THE MAN NAMED JOHN
When I heard the news, my heart sank… not too much time lapsed and I thought of my mom. The two of them didn’t have a whole lot in common other than they both worked for the same company. Although it’s been a longer than four decades since my mom pulled the night shift at the convenience store… and she’s still alive.
The Circle K convenience store and gas station is on the northwest corner of two main roads just west of the Deer Valley airport and about a mile and a half from my office.
The truth is I avoid that mini-market like the plague – it’s hard to get into and often even harder to get out of. If there was any saving grace in the frustrations of the comings and goings for in-a-hurry-patrons, it was the guy behind the counter, the man named John.
While the market is part of the neighborhood, it was John that made it personal. The block walls, glass, freezers, gas pumps, and cash register make it a place of business – John and the regulars made it a community.
It’s a comforting thing, community. We come to count on the folks in our everyday walks of life almost as much as we do the essential products or services they provide. The interaction we share over time enriches our lives and turns strangers into acquaintances and sometimes even friends.
There can be treasures in the day to day transactions that most of us take for granted… and a broken heart when the treasure is stolen. That’s what I sensed in the eyes and words of some of my friends that knew John well.
The gift and treasure of John’s life was snatched by a customer that didn’t want friendship or friendly banter… he wanted cash… and shot John multiple times to take whatever green pieces of paper were in the cash register.
The man arrested for John’s murder wasn’t thinking about John. He never stopped to consider or take that time to find out about John’s disabled wife. The robber didn’t try to learn that John was the sole caregiver for his wheelchair-bound wife… or the fact that John worked at the store to support them and wouldn’t have the luxury of a life insurance policy.
The only thing the person who pulled the trigger had on his mind was himself. He was looking for a shortcut in life at someone else’s expense. It didn’t matter if it was a mega corporation or a workin’ man’s life.
It doesn’t take a detective to figure out that this is a fallen world we live in. We’re all weak in different ways in this flesh. I won’t be surprised when we find out that the killer was on drugs. A weakness made even weaker…
The common denominator for all of our weaknesses is the feeding of our selfish nature. God help us – literally, and may He lift up John’s family.
This is an opportunity to learn from the example of John Still’s life, to engage in other folks lives like he did… and a little less in our obsessions.
John’s friends have set up a fund to help care for Karen, John’s widow. Click here if you feel led, and please send up a prayer on her behalf.
Cynthia
Sunday, April 26, 2015 @ 5:48 pm
Good Evening Floyd,
This post saddens me…. And, our depravity as a society saddens me, even more. I will pray for John’s family, as they are sure to miss him. I will also pray for the person who, so thoughtlessly, took his life…though this prayer will be more difficult to utter…that, for his sake and soul, he will come to regret and repent his actions…. Cynthia
Barb Raveling
Sunday, April 26, 2015 @ 5:57 pm
That is so sad, Floyd – and thanks for providing the link so we can have a chance to help.
Cheryl Smith
Sunday, April 26, 2015 @ 6:08 pm
Oh, no, Floyd! This is SO sad! I am so sorry to hear of this. May the dear Lord have mercy on his wife and loved ones left behind. And may God bless you for your compassionate heart and for getting the word out about the donation site.
June
Sunday, April 26, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Taking a moment to pray for John’s wife. Thank you for sharing this, Floyd.
Caleb Suko
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 3:01 am
Evil knows no boundaries, I’m praying for John’s family and for the person who cause all this pain.
Bill (cycelguy)
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 4:04 am
Saddened by the apparent disregard for another human life. Ugh!
Lisa notes
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 6:18 am
A piece of beauty in this world–gone for now. Praying for John, his family, his friends. Praying for the murderer who had no idea who he was taking out. Thanking God for you, Floyd, and your sensitivity in sharing this story. You’re a blessing in the Kingdom.
Betty Draper
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 6:24 am
It’s such a wake up call when something senseless as this happens. First, how we have no idea what our day will hold. Second, how we will respond when something like this happens to people around us. Bless you Floyd for being willing to stand in the gap for this dear wife who has lost her husband. it made me think of the scriptures telling us what pure faith is, helping the widows and orphans. I have several friends who are widows and I donate my husband often to be the hands for them in fixing little things around the house. I pray the community will rise up and take care of this widow.
