PLYMOUTH – In recent days a massive winter storm moved up the East Coast leaving in its wake incredible damage from the result of tornados, floods, snow, ice, and tremendous winds. I was reading one news article relating to the storm front, and it included pictures of massive trees that were toppled like blades of grass under the weight of a boot filled by some behemoth of a man stomping through a field. It also showed trees that were experiencing the same storm, but stood strong and remained rooted because they had grown close to one another, and their roots systems had become entwined. Since that storm rolled up the coast, another great oak among us has fallen as well.
This great tree that stood so many years in our midst did not fall because of a saturated ground, ferocious storm, or because “his roots” were not strong and deep enough, or those roots were not interlaced with others. In fact, it was quite the contrary. This great tree had deep roots. This great tree has weathered more storms than most of us will see in a lifetime. He stayed close to others and especially the local church. This great oak fell because God in His sovereign will, chose to bring him home so that he might worship his Savior in person and enjoy the rewards of his labors.
This great oak was Dr. Rochelle Davis Jr. and his influence in this state, nation, and for that matter, the world, will be felt for decades to come.
On this terrestrial ball on which we live influence can and is felt by all creation. The influence of the sun's rays warm that which would be cold and lifeless without it. It illuminates our days and its reflection guides us during the dark of night. The Moon's gravitational pull influences our creation as it moves the waters of the oceans helping to keep it teaming with life and its currents flowing. The constant rotation of the earth, its tilting, and resultant temperature variations give us winds and weather thus keeping the cycle of life on its course, the direct result of influence. Influence is felt all about us but none more so than the influence of a life well lived.
Dr. Rochelle Davis Jr. had a life well lived and his influence is evidenced here today. He, like so many others, was a member of the last great generation. This is the generation that made it possible for us to freely assemble today and to speak English and not German or Japanese. His is the generation that built this country into the industrial, technological, and agricultural giant that supplies the world, that maintains the peace and sets the standards for that which is good and moral. Many referred to this generation as the Hoover generation.
As I recall Dr. Davis’ life and the life of those who are people of influence, I find there are some basic characteristics that are almost universally shared by them all.
Consistency. These great influencers are not restless flashes in the pan—here today and gone tomorrow. Neither are they given to fads and gimmicks. Those who impact lives stay at the task with reliable regularity. They seem unaffected by the fickle winds of change. They are consistent.
Authenticity. Probe all you wish, try all you like to find hypocritical flaws, and you search in vain. People who impact others are real to the core; no alloy covered over with a brittle layer of chrome, but solid genuine stuff right down to the nubbies. They are authentic.
Unselfishness. We cannot forget this one. Hands down it’s there every time. Those who impact us the most watch out for themselves the least. They notice our needs and reach out to help, honestly concerned about our welfare. Their least-used words are “I,” “me,” “my,” and “mine”. They are unselfish.
Tirelessness. With relentless determination they spend themselves. They refuse to quit. Possessing an enormous amount of enthusiasm for their labor, they press on regardless of the odds…virtually unconcerned with obstacles. Actually, they are like pioneers—resilient, always plowing ahead. They are tireless.
Southern Baptist locally, nationally, and globally owe a great debt to this great fallen oak. His influence changed the face, the focus, and the future of our denomination. Dr. Rochelle, you will be greatly missed but your influence will linger for generations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board.