Reflections on Tim LaHaye’s Death

Reflections on Tim LaHaye’s Death July 25, 2016

734446_10151954198952481_1121242043_nDr. Tim F. LaHaye, prominent Evangelical leader and co-author of the Left Behind series, died on Monday, July 25 at 90 years old after suffering a stroke. On his passing, I can’t help but smile at the way Penny Nance, a close friend of the LaHayes, and CEO of Concerned Women for America, said it, “I know he is in Heaven enjoying worshiping at Jesus’ feet and refining his knowledge and views on eschatology.”

Despite all the critics and differences in eschatological opinions, Dr. LaHaye was devoted to the Lord he served so well until the end of his days. The pastor of a large Southern California church for a time, Dr. LaHaye was a man of moral conviction who took an unwavering stand for the Gospel.

But while he might have presented a big personality on radio, television, and in politics helping to found the Moral Majority, in person Dr. LaHaye was a gentle, soft-spoken servant-leader who, for example, always made time to encourage a struggling 20-something woman tired and frustrated with her job.

On several occasions I met Dr. LaHaye while working for Concerned Women for America, which was founded at his wife Beverly’s kitchen table in the 1980s. Though he might not have known my name, Dr. LaHaye and his wife always took time to walk over and chat with me for a few moments.

I can remember one March for Life Dr. LaHaye shared just the right words to get me through a tough day. We staff members spent the day preparing for a board meeting, walking the halls of Congress for a lobby project, walking in the March for Life, and then hosting a dinner-time celebration event. That evening this introvert was in charge of the registration table. Perhaps noticing the fatigue all over my face, Dr. LaHaye walked over and asked me how I was feeling. I couldn’t hide the exhaustion and was pretty close to tears as I replied, “I’m hanging in there.” He smiled, shared a Scripture passage, and even prayed a short prayer with me.

It might not seem like much, but that gesture helped me face the next few hours of greeting strangers at a registration table. I’m forever grateful for Dr. LaHaye’s bold Christian witness, his kindness, his passion for people, and his contagious love of the Lord.

He will be missed.


Browse Our Archives