Re: The Optimist, Oct. 15 “Chapel speech poorly timed for grieving” by Kyle Robarts, sports editor

As a parent of two ACU students, and hopefully, prayerfully a third, I want to publicly praise and thank Dr. Wayne Barnard for using every opportunity, including the passing of a dear colleague, to wake up and raise the consciousness of students to what is holy, deserving respect and participation, and of eternal importance.

I am 56 and more than two-thirds (perhaps a lot more), of my life is possibly behind me. When my life is over, I hope my pastor and others use every grieving moment to alert my loved ones, and anyone else that will listen, to what really, eternally matters. I hope it results in salvation, rededication, renewed fervor, and also respect, attentiveness, participation and passion during worship opportunities.

Sometimes we sing, “You are standing on holy ground,” and it is important to remember that we really are doing exactly that during corporate worship. We are literally approaching God and seeking to stand before Him in praise and worship. Those present only to get their credit toward an ACU requirement (in denial of whose presence they are in) should at least be attentive and respectful to earn that credit honestly.

I am grateful to every administrator and professor who is dedicated to ACU as a Christian Ministry, and I thank you all!

Thank you Dr. Wayne Barnard for your dedication and vigilance!

Barry D. Williams