I am VERY grateful to have known Andy. We had coordinated earlier in his career while job searching and met regularly for encouragement and strategizing. He needed to switch jobs, intensely driven by a compelling need to provide for his family. He was in agony over this… not out of pride for himself, but out of responsibility for others. He was struggling with how to best represent himself… really struggling, as his humility was seemingly in direct opposition to his need for personal branding and marketing. It was tough for him to “brag” about himself enough to present a compelling resume. But his humility also allowed for a remarkable degree of introspection, and an intense desire to learn.

He eagerly engaged, driven by responsibility. He was fiercely courageous in order to do what he needed to do, for his family. He looked at that time, not in despair, but as a time of growth. He sought advice, stepped out to network and meet others, and attended a bible study to grow through adversity, and learn from it. Become stronger, and more knowledgeable about himself and how the world works. He studied the world around him and its processes, rather than just complain about them and blame others (as some do). Yet he always maintained his integrity… studied the world, without it corrupting him.

Some would see adversity and reject God for allowing suffering… for not rescuing them FROM suffering. Yet Andy, who had suffered so much, saw God delivering him THROUGH suffering, with the resultant growth that only comes from overcoming challenges. He realized the truth of God through adversity.

What an amazing man! Optimistic, but realistic. Encouraging, but firm. Gentle, but sturdy. Intelligent, yet thoughtful. Strong enough to ask for help, and kind enough to provide it to others.

We’d parted ways as jobs took us on different paths, but I am grateful that I will see him again, as all Christians do.