we write with our lives

photo from www.Harvest.org


'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47.

University spokeswoman Anne Watzman says Pausch died early Friday at his home in Virginia.

Pausch was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006. His popular last lecture at Carnegie Mellon in September 2007 garnered international attention and was viewed by millions on the Internet.

In it, Pausch celebrated living the life he had always dreamed of instead of concentrating on impending death.

The book "The Last Lecture, " written with Jeffrey Zaslow, topped best-seller lists after its publication in April.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.


I wrote about Randy Pausch and posted his famous video, here, early this year... today, he's gone. Thanks for your parting thoughts.

Most people don't get the opportunity to write a book, give a speech, say goodbye... Pastor Greg Laurie, of Harvest Christian Fellowship, the church I've pastored next to for over 20 years, lost his son to death- tragically, in an auto accident, Thursday, July 24, 2008. I'd never met him... I've learned more about him in the hours since I've learned of his death than in the 20 years we've been next to Harvest.

My loss.

His name was Christopher- he leaves behind a loving family, at home and in his church -because he was writing his book with his life every day. Read more about his life and pending funeral plans at www.Harvest.org. No "Last Lecture," as nice as that would have been for the world to capture insight into his heart, soul and dreams was necessary. We see his witness at work in the church and the world. He wrote with his life.

The beautiful and timely graphics that support the ministry of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Harvest Crusades as well as most of his dad's work- books, speaking, conferences, etc... were designed by Christopher. They remain on bumper stickers, book covers, program headings and in so many other places, known to his family... known to God, that tell a small part of his story... part that will be left behind for everyone to share, enjoy and remember him with.

Pastor's do funerals. I've presided over the burial of far too many children... held parents in my arms as they've had no choice but to trust God in their greatest trial... where else would we turn? Only God can speak to that darkness, that pain... Only God can restore hope when we're left with heart break.

My prayers this morning are for the family of Christopher Laurie... a man I never met... but one who left an impact on our work as we strived to be better than we could be... looking at the high quality graphic designs of Harvest- in their printed material -knowing we could be better. My prayers are for his brother, his mom and dad... I work with my children on staff and know the blessing and pride Pastor Greg must have felt as well. Today, can't begin to imagine the feeling of loss... the heartbreak... how he'll return to the office, the pulpit... plan for Harvest Crusades... God alone gives strength for these moments... comfort? It's probably a long way off.

Pastor Rick Warren writes in "The Purpose Driven Life" that we need to think more about death, not less... he's right. Everyone who loved and knew Christopher will think more about death for the rest of their lives: in each empty moment- in every time they would have turned to him- in the eyes of his children... in his art... his unknowing "Last Lecture" that remains.

But Christopher's not lost... He's Home. Hard as that is for those who love him- he's home. My prayer today should probably be for Randy Pausch, don't know much about his relationship with The Lord... just his love for life... pray that today He's Home as well.

Life comes at us faster than we're ready for... we write our "last lecture" with our lives- one day at a time. Hope you're writing a Masterpiece for Jesus in all you say and do today.

Keep the family and friends of Christopher Laurie in your prayers. So sad.

blessings,

Eric