Our lives are like pebbles tossed into a pond, leaving ever-widening rings and ripples
of influence. Long after a stone disappears, the ripples continue.
Just so, after a person passes from our sight, the impact of his knowledge, Values, Sacrifices, and Faith live
on in the membership of Family Love. That is why we are here today-to lift up in our memory, Bishop Fred Harris,
Sr.
The appreciation for his Struggles, Character, and Life, remembering what is True, Just, Honorable, Pure, Lovely, Gracious,
and Excellent.
Ever since Alex Haley's Book entitled "Roots," It has been popular to look back to one's heritage:
To those who have gone before us; To reconstruct their Trials, Victories, Defeats, and Deprivations endured and to view
their hopes and dreams. We have come here to do that as children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great, great-grandchildren
and friends.
In times when people often feel restless and rootless, the best antidote is to see how our elders coped
with upheaval. Our stability, sense of community, and society depends upon it.
"Listen. YOUR GRANDFATHER IS SPEAKING!" He is saying something about values, What count
most in your lives. I hear him saying. Jesus counted most in his life. What Do You Hear? He is saying
something about the importance of service to your fellow-man.
The voices of your grandparents are the way Faith, Hope and Love are transmitted from Generation to Generation.
I believe the Lord was going about seeking citizens for His Kingdom; He was asked by an angel, "Have you considered
your servant Fred Harris, Sr.? He is a Just and Upright man who FEARS and SERVES God. His life has been productive
and useful because his life has been motivated by the Holy Spirit . . He has produced Fruits such as Love, Joy, Peace,
and many others. . .
His life has not been an easy road, NO, NOT AT ALL. His FAITH has been tested by FLOOD, HAIL, WIND, STORMS,
LIGHTENING STRIKES, and Sometime, like all of us, HE FAILED. But he didn't QUIT. He never Lost FAITH nor HOPE.
He Endured the Depression, and several of his ten (10) children were born during the Depression Years. All those things
helped to strengthen his FAITH because he knew that the things of this life, GOOD or BAD are only temporary.
Ten years ago, You called home his wife of more than 65 years, Mother Eliza Harris. They were inseparable.
She also loved God and served the Lord Jesus all of her life." The Angel continued by saying, "Now, wont you consider
Bishop Fred Harris? He is so tired." The Lord listened intently, Then said, "It is time for me to call him home
and give him his full reward."
In closing, Life is like a relay race where the Baton of Values, Character and Faith are passed from one GENERATION
to another. The Runner ahead passes it on; Runs by our side for a while, and then WE pass it onto those who come after us,
ONE by ONE. Don't let your Fathers, Mothers and Grandparents down by dropping the Baton.
Your Family continuity hangs in the balance. The Baton of one Generation's Values, Hopes, Love and
Faith is being passed on. Please don't drop the Baton. "LISTEN, YOUR GRANDFATHER IS SPEAKING!"
"Speak . . . For Your Servant Hears."
Respectfully submitted to the Harris Family by:
Your Brother, GrandFather, Uncle, Cousin, and the Lord's Chosen Servant,
Reverend James J. Harris
(December 30, 2000)