One week after Brother Blair‘s passing, I was walking alone one evening on our church property and as I passed the Fellowship Hall there were nearly 200 young people singing and dancing the Jewish Hora. The sound of their joyous celebration and praise drifted across the quiet landscape as they sang, “Our Father is alive… He’s living in His people who live to do His will, He’s living in His people, His people Israel.”
I immediately remembered Brother Blair speaking about the dream and vision he had all the way back in New York City in the 1970s. He said that he envisioned a place where brothers and sisters were united as a “city set upon a hill” and “the light of the world”, and he could hear the age-old singing and laughter and see the dancing feet at the weddings of his children and grandchildren.
As I heard the sound of singing and dancing of the third generation, I knew the vision was alive and would live on! And as I sat in the wedding of Brother Blair’s grandson who carries the same name, I could feel that the same vision had been fanned into flame in his own heart as well. Brother Blair’s dream had not been in vain!
As for myself, part of the second generation, expecting my first child in just one month, I am committed to carrying this same vision. I will never forget the profound love and care that Brother Blair expressed as he ministered to us and shepherded us into the narrow path where there is life, and helped us to find unity with our brothers and sisters and with Jesus. His love for God overflowed to all of us in so many countless ways.
I remember so clearly when Brother Blair and Sister Regina would come into our Cafe where I worked as a waiter. Though it was my place to serve them, I always felt that in the end I had received so much more than I had given. Brother Blair always took the time to share parts of his testimony with me and encourage me to continue on with the Lord even when it seemed difficult.
Now I am committed to passing this vision of love on to my children and grandchildren and to all those that come seeking the hope that lies within us.
Thank you Brother Blair for the fire that you kindled within our hearts!
With much love,
Nathaniel and Aridai Klingensmith
