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TBC Newsletter | |
| March 2006 |
IN MEMORY OF FOY AND PHIL |
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Phil Strickland |
Foy Valentine |
Two legends in Baptist life died nearly within a month of each other – Foy Valentine and Phil Strickland. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the memory of these two ethical giants.
Lou Gehrig may have honestly considered himself the “luckiest man on the face of the earth” in 1939 when he was honored at Yankee Stadium, but I honestly believe I may be the luckiest man alive today. Foy and Phil were close friends and mentors of mine and I have no way of measuring the impact they had on my life. Without a doubt, I would not have a successful ministry and career without their influence and support.
Phil was the big brother I never had. Outside of his family, I have no doubt I was the closest person to him in life. We talked every week for the last twenty years. He and I worked together closely in all we did at Texas Baptists Committed. He was very much a co-executive director of TBC. He was the finest person I have ever met.
We hunted together, dreamed together, traveled together and worked as if we were one in trying to do all we could to save Texas Baptists and move our convention closer to partnering with Christ in all we do. I am feeling a sense of loss I cannot put into words at losing his counsel and friendship.
Foy was a legend of legends in Baptist life. Baptists were relevant and respected in the 1960s because of Foy and his courageous leadership in race relations. He encouraged us all to understand the connection between our belief and our behavior. Thousands of us connected to Baptist life through the work and witness of the Christian Life Commission.
In retirement in Texas, he remained a steadfast encourager and friend to me, showing me forgiveness and challenging me to be courageous.
My Mount Rushmore of Baptist life is Foy Valentine, Jimmy Allen, James Dunn and Phil Strickland. I have lost two of them in these first months of 2006. Should the Lord give me an extended period of life, I pledge to use it to build on the legacy of these four Baptist ethical giants because without ethics, we really do not have much of a way to influence our world for the better.
I thank Foy and Phil for shaping me, loving me and helping me become all that I could be. Please enjoy this issue that honors them.
