Jesus!”
I watched this man share an exhilarating journey of faith. He, his wife, and a team of leaders were contagious with Holy Spirit joy! Listening to him speak, teach, and share was refreshing water as I came through the desert of change. I swallowed every word, and Jesus breathed new life into me, one message after another. Barry was a gift God gave me in the center of a great unknown.
With perfect timing, Barry would hand you a piece of wisdom and sprinkle it with glittery sarcasm. His eyes would open wide and pause. The short glare was to make sure you understood the point. The smile that followed was the final piece to his confidant approach. It said, “Did you catch that? Are you paying attention?” Only when you felt uncomfortable would he look away. That confidence would pour into me and empower me in my uncertainty. His guidance led me deeper into my relationship with the Creator. For that, I am eternally grateful.
As an introverted person, I often found it challenging to connect with others. However, from the very first day I met Barry, I felt a unique bond. He was more than a friend, he was family. I felt a need to pray over this man. At home, on walks, sitting behind him in church- it was a God-given mission to keep him in prayer.
He was there for me when the unexpected news of my first grandchild flipped me upside down. He greeted and opened his worship to my son without ever meeting him. He loved my kids like his own. He loved me. I never had to wonder; I knew. Our love was a part of God’s plan.
I moved away in 2010 with another work transfer. My heart broke in a million pieces to leave Barry and the church family I found. It was nearly unbearable. I knew the coming years were going to be a challenge. I didn’t want to leave this giant and larger-than-life family God had given me.
His health took a turn a few years later. He nearly lost his life fighting heart disease, but made a fantastic comeback. I was blessed to be in the pews the Sunday he returned to preach. That is the love God showed me. Distance never changed our connection.
When Barry passed, I regretted the time we lost. I was angry we ever moved; angry life kept me so busy. My mind couldn’t grasp that he wouldn’t be there when I moved back to Florida. I always knew we’d be back and thought he’d be here. I wish it hadn’t taken so long to achieve our goal.
Here I am today. Back where I met the colossal force of my life, Barry Hayes. I walked into the new location to visit our old family, and his name remains on the door. His pictures are displayed; so much of him is there, but he’s gone.
I miss hearing his voice. Out of our pastor came immense wisdom and faith. I miss the arrows of nuggets he’d shoot straight to the heart in love. I miss his laugh and confidence. He taught me to pray and vision God answering my prayers. Or, pray and know God knows best. His answer may be no. He taught me to have faith as small as a mustard seed and that God will do mighty things. He taught me to believe in myself and what God has planned for me. The list is endless. The point- Barry taught us all.
I wonder if he ever knew the impact he had on my life, my heart, my faith, and my mind. Impact is a powerful collision when someone strongly affects someone else. His force came like a hurricane. It reshaped me in ways that brought me through unimaginable pain, trials, and pressure. Barry taught me to survive by keeping Jesus the main thing.
For a believer, I’m not sure there’s a more powerful lesson.
I love you Barry Hayes. Forever.
Authentic Truths 