‘Walk the line’

Andrew Collis
Funeral for Leigh Conrad Jorey
(July 14, 1970 – September 7, 2022)
Mark 12:28-34

I express thanks to Leigh for volunteering with Cana – with the Garden Shelter … for offering that love and support to others, guests and fellow volunteers … as a handyperson at various community houses, as a support worker with NDIS clients …

People say his presence made a difference – that he stood up for others, that he stood by others when life was difficult and overwhelming – how he gave his time and shared his wisdom.

Leigh knew hardship … and Leigh loved his neighbour, which, according to Jesus, means he loved God – he loved with the faithfulness of God who says: “I will cover you with my pinions; under my wings you will take refuge; my faithfulness will shield you” (Psalm 91:4).

I hear Leigh was a fan of Johnny Cash, the Man in Black who sang: “I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down / Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town / I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime …” (1971).

Cash also sings “I walk the line”, and today, perhaps, this line, for us, moves between missing Leigh and giving thanks for him (by grace we do both, we keep balance and we keep loving) … between a painful sadness and a commitment to remember and honour him.

It’s a fine line, a trembling.

Leigh knew hardship … and Leigh loved his neighbour, which, according to Jesus, means he loved God – he loved with the faithfulness of God who says: “Because you’re mine, I walk the line.”

Leigh stood by so many others. We stand by him today … as we stand by Brooke and all the family … all Leigh’s friends … and in support of one another.

Which means in support of this community – committing again to walk with wisdom, to pursue wisdom – to share faith, hope and love. Amen.