Voni Harris
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 9:26 am
That is sad, Floyd.
“While the market is part of the neighborhood, it was John that made it personal.” This, this will be John’s legacy. Praise God for that.
That community will rally around her, I strongly suspect. It also doesn’t take a detective to God at work in our world. I pray Karen sees that, feels it in her bones, soul-deep in the coming days.
Blessings on Karen, the community, and you, Floyd.
Hazel Moon
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 11:30 am
Years ago, my husband’s aunt was a victim of one of those senceless murders. It causes me to be angry at those who take innocent lives without a thought. It is a terrible thing to die at the hands of such a person, yet we don’t have a promise of one more day. Last Friday my cousin (20 years younger than me) died suddendly of a heart attach. Shock always accompanies the death of one who was too young to pass on – and murder is the worst death of all. Thank you for sharing your story that causes us to think – – with us here at “Tell me a Story.”
Pam
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 4:39 pm
What a tragic, unnecessary loss. Praying for Karen and for all those who will miss John. I am sure there are many.
Shandra
Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 7:40 pm
Bless you indeed.
Micah
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 @ 12:15 am
This is so so tragic. More and more I come to realise the obvious; that every life is precious and unique and inheres on every other person and thing it touches in ways too far reaching for us to fully understand. There is nothing sadder than when a life is stolen in this way. Especially a life like John’s as it sounds as though he was a beautiful human being who enriched those around him. I will indeed be offering prayers for his spouse and the family he has been forced to leave behind.
Sharon
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 @ 4:12 pm
Oh no, Floyd. This is just tragic. Oh, how I hate this world sometimes. It can be such a cruel place. I will pray for John’s family, that they may be comforted by God in this terrible time of grief.
This verse:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
May they know the truth of this verse, and know that the end of the story never truly ends…
GOD BLESS.
Diane
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 @ 4:12 pm
I feel the community’s loss. Your loss. Karen’s loss. I will pray and contribute. Thank you for the link.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
So sorry! And I go through so much of this. Not knowing personal friends, but dealing with murder in our town. In July it will be 7 years since I’ve been with the First Responders who are a combination of church people who are arriving within a day or so from the murder to pray for the neighborhood, the family. I never slow down very well. I have to focus on murders and we have been blessed to see some of them turn to the Lord when heading into prison. And the family members recognizing that the Lord has poured blessings on them. Another reliable situation.
Sorry for what your situation is/was and how it’s heart-breaking. Thank you for sharing. As usual, you are a blessing. Love you, Bro.
Jennifer Dougan
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 @ 7:04 am
Floyd,
I’m so sorry about John. This line here is so true: “The interaction we share over time enriches our lives and turns strangers into acquaintances and sometimes even friends.” Yes.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 @ 12:36 pm
Floyd, that’s heartbreaking. We often don’t realize how many people we truly influence, encourage, or strengthen; but then there are reminders like this that every life is invaluable for a host of reasons. Praying for this widow and community. Blessings to you, Floyd.
Saleslady371
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 @ 2:56 pm
I can understand how the John/your mom connection would cause you to avoid this corner. I am praying about all this. We know God allowed it and He is bigger than all this pain and our ability to figure it all out. I pray He will be glorified in it beyond our wildest dreams and mend all the hearts involved.
Your gift of words and all you stand for as a man of God is deeply needed in our society and in the Body of Christ. I pray you’ll have many opportunities to share your faith and help people and become very busy leading souls in The Way. And then you’ll have me to thank for your very busy schedule 🙂
Nancy Kehr
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 @ 8:27 pm
The ability to engage people and form a community, of sorts, is a rare gift these days. The emphasis is always on “what about ME?” The loss of a man such as John is truly a tragedy. The loss loss of compassion and humanity in our society is even worse. It is wonderful that you generously lent your platform to the story and to the place where fold who are led, could give to the wife. Thanks for giving voice to those who voices have been silenced.
Dolly@Soulstops
Thursday, April 30, 2015 @ 11:08 am
Floyd,
Oh…praying right now for John’s family, his wife and for the person who did this …praying for God’s redemption in this tragedy….praying comfort for you, too.