In the Midst of Greatness

Matthew 18:4 "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

We are surrounded by false humility on one hand and a striving to be the greatest on the other. It is truly rare to find one who is sincerely humble. Where would we find one who thought of others first, one who put forth extra effort to show God's love to everyone he met? One who went out of his way to make everyone feel special? Who saw needs others were too busy to see? Where could we find such man? I know this man and tomorrow morning, along with countless others, I will say goodbye to him.
Norman Gipson was truly an amazing man. He touched every heart he met. Nationwide, souls were moved by Brother Norman. I met him when I was six years old and my dad was a Bear Valley School of Preaching student. Norman and his lovely wife Ann, reached out to my family. He was one of my father's favorite instructors. He taught Biblical Doctrines and my dad often talked about what a brilliant man Brother Norman was. I remember as a child, being so impressed that he was a walking song book. He must have known every song in every book. He enjoyed singing and would burst into song at the drop of a hat. I was very young and I don't remember everything about that time, but I remember that Brother Norman was a servant, a servant who loved to sing.
Many years later as an adult, I would once again cross paths with this man of God's. It was a wonderful surprise that he would be my and Eddy's instructor at Sunset School of Preaching. Other than saying goodby to his beloved Ann, Brother Norman had not changed. I was surprised that he remembered me. Our friendship was renewed and I looked forward to seeing him everyday at school. There are so many things I could tell you that made me love this man. Today, I am not sure I can do him justice, but I will tell you just a few things that touched my heart then and continue to touch it now.

• Brother Norman whistled or sang all the time. I could hear him coming down the hall and it always made me smile.
• He always wrote nice things on my tests. After grading my exams, he would write a verse from the Bible or a few lines from a hymn or just a "I am proud of you." He was a true encourager.
• All of the single women his age thought he was the catch of the century, but he was still madly in love with his Ann. He was very kind in rebuffing their attention, so kind they didn't even realize he had just redirected their attention.
• He lived a simple life. He wore the same ties and suits he'd worn for many many years, no matter how out of style they were. He chose to spend his money on other things, usually other people.
• He smiled and laughed all the time. He found humor in everyday experiences. He was happy.
• He saw needs that others looked over. Several times when Eddy was in the hospital, Brother Norman came to visit and would offer to take the boys out for lunch or sit with Eddy while I went home to change and rest. After Eddy died, Brother Norman took me out for dinner several times, just thinking I might need an adult to visit with and a chance to get out of the house and not cook.
• He wrote beautiful songs and often came to my office at Sunset to "teach" them to me.
• He read and studied out of the Greek New Testament. Seriously, that was the bible he took to church. It did not have Greek and English both. He knew the Greek. He was brilliant!
• He was grateful for all that God did for him and was quick to express his gratitude for the little things others did for him.
• He was a servant and did not mind helping with the most menial of tasks. He was humble and willing and always a cheerful giver.
• When I was getting remarried, he ran into me at the bank. He asked about my wedding plans and when he heard I was wearing an older dress, he said that every bride needed a new dress to get married in. He took me shopping and bought my wedding dress. I will never forget that act of kindness.

Everyone has good memories of this man. These are a few of the many things I remember about Norman Gipson. He was amazing and when in his presence you could not help but feel special. You knew you were in the midst of greatness. He was what God's people are supposed to be. He was the Beatitudes. The past few years have been difficult ones for Norman, healthwise and he has struggled. On Monday, he was released from this life and those struggles. I am convinced he is singing again. From humble beginnings came a great great man and today he is in the midst of greatness, right where he belongs.

I am glad you are home, Brother Norman

Peace
Neva