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| Bruce, we're all better because you were our friend. |
Today is the post I have dreaded writing for over a year.
Our writing comrade, fellow believer and close friend, Bruce Brady,
is no longer with us. He was one of the small percentage who knew time was
short, so many of us had the chance to say goodbye. My husband Kirk and I were
privileged to be with him and Candice and their family at the end.
It doesn’t lesson the immense loss I feel.
I’ve been privileged to know Bruce and his wife, Candice for
several years. We met when they joined our local church. It didn’t take long
before I found out he was a writer. I helped him plug into the local publishing community. But he always told a slightly different version. He'd say that I was
the one who bullied him into writing. However, I have it on
good authority that I wasn’t the only one who recognized the call God put on
his life. (Right, Eva?)
He immediately joined our local writers group and began
encouraging others as soon as he walked into his very first meeting. His gift
for seeing past the insecurity all writers fight, and into our hearts was
something that could only have come from God.
How do I write a post honoring a man like him?
I don’t really have an answer, but I must try. More than
anything, I want to make sure that he’s not forgotten. That the legacy he left us lives on. He spoke truth into each of our lives—not just in the words he shared—but by living out what it means to follow God's call no matter how difficult life gets.
When we persevere because of his example, his ministry lives on.
When we persevere because of his example, his ministry lives on.
And really that’s what this post is all about. The legacy he
left with each of us. So now I’m going to open this up. Whether you’re reading
this on The Write Conversation or social media, take time to share a story of
how Bruce has touched you.
While I knew of Bruce from years earlier, I didn’t get to really know him until I joined Word Weavers. There, he took me under his wing and mentored me as a leader. He told me the purpose of writing was to impact lives. And if we’re impacting lives, we might as well do it for Christ.
ReplyDeleteSimple, yet profound
That’s Bruce’s legacy to me. Serve others any way you can, and always show (show, never tell) them that their God-given purpose has the power to change generations.
Bokwriter, thank you for sharing your thoughts! Blessings, E
DeleteBruce's quick smile and encouraging spirit will be missed. I have immense respect for him and the way he finished well. Keeping Candace and his family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHe always had a smile and an encouraging word!
DeleteI know Bruce only through his blog posts here and the comments he would leave on my blog posts. But when I say "only" that doesn't mean his influence on me was minor. I knew he was fighting a battle with cancer. He did so honestly and his words were always woven with kindness and with a meaningfulness that made me stop and consider what he was saying. He was a true encourager.
ReplyDeleteBeth, there were many who knew him that way, and you’re right. His words made us all think and always pointed to the father!
DeleteThe first time I met Bruce was at FCWC a few years ago, and I was immediately touched by the interest he took in my writing - even though he didn't know me yet! I agree ... He had a gift for helping us see past our insecurities and a heart for investing in us as writers and individuals. So grateful to have known him and truly miss him.
ReplyDeleteA true gentleman, such friendly and gracious soul. Heaven is even sweeter now.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a great guy, Edie. I'll always remember Bruce and the amazing hugs he gave. He really did give the best hugs! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. He will be missed.
ReplyDeletePowerful and beautiful post, Edie. I met Bruce in class at BRMCWC at my first ever conference in 2014. After that, he always cheered me on. He commented on my writing through my own blog posts or national sites that featured me. I met Candice at the same conference when she attended with Bruce a few years ago. Bruce in his usual way to encourage, to draw you in, invited me to sit with them during general sessions. Yes, he left a legacy beyond words. He will never be forgotten in my heart.
ReplyDeleteBruce was an encourager. He would remember pieces that I'd written years earlier and quote them to remind me that there's a story in me that needs to be let out to free others. He made me laugh with his unique wit. When I heard of his last hours here with us, prayers of praise for knowing him pour out that I didn't even realized I treasured about him. He was a man acting as Christ's ambassador in the writing community. Even though Bruce is with the Lord, he will continue to motivate me with these words he wrote, "What we do doesn't define us." Nevertheless, Bruce was my idea of a writer's champion because of his spirit of encouragement. Shine on, Bruce. Shine on.
ReplyDeleteBruce was right. You do have an incredible story that needs to be shared. - Robin Luftig
DeleteI remember Bruce as the pirate pictured at the top of your article. Seeing it brought tears to my eyes all over again. The limited interactions Bruce and I had at BRMCWC and though WordWeavers were boundless in impact. I cherish the divine touches he brought me. I treasure the thought of him now ... receiving the full-on God embrace. Thank you for having our paths cross, Lord. Thanks for the blessings, Bruce. <3
ReplyDeleteAll I ever knew about Bruce, I got from this blog. I never met him. BUT I felt like I had known him because every writer in the community that I know and respect who DID know him all knew him as a champion and a positive ambassador of God. That's all I ever needed to know. The above posts confirm his specialness and leadership on a path we can all hope to walk so truly. The above comment that heaven just got a little sweeter says it all. I know his heart is singing. Jay Wright - Anderson
ReplyDeleteAMEN and AMEN, Edie. Thanks for your beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteElva Cobb Martin
Pres. ACFW-SC Chapter
When I attended my first Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference, Bruce was there to welcome me and make me feel at home. Ever since then, he's been a "cyber-friend" and encourager. His home going will leave a blank space no one else can fill.
ReplyDeleteBruce was a kind, polite soul that I'll never forget. He always encouraged people.
ReplyDeleteEdie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he was much loved by so many. I never had the chance to meet him but i can see his impact on so many of my writer friends. {{{{{HUGZ}}}}} to you and prayers for peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteBruce became a friend as soon as I met him. He was always available when I needed h im to help me with writing, mentoring, or social media. If he didn't know the answer he would find out and get back to me. Bruce you will be missed. Well done good and faithful servant.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written ... thank you, Edie.
ReplyDeletePS: Right, Edie!!!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet tribute, Edie! I didn’t really know Bruce, but a small group of us showed up early and hungry at the FCWC in February. We had just met, but we went together and ordered out for pizza and sat and visited in the lobby. He was so upbeat and funny, and I was shocked to find out later during the conference about his illness. I would have never known because he was so positive. Prayers to you and all the family.
ReplyDeleteI met FCWC three years ago. Afterwards he sent me a Facebook request. I wasn't too sure about friending him because I didn't really know him. I private messaged him to warn him that I mainly posted recipes and pictures of my grandchildren. He responded that he loved food and grandchildren and would love to be my friend. I confirmed his request and enjoyed Facebook exchanges. I loved his positive attitude in the face of a grim diagnosis. You'll be missed.
ReplyDelete