Micah Giles Tribute
Forward by John Giles
This little booklet is primarily incorporating the writings of Micah W. Giles, which were produced by Micah for his High School and College reports. It is obvious from the subject matter that Micah picked his own topics. These writings have already changed so many lives. We knew this material had to be published for distribution so Micah's ministry could live on and on. Micah lived a short time on this earth and we all miss him so very much. He lived life to the fullest and as his father, I can attest that he did it all. He had a certain way about him that was charming and yet passion filled. Micah did nothing at half speed. It was always 150% or nothing at all. Even when he was fellowshipping it was full speed ahead.
God's fingerprints were all over the accident scene and all of the surrounding evidence clearly led to the conclusion that Micah was "Called Home." All my family handled Micah's death with great courage and trust in the Lord, who by the way is more than worthy to be praised. In order of awards, my wife Deborah was the best example, following her was Stephen, David (our daughter's husband), Zavie, Mary Margaret (Micah's girlfriend who we consider family) and then you know who. I probably handled all of this about a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Several key memories emerge in my mind through the course of the first few days after Micah's death, but one everlasting memory will be my son Stephen. He transformed immediately into the older brother and younger brother and a pillar of strength for me all in one miraculous sweep. I will never forget my Stephen dressed in his suit as a towering and handsome prince of a 15-year-old young man, standing next to me at the funeral home that Wednesday evening when we had Micah's visitation. He stood like a strong tower and anchor next to me for three plus hours as people from our past moved through to love on our family.
Scriptures are full of numbers and their significance relative to God's revelation of purpose and order. Do you recall when Jesus was left in Jerusalem as a child by his parents. They traveled a days journey before they realized he was missing. The second day they went to all of their friends and family trying to locate him and to no avail, their search was futile. On the third day they found him at the temple in Jerusalem teaching. When Jesus saw his parents he said to them in a calm and somehow secure fashion, "did you not know that I would be in my father's house?" I do not even want to hint that Micah compares to this account. However, my wife Deborah and I always joked with Micah about him being Jonah; this was always an inside joke as we nicknamed him Jonah. Micah had been missing since Friday night. Saturday morning we began to look for Micah with our family and friends including all of Micah's friends. I woke up Monday morning committed to organize a search posse and I was bound and determined to find my son. I recount driving around alone that day thinking today my Jonah will come forth from the belly of the whale. Well, God answered our prayer and the State Trooper helicopter spotted the jeep under bridge number five off of Interstate 85 South. As a side note, I cannot tell you how many times over the weekend, I drove over that bridge and my son's earth suit sat under that bridge waiting on his dad to find him. After all of this was over, it was as though Micah was communicating to his mother and I on the third day, you knew if I was missing I would be in my Father's house and guess what, that is where we found him.
In closing, I would like to communicate that Micah was quite an unusual young man. His walk with God was unprecedented with a deep sense of passion and commitment. I miss hearing his piano, playing medleys of worship music late at night and Sunday after church. We know he has a white grand piano now that he plays every day. As a father, I knew all of his weaknesses and his strengths, but I do recall several times in the last 3 years of his life, I fell under personal conviction by his walk and passion for God. We will all miss him everyday.
