Eulogy of Keith Gibbs
Honoring my Brother, Keith Gibbs
The week before Keith’s passing, a group of us from church had the opportunity to pray with Keith to heal. Keith texted me back afterwards saying, “I was moved with emotion, overwhelmed by the prayers of faith from the men of God I call my brothers. I receive healing in Jesus’ name and I will believe and not doubt. Love you guys, you are such a blessing, Thank you my friends!”
In such a short message, Keith summed up his legacy. Keith’s life ministry and something he was ever so passionate and divinely called to do, was to build brotherhood among Christian men. Every word from Keith was one of encouragement, strength, endearment and God’s love. One of Keith’s favorite Bible verses, that he would reflect on with his brothers was Ephesians 6:10, listed below:
The Whole Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God and stand. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
The deepest needs of manhood: a battle to fight; an adventure to live; and a beauty to rescue.
Keith loved to read this verse to his brothers, because it was an integral piece of his biblical teachings, under a book called “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge. Keith had inspired hundreds of men in his years of teaching, and inspired so many men to STAND and go on to build their own ministry and a “Band of Brothers.” He helped men to understand their Godly purpose and the deepest needs of their manhood: a battle to fight; an adventure to live; and a beauty to rescue.
Keith saw right into your heart, and challenged you to be a better man of God. To fight for what is righteous and true. To affirm each of us as men and help to open our eyes to God’s truth versus the lies of the world. That no lie or wound inflicted on men today is stronger than the love that God has for each of us. To build more ministries for brotherhood, and ultimately a life’s legacy based on this truth: one with God as the center of all things, where men can flourish in a life filled with brotherhood, fulfillment, and purpose.
I strive for a legacy that will mirror the great life legacy of my brother, Keith Gibbs.
Love in Brotherhood,
Your Fireside Brothers