"Home Free, Oh I've got a feeling, At the ultimate healing, we will be home free!"
One of Roger's favorite songs to sing, and now he knows the whole truth about it. This morning, at about 8:30 a.m., he left his battle here on earth to rejoice in Heaven for eternity.
It has, naturally, been a very hard couple of days for those of us left behind. However, I am overwhelmed by the grace God has poured out on me. I feel a multitude of emotions simultaneously: grief, heartache, and sadness, surely, but also an immeasusrable portion of comfort and peace which I can't explain any other way but God's grace.
It became evident a few days ago that the only earthly way out of this situation for Roger was going to be a miracle. By yesterday evening, it was evident that the way out for him was going to be a Heavenly miracle. I can only imagine what lies in store for him there! How must it feel to hear those words spoken by the Father: "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
In the following days and weeks, I plan to share with you all some of the "God things" that have happened these last few days.
The comments I read on this web site have been of such comfort and encouragement to me. So many of you have said that you felt that Roger's work isn't done here yet. I agree! The legacy he has left behind will go on forever, and there are several projects that he has begun that I feel called to carry out - including keeping this web site up so that I can continue to share his message with many.
Arrangements are pending at this point, but will be made public as soon as they are finalized. Preliminary plans are to have a celebration service and burial in Tennessee, and a later memorial service in his hometown of Strawberry, AR.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the prayers and love you show. The next few days will be difficult for us all, but we will make it through God's strength.
As for Roger, he has finally realized his ultimate goal, to be forever
IN HIS GRIP!
Debbie
Dear Debbie-
Roger was/is my musical hero. I've never written on here before because I could never relate to an earthly healing with cancer. But I can relate to the Heavenly healing! My dad passed when I was just 16 and Roger was a big encouragement to me at the time. He once put his arm around me after a concert and really lifted me up soon after dad's homegoing. Now all Roger's friend and fans can put their virtual arms around you and lift you up to the Father.
We love you and the family. Our prayers for you will be stronger than ever before, and your precious husband's influence on thousands of full-time musicians like me, or thousands of gospel music fans, shall be a tremendous impact on all of eternity. His was a life well spent serving the Master!
We love you Debbie! Thank you for sharing your husband with us through all these years. He is our Hero of the Faith!
Posted by: Ben Norman | March 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Debbie-
Please know that we are praying for you and all the family. It was a true blessing to have known Roger, and we will all miss him. May the grace of God rain on your family in this time.
Daniel Riley
Posted by: Daniel Riley | March 17, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Dear Debbie, what a witness! May You and all Your loved ones feel how strong and trustful are Lord´s hands when it hurts.
We usually say to our loved ones who have left- rest in peace! But in the heaven there will be much more than just rest and peace! Those who have here been faithful in little will be given a lot to take care of. And we can only imagine what a joyful music will be there- George Younce, Roger, Anthony Burger etc.
Stay in His grip!
Pastor Heldur from Tallinn, Estonia
Posted by: Pastor Heldur Kajaste | March 17, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Praying for you all. Roger was such a special person!!
love,
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | March 17, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Wow. What a sad day. Our hearts are aching and yet, we know that Roger is no longer in pain.
Our prayers go with you now, and with your children and Rogers Dad as you lay dear Roger to rest...with the full and confident knowledge that we will all see him again when Jesus comes. Rogers memory will remain alive until that day. He will be missed so much. Not a day went by that we didn't pray for your family. Our prayers will continue until that great reunion day. Guaranteed.
Our love and hugs of comfort to you, Debbie, one who we have come to appreciate and admire sooooo much.
Sincerely, and sadly,
Karen and Landon Ritchey
Lacombe, Alberta
Posted by: Karen and Landon Ritchey | March 17, 2007 at 11:53 AM
The life and now the heavenly life of Roger is a "word become flesh" that shows us that truly, "death is swallowed up in victory." I will not pray that God be with you because I know that He is because He never leaves us. Be assured that the hearts and prayers of everyone of us who loved all of you are with you all and will be with you.
Posted by: Larry Davis | March 17, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Dear Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear this news. I am looking so forward to hearing of the God things you mentioned. You both have been such an encouragement in my life. I know God will supply the grace you need. I am looking forward to a day when there is no such thing as Leukemia. We just had a very dear friend stricken with a fast moving type and he died on Roger's birthday. My husband did his funeral near Daingerfield, TX, on Tuesday. His death was so remarkable...an ICU nurse actually came in to check on him and she started singing Amazing Grace. As soon as she was finished, he smiled and he was gone. We have also been asked to pray for a 3 year old little boy who has been stricken with ALL and has been taken to St. Jude's in Memphis. I'm going to be praying for you and your son & daughter. I know this will be hard on all of you.
