Bobby Stephenson

Shortly before midnight, Sat June 11, 2022, Bobby Stephenson breathed the air of heaven and heard the voice of Jesus say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.  Surely a line, led by his parents, Janet and Wayne, formed to welcome him home.  He lived 61 years on this beautiful, broken earth.

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”  -Tuesdays with Morrie

Bobby was devoted to loving others as a:

Son

Brother

Uncle

Father figure

Steadfast friend

Wise teacher

Creative genius

Mayor of “The Shire”

Bobby was the master of building genuine community:

Serving his peers as AHS class president

Working retail at Gadzooks and The Gap            

Serving selflessly in student ministry at FBB

Designing and consulting for local businesses and churches

He fostered community as he crafted adventure for us all:

White water rafting

Skiing in Colorado

Mystery trips across the country

He savored the planning, the journey, and the destination, but none of it was just for him.  He wanted you to come along and share in the experience of it all.

Bobby LOVED Christmas!  He treasured the wonder, anticipation, music, socks, and, of course, the reason. Bobby gave the BEST gifts.  Whether it was a “classic Bobby signature” Christmas gift or granting “Bobby’s Wishes”, if it was from Bobby, it was personal and from the heart. 

Bobby was such a gifted artist.  How many times have we entered a space, instantly felt at home, and said, “Bobby’s been here.”  His unmatched gift of creativity left its mark:  the placement of every object intentional. 

As Bobby got closer to heaven, God gave him 13 days to hear what he means to us.  He heard:

“Thank you isn’t enough”

“You saved my life”, “You saved my child’s life”

“You made me feel seen”

“You pushed me out of my comfort zone”

“You never gave up on me”

“I know Jesus because of you”

As we trek through the days of grief ahead, look for opportunities to be like Bobby:

Love your neighbor, the ones next door, and anyone you meet

Make another feel seen

Set up your hammock or walk through the woods and soak in the sounds of creation

Grab some Starbucks or a root beer from his list

Have a random catch-up session with an old friend you see in Kroger

It was all on purpose: the decorations, the seemingly unsolvable clues, the EPIC games, the nuggets of wisdom, the gifts, the intentional conversations: Bobby’s purpose? 

He wanted you to see Jesus.

Bobby didn’t do what was easy.  Bobby did what mattered. Who knew a boy from the little Louisiana town of Homer could have made such a difference?  God did, and He chose to give us the gift of knowing him.

“No one will remember the date you were born.  No one will remember the date you died.  Life is that dash in the middle. MAKE YOURS COUNT” 

Bobby lived his dash well.  We’re all the better for it.

At Bobby’s request, no flowers are needed.  Please use the link to donate to Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child.