A Tribute To Michael W. Ryan

This letter is of all things not intended to be a eulogy, but rather a long overdue tribute to a truly deserving individual and friend.
In fact, it has and will continue to be my sincere prayer and desire that God will grant Mike the sufficient grace and healing to outlive each and every one of us.

In light of the 40 plus years that I have known Mike I can safely say that it has truly been my honor and privilege to be called his friend.
Mike is truly an inspiration to me as well as many others I'm sure.

For those who know Mike, it is a definite testimony to the fact that the Lord brings rain upon the just as well as the unjust.
If a person's mortality were totally determined by their righteousness or unrighteousness, or if ill health was directly in proportion to the wickedness of a person's heart, Mike would be the very last person on earth, that I personally know, who would ever contract a chronic illness or disease, and would also be the last to meet his expiration date.

Mike is one of few people I've known for any length of time whom I have never heard a swear word escape from his mouth. I have never seen Mike lose his cool with anyone nor even so much as lower himself to feel it necessary to "give someone a piece of his mind," as most of the rest of us have done a time or two. I am not even sure if Mike is capable of conceiving, devising, or plotting anything involving malicious motives against another human being.

It is truly unfortunate that, at least for the present, the rich, the powerful, the socially affluent, and oftentimes rude and complacent extroverts, rule this domain that we all too well know as our world; and is just as unfortunate that they too control practically everything that touches this entity that we know as our life.

Oh that there were more rulers, leaders, teachers, and preachers, as well as just everyday ordinary people in this world that were as pure in heart and motive as my friend Michael Wayne Ryan.

If bad habits were completely to blame for keeping a person out of heaven and, if just the opposite, keeping good habits fulfilled heavens qualifications, Mike would be the first person I know to pass through those pearly gates.
He is the only person I've known who, to my knowledge, can lay claim to everyone of the following attributes: has never allowed a cigarette to touch his lips, does not partake of alcohol or strong drink, never used drugs, never (and I mean never) thought about cheating on his wife, never consciously broke a speed limit, never drove a vehicle without buckling his seat belt, never used the Lord's name in vain, never neglected his wife, never held a grudge, never failed to forgive others their trespasses, and never failed to honor his father and his mother.

Any one of us would be hard pressed to name someone else, let alone be that person, that could lay claim to every one of the above mentioned attributes. I must confess that I personally have not indefinitely maintained any one of these moral standards. So, if anyone were to imply that Mike Ryan is a little out of the ordinary, I would have to vehemently agree; and subsequently bow my head in despair that the rest of us aren't.

If anyone would dare to insinuate that the world belongs to the wise...again I would have to ask, "Who is the wiser?"

If consistency and steadfastness were entirely the key to wealth and fortune Mike would be the richest man I know! Straight out of High School, he prudently acquired a humble position at the Hillsdale Medical Care Facility, maintaining that same job for 30 years, always there, never late, never one to complain about wages, benefits, or hours; Mike would truly be the epitome of the ideal employee and the desire of every employer.

God forgive us if any of us as bosses, employers, finance companies, store clerks, car salesmen, etc., etc., has ever so much as taken advantage of the Michael Wayne Ryans of this world.

I believe this same appreciation for consistency and steadfastness would be shared with Mike's landlord, mortgage holders, and utility companies; and... if cars, motorcycles, gas tanks, computers, lawns and lawnmowers could talk, and declare their preference of ownership, I am convinced that they would each adopt themselves out to an owner who has demonstrated the consistency and punctuality that Mike has shown in the simple little, but important areas, such as general maintenance and upkeep.

Before finalizing this statement of Mike's person and character I don't feel it would be complete without mentioning his personal faith and testimony.
As noted above (and you'd have a difficult time disputing that I think he is a great guy), none of us would likely disagree that Mike has some very high and stringent moral standards. But...even with all that going for him, Mike still knows that there is only one way to heaven; still believes that there is only one true and Holy God, and still believes that he himself is a sinner in need of a Savior! And you know what??? ...that puts him in the same category as the rest of us!

When questioning Mike, I asked him what his favorite Bible verse is and he immediately called out, "John 3:16" (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life).

Mike continues to maintain a personal faith and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And, a great testimony to that faith is Mike's unwavering confidence and assurance that no matter what is to become with the onset of his serious and chronic illness he is yet confident that it is in the Lord's hands and therefore he shall not be troubled or perplexed.

There is a portion of scripture that's a personal favorite of mine and
I thought it would be a good note to finish this "Tribute to Mike" on. It reads like this:

   Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say
all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so
persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
                                                                 Matthew 5:3-12 (KJV Bible)