Love,
Ruth Gilbert
Corsicana, TX
Posted by: Ruth Gilbert | March 17, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Debbie & Family,
I was so sad to hear of Roger's passing and my prayers are with you all. I hope that you can take comfort in the fact that he will no longer have to suffer on this earth. While it is hard to say good bye to someone we love so dearly and even question God "Why" at times, we know that He does know best. Roger's legacy will love on forever through his music, his family and all who had the chance to know him. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
With Love,
Crystal Barnes
Calgary Alberta Canada
"Knowing you'll be there makes it easy to go home"
Posted by: Crystal | March 17, 2007 at 11:54 AM
I first met Roger in my studio at KSUD in West Memphis, Ar. about 30 years ago. Roger and I often would laugh about that meeting. The thing I remember most about Roger is his humility. Even after his career began in SGM, he remained a humble servant of God.Even though I am very sad at his passing this morning, I am rejoicing in the fact that he is with his Lord and is no longer suffering. Through his music, his spirit will continue to influence people who love him. Please continue to pray for the family.
Posted by: Bob Faulkner | March 17, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Debbie,
I don't know what to say...Legacy Five was the first Southern Gospel concert that I have ever seen live. I have always loved Southern Gospel music, and the Cathedrals were my favorite group. I remember watching the Cathedrals' Farewell Celebration. This morning, there was a reunion celebration! Roger's strength, talent, and love for the Lord has made me realize that trials over which I often lament are miniscule in the scheme of our Father's grace and mercy. Praise God for Roger's life and ongoing testimony! He truly is a hero of the Faith.
Posted by: Aaron Weakley | March 17, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Debbie I was so shocked to hear of the passing of Roger. I have been away from the computer awhile and just recently got back on. During the time I was away I thought of Roger and his entire family often. My prayers have always been with you and will remain with you. May God bless you all through this trying time. He is at peace now and is happier than he ever was on this earth. We can all look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Love you all God Bless You Connie Lillard
Posted by: Connie Lillard | March 17, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Debbie,
What an inspiration you are to all of us! Strength WILL rise when you wait upon the Lord. I have been praying for you and your family.Roger is now sharing his heavenly music with all of our family members who have gone before. I have never met you or Roger but his music has touched and changed my life. He is now playing the piano for the Master! We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers today and in the many days to come. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
In Christ's Love,
Jayne Lash
Posted by: Jayne Lash | March 17, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Free at last.... Ive followed Rogers posting for many years and his comments in his hard times, did help me in my not so hard time. Some day when i cross over I will get to meet him. My prayers will go on for you and his loved ones and all Gods children.. God Bless us all. Today this life just got a little sadder...Also in his grip Craig and Carol
Posted by: Carol | March 17, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Debbie,
My heart is so sad, but yet I rejoice in knowing that Roger is "home" and no longer suffering. My mind is flooded with memories!! The laughs, the tears and the friendship that developed almost 30 years ago between the three of us. My life was so blessed by knowing him and the lasting testimony he gave me all those years ago has always been in my heart. The both of you have been such an inspiration to me over the years, and although space and time have seperated us over the years, God places people in your heart forever.... and you and Roger are those people. I am truly blessed that God allowed our paths to cross at SBC and to become such good friends. I love you and I'll see you in Strawberry. Roger.... I love you.. rest my friend. Donna
Posted by: Donna Foster Cates | March 17, 2007 at 12:02 PM
DEBBIE, AND FAMILY. WE ARE PRAYING FOR ALL.MY SON KEVIN WAS HANDICAPPED AND IN A WHEEL CHAIR WITH CEREBRAL PALSEY.THIS COMING MARCH 26 KEVIN LEFT HIS WHEEL CHAIR AND WENT TO WALK!! ONHEAVENLY STREETS. KEVIN LOVED ROGER. WE WENT EVERYWHERE TO SEE ROGER AND THE GUYS. THEY ALL SHOWED SO MUCH LOVE TO KEVIN. ONE MEMORY OF HOW LOVING AND CONSIDERATE ROGER WAS. WE WERE ON THE SINGING AT SEA. KEVIN WANTED THE NEW RELEASE OF THE CATHEDRALS. WE WERE WALKING BEHIND ROGER AND HIS DAUGHTER. ROGER WAS KIDDING KEVIN ABOUT DOUBLE CHARGING HIM FOR THE CD. HE THEN TOOK THE CD FROM HIS DAUGHTER AND GAVE!! TO KEVIN. ALSO WHEN KEVIN PASSED AWAY, ROGER TOOK THE TIME TO CALL US PERSONALLY AND MINISTER. THIS IS THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM SORELY. I CAN JUST VISION KEVIN MEETING ROGER AS HE COMES THRU THE GATES. WHAT A DAY THEY AND ALL THE OTHER SAINTS WILL HAVE. WHAT A LEGACY HE HAS LEFT. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALL
Posted by: james proctor | March 17, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Debbie, I pray God's strength & comfort on you & all of the family. Roger has been such an inspiration through all of this & you will never know the blessings that have been received from this blog.
