A tribute to “Brother” Dale Hicks:

For 20 years I was part of a small group of believers in Enid, Oklahoma 73702 (In case God is looking for us.) That was a stab at humor. God knows the actual zip code is “03.” Dale had a sense of humor.

This was a charismatic oriented assembly. It was birthed and, at that time, travelled under this prophetic word;

The light of Jesus will shine unhindered over our city.”

While we were waiting for that coming day, I would sometimes get a glimpse of it (i.e. – the light of Jesus). It was Dale Hicks. A gentler spirit I have never known. He was shy and gracious. He was quiet, unless of course you broached the subject of the outdoors. Dale loved the outdoors and all the guy things that can happen out there.

As I would find my way to my seat, I would often make time to connect, if just for a moment, with Dale. And he did shine! As I would await a, “Hello Rob” I would, without fail, hear instead, “Hello brother.” I’m sure he knew my name but Dale was a creature of habit and I was “Brother” to him. That was OK. To Dale, this was not just religious-speak – Dale knew we were related. I loved this guy. He would always bring to mind a quote (the jest of which), I carry like a pearl, in my heart.

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, snub and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” C.S. Lewis

Dale was one of the everlasting types. He would always follow up his greeting with a conspiratorial wink, and ask; “Kill anything lately brother?” Then we would squeeze our little guy stories into the remaining 2 minutes and 30 seconds before I had to strap on my guitar and do my thing.

I also like the balance of Lewis’ quote.

“(Because there are no mere mortals) this does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and is in fact, the merriest kind) which exist between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously – no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.”

This was precisely the type of light that Dale cast. No. Dale Hicks was no ordinary person. He was created in God’s image. He was a member of God’s family. He was indeed my brother and, eye-to-eye, he shown brightly. He is now breathing freely and deeply in the Presence of the one for Whom he was created. Well done my good and faithful brother.

May Ruth Ann and the rest of the Hick’s family be blessed in Dale’s life and graduation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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