“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”
~ John 8:12

My friend Steve was laid to rest today (January 3). After 95 full years — years where he was a light and a joy — he quietly passed into heaven on Dec. 18 for a reunion that I can only imagine.

Steve, and his lovey Arloine, came into my life during college when I joined their bull sale prep crew. I was a broken, wandering mess in those years, trying desperately (and often failing) not to lose myself entirely.

But, Steve and Arloine never judged me. I never felt unworthy in their presence. They fed me, loved me, prayed for me, and kept faith. They stayed in touch even when I tried to retreat in shame.

They joyfully approved of The Rancher and shared in our wedding. Steve & Arloine stayed current with our kids as if they were their own grands.

He even once convinced a friend to make the six-hour round trip to our ranch so that he could see where we called home and personally deliver the hair blower and poop scoop that I used on his cattle to our newly minted 4-Hers. Those items and more remain daily staples in our barn.

By all accounts, Steve & Arloine were family.

John 8:12 is the Bible verse Steve chose for the back of the calling cards he had made and shared around the country. His tag line on the front proclaimed “Power in the Blood” … a reference to both the powerful Angus bloodlines he adored and the blood of Christ he lived in.

Steve was a light. He was a joke-telling, cow-knowing, gift-giving, faith-sharing, family-loving messenger of God.

I do not cry over his death. Steve was tired and ready. He lived a good life full of the most important treasures, and I was blessed to share a heartfelt “see you later” during a face-to-face visit in November. That’s not a gift you get with everyone.

I will miss our routine phone conversations, laughing at his latest corny joke, and hearing him say “I love you.” But, I am mostly grateful to have those memories.

Steve’s blood family remains the image of his joy, faith, love, and acceptance. I take comfort knowing I and countless others have the opportunity to do the same.

What about you? Can you be a light in the darkness this year?

Please, pick up the phone and check in with a loved one. Be kind to the people you encounter in your daily activities.

Take example from my friend Steve and be a light. You never know when the light you share will be exactly the flicker someone else needs to keep their flame glowing!

#WeAreRanchers#January2026#friends#faith#family#PowerInTheBlood