A Life Well-Lived

The Reflection of a Life Well-Lived

Introduction - As I was meditating on this service and considering how to convey words to share in honor of a great servant of God. I want to share a few words with you. I don’t have enough time to fully explain the details of Dr. Rance Thomas.

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits (countenance) of another.”

Faith - Paul said in Philippians 1:21-22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.” “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”

Dr. Thomas had a strong faith and belief in God. He acknowledged to me that he had a strong belief and faith in God. He has been blessed to accomplish a lot in his life and receive many awards. However, his joy was being a witness for God and blessing to others. We have all experienced hard times, made tough decisions, and opened all kinds of doors involving, beliefs, role models, and attitudes. Yet, Dr. Thomas maintained the determination and grit to overcome obstacles in reaching out to people in our community. He kept the faith until he finished his course.

The New Revised Standard Version (The Servant’s Mission)

The Servant’s Mission Isaiah 49:1-4

49 Listen to me, O coastlands,pay attention, you peoples from far away!The LORD called me before I was born,while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. 3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” 4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” 1

1 The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Is 49:1–4.

Work - Proverbs 28: 5-6 “The evil do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.”

Dr. Thomas worked as a tireless servant. Everybody has some help getting through this life. We extend appreciation for all those who raised him and influenced his life as he influenced the lives of countless others. I came to Saint Louis in 2004, I had just enrolled in the doctoral program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. I did not know anything about criminal justice or social actions in Saint Louis. I attended several seminars led by Dr. Thomas. I witnessed a man full of passion and enthusiasm and sharing ideas for making a positive difference in North County. Dr. Thomas impacted me and gave me hope to press forward with purpose, and be a change agent in my community.

Service - Proverbs 28: 5-6 “The evil do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.”

Dr. Thomas was a 20-yr veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had the role of influencing and poured into the lives of many young airmen over the years. Dr. Thomas was also educator and influenced the lives of many people in the areas of social justice. In addition to being an educator, Dr. Thomas decided to continue enhance and stay relevant in his own education and earn his PhD. in Social Justice.

Conclusion - In conclusion, how do you want to be remembered? I pray that you have been inspired by the live of Dr. Rance Thomas. It is evident by this gathering today, that he made an impact on this community. Life is not going to last forever, but it is what you do in your life that makes the biggest difference. I have learned that, many times people don’t share their thoughts and feelings until they find someone willing to listen. So when we think about Dr. Thomas, he was willing to listen and share with others. He leaves his impact upon this community.