I Hope

I’m not obsessed with Gene Wilder, but he was in probably the first movie I ever saw and liked: “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” In those three channel television days he was right up there with Batman and Robin, and Rudolph. He went on to play numerous rolls in all sorts of engagements. But he was most widely known as the exocentric confectioner, Willy Wonka.

Wilder died at the age of 83 on August 29, 2016, at home in Stamford, Connecticut, he had Alzheimer's. Though he had been diagnosed three years prior to his death he kept knowledge of his condition private. He nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said that this was so as not to sadden fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, stating:

“The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn't vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there's Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment, or confusion. He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”

Minister friend, I do not know what issues you might be struggling with, who’s messing with your mind and ministry, who’s tempting you to quit or be quiet, who’s interrupting your industry and intentions. I don’t know what personal struggles you are in a battle with. I don’t know what baggage you have held on to. But I do know people are watching you. I don’t suppose it’s a sin for us to be human and to hurt but I do know that when many people think of their minister they need to see a man who is content in his life, at peace with his savior and has peace in his soul. I hope when they think of you, in the midst of whatever real pain you may be carrying they see the joy of the Lord and smile. We pray that God will bless your week with good.