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| Christmas 2011 |
As I listened to stories from the family about Carroll, it was quickly apparent that he is a man I would have loved to know. Steadfast, faithful, a man of impeccable integrity, hard working, innovative, creative, a lover of Jesus and people, a man of compassion and service, a servant leader, a family man and a man of color.
Paint color that is. Carroll worked most all of his life in
the paint world, a business which provided for his family, was a job he loved
and to me is a beautiful picture of how he lived his life.
While paint can be an attraction by itself, in the construction world it is just kind of a necessity, it’s just there. Paint looks nice, for sure, but it also is important for protecting a home or a building from the elements. Over time, it is easy to not notice paint anymore, but it still does its thing, faithfully keeping the siding from cracking, keeping water out and when noticed, is recognized for its aesthetic addition.
As I listened to all the things Carroll was to everyone who knew and loved him, it seemed to me that he in many ways was like the paint he had sold, created, applied and innovated for so many years. His presence made a difference. He protected people he loved and served from the elements of life. He stood fast while the world would try to break down the relationships around him, always managing to shield those closest to him from being hurt.
He never wavered in his work, he was always “on”, just like paint. He was steadfast and true, his colors the same from day to day, never changing. He was reliable. The color dot you saw on the lid of the can was exactly what you saw when you opened it up.
Another thing that stuck out to me, was Carroll’s optimistic belief in people and second chances. In the same way that a house gets a new start with a fresh coat of paint, Carroll recognized the reality of a redeeming Savior who was at work in the world. No one was beyond a second chance because no one was beyond redemption. And Carroll was a man who loved to help people repaint their homes and more importantly their lives.
Carroll flew under the radar. He’ll probably never have a building named after him, although he could. He never sought the attention of others. He was more than content just being a behind the scenes kind of guy who diligently and obediently followed Jesus. He lived out the gospel in the very same way St. Francis of Assisi spoke of: “Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary, use words”.
While paint can be an attraction by itself, in the construction world it is just kind of a necessity, it’s just there. Paint looks nice, for sure, but it also is important for protecting a home or a building from the elements. Over time, it is easy to not notice paint anymore, but it still does its thing, faithfully keeping the siding from cracking, keeping water out and when noticed, is recognized for its aesthetic addition.
As I listened to all the things Carroll was to everyone who knew and loved him, it seemed to me that he in many ways was like the paint he had sold, created, applied and innovated for so many years. His presence made a difference. He protected people he loved and served from the elements of life. He stood fast while the world would try to break down the relationships around him, always managing to shield those closest to him from being hurt.
He never wavered in his work, he was always “on”, just like paint. He was steadfast and true, his colors the same from day to day, never changing. He was reliable. The color dot you saw on the lid of the can was exactly what you saw when you opened it up.
Another thing that stuck out to me, was Carroll’s optimistic belief in people and second chances. In the same way that a house gets a new start with a fresh coat of paint, Carroll recognized the reality of a redeeming Savior who was at work in the world. No one was beyond a second chance because no one was beyond redemption. And Carroll was a man who loved to help people repaint their homes and more importantly their lives.
Carroll flew under the radar. He’ll probably never have a building named after him, although he could. He never sought the attention of others. He was more than content just being a behind the scenes kind of guy who diligently and obediently followed Jesus. He lived out the gospel in the very same way St. Francis of Assisi spoke of: “Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary, use words”.
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