Roger's race is done & he is at peace at last. My prayers are with all of you. May God continue to bless each & everyone of you.
Posted by: Elaine Harcourt | March 17, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Dear Debbie and family,
I am sorry to here about Roger. I felt really sad when I got the email this morning. He was my favorite piano player. I have one of his cd's that I love to listen to. I will be praying for you in your time of sorrow. I can't say I know what you are going through, but I can say I know how it feels to lose someone you love very much. I lost both of my parents in the past nine months. I know that if the Lord gave me peace, he will give you the peace that you need to get through this. I will be praying for you,Chelsea, Jordan, and all of Rogers family.
God Bless you,
Ann Yanuaria
Posted by: Ann Yanuaria | March 17, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Debbie,
What a lady you are!! I cannot even being to imagine the emotions you are going through right now. But from your writing you are as strong as Roger always talked about of you.
Just know that all of yall have been in our prayers for so long and will continue to be. Roger was a special friend that we loved so much.
A comforting thought, We Will Find Him Again!!! But he will be in a glorified body liken unto the Son of God!!!!! Our prayers are with you all!
Love in Christ!
The Perrys
Posted by: Libbi and The Perrys | March 17, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Dear Debbie,
I feel a great mixture of emotions. When I first logged on this morning I had 3 emails, all about Roger (one from Legacy Five, one from Greater Vision, & one from Brady). When I realized what they were about I burst into tears. However, I also know that Roger was suffering and he is at peace, pain-free and healthy now. I can imagine Glen & George waiting to greet him right after he left the Lord's welcoming arms. Then I think that Anthony Burger challenged him to a piano duel!
I will be praying for you, Chelsea, Jordan, his dad, and L5 as you all adjust. Roger's legacy is immeasurable. We all loved him so much. I will always remember getting to see him on that last Alaska cruise.
After the Lord, you were his strength, Debbie. He said so time and time again.
May God wrap His arms of love around you and may you sense His joy & peace & grace in a huge way.
Posted by: Gail in San Jose, CA | March 17, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Debbie,
What a joy it was to have known Rog. He was a very humble, very funny guy. He had a H U G E heart! You, and yours are in our prayers.
When you reach out for God's comfort:
He is only a prayer away. No matter the time of night, or day. He is faithful, and true. He will carry you through; and He's only a prayer away.
Posted by: Clayton Cooper | March 17, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Roger was a hero to many. Our hearts go out to the family and friends. We are stunned by the news but knowing where he is, will be a comfort to many. God bless you and give you peace as you go thru the trials ahead.
I have the DVD with Roger singing "Stay Close to Me" and it
fit him so well because he has been so close to his Master.
Love to you all,
Linda Miller and Shirley Jeffers
Posted by: LINDA MILLER | March 17, 2007 at 12:11 PM
What a truly sad day! I have been crying on and off since I read the email from Legacy 5 about Roger. I have a picture of Scott and Roger together back in their Cathedral days. I had them autograph the back and Roger wrote on the back, Dweedle Dee and Dweedle Dumb (Scott's dumb) on the back, in true Roger fashion. This picture has been a treasure of mine, but more so now. Roger was a truly special person with a truly God given talent. I can't tell you how much he touched not only my life, but my family members' as well. He will be truly missed, but... We've read the back of the book and we know who wins!! God bless your family and know many many people are praying for you.
Posted by: Christie | March 17, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Debbie, I was at Roger's debut with the Cathedrals. I attended more concerts than I can count where he sang and played. He was one of my daughter's heros and he encouratged her to keep up her music over and over again. We have prayed for Roger, you and your family during each trial you have faced.
Your witness and dedication have truly been an inspiration to us all. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Posted by: D. Ann Bailey | March 17, 2007 at 12:13 PM
When my precious aunt went to be with the Lord nearly three years ago, I read the following in a booklet provided by Hospice:
"I am stsanding upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: 'There, she is gone!'
Gone where? Gone from my sight! That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: 'There, she is gone!' there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: 'HERE SHE COMES!' AND THAT IS DYING. (Henry Dyke)
This morning, a vast host were excitedly shouting "HERE HE COMES!" as the bonds of earth were broken and Roger stepped to the other side.
As I'm writing this, I'm listening to the old song which says "Return to the One who loves you." Roger has!
Blessings on you, dear Debbie and your precious children.
Robbie Nelson - Kansas City, MO
Posted by: Robbie Nelson | March 17, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Debbie and family,
Home at Last. And what a great reunion! I can see Roger running to the arms of Jesus. We will miss him so much but are happy that He is no longer having to suffer on this earth. Debbie, you are such an inspiration to all of us. Our thoughts are with you and prayers will continue to be sent on behalf of your family.
Patty Watson
John Schoger
Dallas, Texas
Posted by: Patty Watson | March 17, 2007 at 12:14 PM